When you come to U of T, you have the unique opportunity to explore different subjects, topics and disciplines rather than narrowing in on a program in your first year.
Applying for your program is an important step you must take at the end of your first year of study so planning in advance, knowing the prerequisites, and knowing degree requirements is key!
You can also change your mind about your program and switch to a different program after first year, as long as you meet the requirements of that program.
Even though you will be taking courses for a specific program, you don’t actually apply for this program until the end of your first year. This is why course planning – beginning in your first year – is so important.
Each program in Arts & Science at U of T is associated with one of six admissions categories: Life Sciences, Computer Sciences, Math and Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities and Rotman Commerce. When you applied to U of T, you identified that you planned to pursue studies within a particular admission category like Life Sciences or Humanities.
Although you aren’t “in a program” during your first year, you still want to plan your course selection by considering:
- What program you want to go into in second year (eg: Economics)
- How concentrated you want your program focus (of Economics) to be (ie: a Specialist Program, Major Program, Minor Program).
Knowing the program and concentration early (when you enter university) is important because you can then choose first year courses that are program requirements. Find out your program’s requirements by searching the Arts & Science Calendar. Not every course listed in the Academic Calendar will be offered every term. To find out which courses are available this term, head to the Timetable Builder.
If you wish to change your program after first-year, you may have to take additional courses to fulfill program requirements for your new program.
If you have questions about the program, applicable courses or program admission requirements, contact the Department’s Undergraduate Program Administrator.
