Sidney Smith Commons

Online resource for A & S students

What is a POSt and how do I get one?

A program (formerly known as POSt) refers to academic programs you can enrol in. Each program has a series of courses you can take.

Types of Programs

You can apply to any of the following levels of programs to complete your degree:

  • Specialist programs (10.0 to 14.0 credits) offer the deepest and most extensive study of the subject matter in question, and are usually the primary area of your degree.
  • Major programs (6.0 to 8.0 credits) offer a comprehensive study of the subject matter and are usually complemented with another major or minor programs.
  • Minor programs (4.0 credits) offer a fundamental study of the subject matter and complement major or specialist programs.

Head over to the Program Toolkit to learn more about program types and how to enrol in them.

Do I need one?

Yes, in order to graduate, you have to be enrolled in at least one program. Programs are used to determine if you have completed the requirements to graduate and the type of degree you will receive upon graduation.

You have to complete one of the following minimum program combinations in order to graduate:

  • One specialist
  • Two majors
  • One major and two minors

How do I get a program?

Follow the steps in the Program Toolkit to enrol in open and limited programs. Here is an overview of how to enrol in a program:

  1. Complete four credits. When you start classes in first year, you are not enrolled in a program. You will have to enrol in a program at the end of your first year after your four credits.
  2. Choose more than one program. Note the program codes for each choice. For some programs, different factors, like your grades and required courses, will determine which of your choices you are accepted into.
  3. Remember that you have to enrol in the minimum combination of programs listed above. This means that you should enrol in at least one specialist, or two majors, or one major plus two minors.
  4. You can enrol in your program(s) through ACORN.
    • Log into ACORN.
    • Go to Academics: Enrol & Manage Programs.
    • Search for your program and enrol in it.
    • If the program is a limited program, you may have to take additional steps like accepting an invitation on ACORN.