The University of Western Ontario : THE DEGREE STRUCTURE

THE DEGREE STRUCTURE

The Modules

There are four possible modules of study which may be entered after First Year:

Honors Specialization (9.0 or more specified courses)
Specialization (9.0 or more specified courses)
Major (6.0 -7.0 specified courses)
Minor (4.0 -5.0 specified courses)

The modular degree structure affords the opportunity to combine various subjects from different Departments and Faculties. The chart below shows how modules can be combined in the three different types of degrees offered. The modules taken must fit within these degree structures. Departments, Schools, Faculties and Affiliated University Colleges may offer some or all of the above modules. See Faculty and Department listings for details. Combinations other than those listed below have not been approved; consequently, they may not be taken. Enrollment in some modules may be limited.

Approved Module Combinations for Degrees

DEGREE TYPE	HONORS SPECIALIZATION MODULE	SPECIALIZATION MODULE	MAJOR MODULE	MAJOR MODULE	MINOR MODULE	MINOR MODULE
Honors Bachelor	E
Honors Bachelor	E		A
Honors Bachelor	E				A
Honors Bachelor			E	E
Bachelor 4 Year		E
Bachelor 4 Year		E	A
Bachelor 4 Year		E			A
Bachelor 4 Year			E	A
Bachelor 4 Year			E
Bachelor 4 Year			E		A
Bachelor 4 Year			E		A	A
Bachelor 3 Year			E
Bachelor 3 Year			E		A
Bachelor 3 Year					E	E

E (Essential Modules) A (Additional Modules)

The Honors Bachelor Degree - (20.0 Courses)

15.0 courses after first year, including at least an Honors Specialization or a Double Major, as follows:

Honors Specialization module (9.0 or more)
This may be combined with a Major module or a Minor module or option(s).
Major module (6.0 -7.0) plus a Major module (6.0 - 7.0) plus option(s) (3.0 - 1.0)
This combination requires two Major modules.

The Bachelor Degree (Four-Year) - (20.0 Courses)

15.0 courses after first year including at least a Specialization module or a Major module, as follows:

Specialization module (9.0 or more)
This may be combined with a Major module or a Minor module or option(s).
Major module (6.0 -7.0) plus a Major module (6.0 - 7.0) plus option(s) (3.0 - 1.0)
Major module (6.0 -7.0) plus Minor(s) modules(s) or option(s).
Major module (6.0 -7.0) plus options

The Bachelor Degree (Three-Year) - (15.0 Courses)

10.0 courses after first year including at least a Major module or Double Minors, as follows:

Major module (6.0 - 7.0) plus option(s)
Major module (6.0 - 7.0) plus a Minor module (4.0 - 5.0)
Minor module (4.0 - 5.0) plus a Minor module (4.0 - 5.0) plus option(s) (2.0 - 0)
This combination requires two Minor modules

Notes on the Modules Module Combinations and Overlap

Modules in the same discipline normally may not be combined: e.g. an Honors Specialization module in Sociology may not be combined with a Major module or a Minor module in Sociology. However, if a Department offers modules with different titles e.g. Sociology and Criminology, the possibility for combination is at the discretion of the Department and Faculty concerned.

Modules require specific courses, some of which may be common to other modules. Students who wish to combine modules containing the same courses must consult the Department(s) and Faculty concerned to see if such overlap is permitted.

Note: Some degrees limit the number of courses which may be taken in one subject.

Cross Disciplinary

A Cross Disciplinary Major module consists of 6.0 senior courses (numbered 2000 - 4999) approved by the student's Dean's Office. Only available in the Bachelor of Arts Degree (Three-Year). Not offered in the Bachelor of Science degree.

Undeclared Status

Second year students who are taking prerequisite course(s) for a specific module may be registered temporarily in an Undeclared Status within a Three-Year Bachelor Degree only. This status is available only in the Faculties of Arts and Humanities, Science, Social Science and the Affiliated University Colleges. Students progressing into third year must meet the requirements to enter a module. Transfer and Readmitted students who are admitted to an Undeclared Status must consult their Faculty regarding eligibility for specific modules. It is not possible to graduate with a Three-Year Bachelor Undeclared Degree.

The Honors Bachelor Degree (Four-Year)

The Honors Bachelor Degree (Four-Year) must include at least an Honors Specialization module or Double Major modules. Registration in an honors degree usually begins in the second year, but admission may be gained in the third or fourth year provided the student has fulfilled the Year 1 principal course requirements and has achieved a minimum cumulative modular average of 70% with no mark less than 60% in the courses of the module and a passing grade in each option. Enrollment in some modules is limited and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee that students will be offered enrollment. Students intending to proceed to a four-year Honors degree should consider the degree requirements when selecting courses in first, second and third years. Four-Year Honors degree programs are composed of not fewer than 20.0 successfully completed courses required for the degree. Students admitted with advanced standing to an honors program are required to complete a minimum of 10.0 courses offered by The University of Western Ontario or one of the Affiliated University Colleges.

HONORS SPECIALIZATION MODULE

Admission Requirements

Completion of first-year requirements, including at least 3.0 principal courses specified by the Department. These principal courses must be completed with a minimum average of 70% and a minimum mark of 60% in each. The remaining first-year courses must be completed successfully. Enrollment in some modules may be limited. Modules may have higher admission requirements.

Progression Requirements

For progression in an Honors Specialization module, a student must earn a minimum cumulative modular average of 70%, a minimum mark of 60% in each course of the module and a passing grade in each option.

Higher progression standards may be required in some modules. Refer to individual Department listings.

In exceptional circumstances, a student who earns a minimum cumulative modular average of 68%, with a minimum mark of 60% in each course of the module and a passing grade in each option, may be permitted to progress by special permission of the Dean on the recommendation of the Department concerned.

Students who fail to meet the progression requirements in an Honors Specialization may be eligible to continue in the Bachelor Degree (Four-Year) in either a Specialization module or a Major module.

Graduation Requirements

Students must meet all graduation requirements for the Honors Bachelor Degree (Four-Year). For complete graduation requirements refer to the "Graduation Regulations" section.

DOUBLE MAJOR MODULES

Admission Requirements

Completion of First Year requirements with at least 3.0 principal courses, including the courses specified for each of two Major modules. If fewer than 3.0 courses are specified, the best additional first year course(s) will be included in the total of 3.0. In some combinations, more than 3.0 specific courses will be required as principal courses. The principal courses must be completed with a minimum average of 70% and a minimum mark of 60% in each. The remaining First Year courses must be completed successfully. Enrollment in some modules may be limited.

Progression Requirements

For progression in an Honors Double Major, a student must earn a minimum cumulative modular average of 70%, a minimum mark of 60% in each course of the module and a passing grade in each option. The modular average for each Major will be calculated separately.

Higher progression standards may be required in some modules. Refer to individual Department listings.

Students who fail to meet the progression requirements of an Honors Double Major may be eligible to continue in the Bachelor Degree (Four-Year) in either a Specialization module or Major module(s).

Graduation Requirements

Students must meet all graduation requirements for the Honors Bachelor Degree (Four-Year). For complete graduation requirements refer to the "Graduation Regulations" section.

The Bachelor Degree (Four-Year)

The Bachelor Degree (Four-Year) must include at least a Specialization module or at least one Major module. Registration in the Bachelor Degree (Four-Year) usually begins in the second year, but admission may be gained in the third or fourth year. Students intending to proceed to a Bachelor Degree (Four-Year) should consider the degree requirements when selecting courses in first, second and third years. Bachelor Degree (Four-Year) programs are composed of not fewer than 20.0 successfully completed courses required for the degree. Students admitted with advanced standing to a Bachelor Degree (Four-Year) are required to complete a minimum of 10.0 courses offered by The University of Western Ontario or one of the Affiliated University Colleges. Enrollment in some modules may be limited.

SPECIALIZATION MODULE

Admission Requirements

Completion of First Year requirements, including the principal course(s), specified by the Department with a minimum mark of 60% in each of these course(s). Higher standards may apply to some modules. Refer to Departmental listings. Enrollment in some modules may be limited.

Progression Requirements

For progression in a Specialization module, a student must meet the minimum Progression Requirements to continue at the University. See "Progression Requirements" in this Calendar.

Higher progression standards may be required in some modules. Refer to individual Department listings.

Graduation Requirements

Students must meet all graduation requirements for the Bachelor Degree (Four-Year). For complete degree requirements, refer to the "Graduation Regulations" section.

MAJOR MODULE

Admission Requirements

Completion of First Year requirements, including the principal course(s), specified by the Department(s) with a minimum mark of 60% in each. Higher standards may apply to some modules. Refer to Departmental listings. Enrollment in some modules may be limited.

Progression Requirements

For progression in a Major module, a student must meet the minimum Progression Requirements to continue at the University. See Progression Requirements Section.

Higher progression standards may be required in some modules.

Graduation Requirements

Students must meet all graduation requirements for the Bachelor Degree (Four-Year). For complete graduation requirements, refer to the "Graduation Regulations" section.

The Bachelor Degree (Three-Year)

The Bachelor Degree (Three-Year) must include at least one Major module or at least two Minor modules. Registration in the Bachelor Degree (Three-Year) usually begins in the second year, but admission may be gained in the third year. Students intending to proceed to a Bachelor Degree (Three-Year) should consider the degree requirements when selecting courses in first and second years. Bachelor Degree (Three-Year) programs are composed of not fewer than 15.0 successfully completed courses required for the degree. Students admitted with advanced standing to a Bachelor Degree (Three-Year) are required to complete a minimum of 5.0 senior courses (numbered 2000 - 4999) offered by The University of Western Ontario or one of the Affiliated University Colleges. Enrollment in some modules may be limited.

MAJOR MODULE

Admission Requirements

Completion of First Year requirements, including the principal course(s), specified by the Department with a minimum mark of 60% in each. Enrollment in some modules may be limited.

Progression Requirements

For progression in a Major module, a student must meet the minimum Progression Requirements to continue at the University. See "Progression Requirements" section.

Higher progression standards may be required in some modules. Refer to individual Department listings.

Graduation Requirements

Students must meet all graduation requirements for the Bachelor Degree (Three-Year). For complete graduation requirements, refer to the "Graduation Regulations" section.

DOUBLE MINOR MODULES

Admission Requirements

Completion of First Year requirements, including the principal course(s), of each of two Minor modules with a minimum mark of 60% in each principal course. Enrollment in some modules may be limited.

Progression Requirements

For progression in Double Minor modules, a student must meet the minimum Progression Requirements to continue at the University. See "Progression Requirements" in this Calendar.

Higher progression standards may be required in some modules. Refer to individual Department listings.

Graduation Requirements

Students must meet all graduation requirements for the Bachelor Degree (Three-Year). For complete degree requirements refer to the "Graduation Regulations" section.

Admission, Progression, and Graduation Chart THE HONORS BACHELOR DEGREE

MODULE

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Honors Specialization

1st Year Requirements

Successful completion of all first year requirements, including at least 3.0 principal courses as specified by the department.
minimum 70% average on the principal courses for entry to the module.
A minimum mark of 60% in each principal course for entry to the module

NOTE: Enrollment in some modules may be limited. Modules may have higher admission requirements.
NOTE: Students who wish to enter this module in a senior year must mee the above requirements and the progression requirements for the module.

Minimum cumulative modular average of 70%
Minimum mark of 60% in each course of the module.
Passing grade in each option.

Note: Higher progression standards may be required in limited enrollment modules.

On the 20.0 courses counted for graduation:

Minimum cumulative modular average of 70% in the Honors Specialization module.
Minimum mark of 60% in each course of this module.
Passing grade in each option.
Minimum overall average of 65% on the 20.0 courses.
Minimum cumulative modular average of 60% in any additional Major or Minor module completed.
For complete graduation requirements refer to ‘Graduation Requirements for the Honors Bachelor Degree'.

Double Major

1st Year Requirements

Successful completion of all first year requirements.
70% average on the principal courses for entry to each module.
Minimum mark of 60% in each principal course for entry to each module.

NOTE: Enrollment in some modules may be limited. NOTE: Students who wish to enter this module in a senior year must meet the above requirements and the progression requirements for the module.

Minimum cumulative average of 70% in each module.
Minimum mark of 60% in each course of each module.
Passing grade in each option.

NOTE: Higher progression standards may be required in limited enrollment modules. NOTE: No exceptions will be permitted.

On the 20.0 courses counted for graduation:

Minimum cumulative modular average of 70% in each Major module.
Minimum mark of 60% in each course of each module.
Passing grade in each option.
Minimum overall average of 65% on the 20.0 courses.
For complete graduation requirements refer to ‘Graduation Requirements for the Honors Bachelor Degree (Four-Year)’.

NOTE: No exceptions will be permitted.

The Bachelor Degree (Four-Year)

MODULE

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Specialization

1st Year Requirements

Successful completion of all first year requirements.
Minimum mark of 60% in each principal course for entry to the module.

NOTE: Enrollment in some modules may be limited.
NOTE: Students who wish to enter this module in a senior year must meet the above requirements and the progression requirements for the module

Satisfy the Progression Requirements for the University (Level 1 and Level 2).

NOTE: Higher progression standards may be required in limited enrollment modules.

On the 20.0 courses counted for graduation:

Minimum cumulative modular average of 60% in the Specialization module.
Minimum overall average of 60% in the 20.0 courses.
Minimum cumulative modular average of 60% in any additional Major or Minor module completed.
For complete graduation requirements refer to ‘Graduation Requirements for the Bachelor Degree (Four-Year)’.

Major

1st Year Requirements

Successful completion of all first year requirements.
Minimum mark of 60% in each principal course for entry to the module.

Satisfy the Progression Requirements for the University (Level 1 and Level 2).

NOTE: Higher progression standards may be required in limited enrollment modules.

On the 20.0 courses counted for graduation:

Minimum cumulative modular average of 60% in the Major module.
Minimum overall average of 60% in the 20.0 courses.
Minimum cumulative modular average of 60% in any additional Major or Minor module completed.
For complete graduation requirements refer to ‘Graduation Requirements for the Bachelor Degree (Four-Year)’.

The Bachelor Degree (Three-Year)

MODULE

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Major

1st Year Requirements

Successful completion of all first year requirements.
Minimum mark of 60% in each principal course for entry to the module.

Satisfy the Progression Requirements for the University (Level 1 and Level 2).

NOTE: Higher progression standards may be required in limited enrollment modules.

On the 15.0 courses counted for graduation:

Minimum cumulative modular average of 60% in the Major module.
Minimum overall average of 60% in the 15.0 courses.
Minimum cumulative modular average of 60% in any additional Major or Minor module completed.
For complete graduation requirements refer to ‘Graduation Requirements for Bachelor Degree. (Three-Year)’.

Double Minor

1st Year Requirements

Successful completion of all first year requirements.
60% average on the principal courses for entry to each module.
Minimum mark of 60% in each principal course for entry to each module.

Satisfy the Progression Requirements for the University (Level 1 and Level 2).

NOTE: Higher progression standards may be required in limited enrollment modules.

On the 15.0 courses counted for graduation:

Minimum cumulative modular average of 60% in each Minor module.
Minimum overall average of 60% in the 15.0 courses
For complete graduation requirements refer to ‘Graduation Requirements for Bachelor Degree (Three-Year)’.

Additional Modules

Major and/or Minor modules may be taken in addition to the essential modules for the degree in accordance with the degree structure outlined previously. Combinations other than those listed in the “Degree Structure” section have not been approved; consequently, they may not be taken. Students graduating with an additional Major or Minor module within their degree must successfully complete the additional module with a minimum average of 60%.

Post-Degree Modules

After graduation with an undergraduate degree, students may complete additional Major and/or Minor modules(s) without completing a second degree. Completion of Post-Degree modules will be recognized only by a notation on the student’s transcript. A Post-Degree module must be in a different subject area, not included in the undergraduate degree. Students must complete the total number of courses required for this additional module. For example, to complete a Post-Degree Minor module, students must successfully complete at least 4.0 courses after graduation. Students must consult the Dean’s Office of the Faculty in which the module is offered for permission to register in a Post-Degree module.

Second Degree (Excluding Professional Degrees) 1. Honors Bachelor Degree:

Students may upgrade to an Honors Bachelor degree in one of two ways:

They may upgrade their Minor, Major or Specialization module(s) in a Bachelor degree (Three or Four-Year) to an Honors Specialization module in an Honors Bachelor degree or they may upgrade their Minor or Major module(s) in a Bachelor degree (Three or Four-Year) to Double Major modules in an Honors Bachelor degree.

OR
They may pursue a new Honors Specialization module in a different subject or Double Major modules in different subjects than those of the previous degree.

All students must complete all outstanding degree requirements in addition to the requirements of the Honors Specialization or Double Major modules chosen.

The following regulations apply to previous University of Western Ontario graduates and graduates of other accredited Universities:

a) Graduates of the University of Western Ontario:

Students who have completed a Bachelor degree (Three-Year) or a Bachelor degree (Four-Year) at The University of Western Ontario may either upgrade to an Honors Bachelor degree or complete the requirements for a different Honors Bachelor degree at the discretion of the department and Faculty concerned. Students must consult the appropriate department(s) or Faculty for assessment of their transcript. They will be considered for a specific Honors Specialization module or Double Major modules in an Honors Bachelor degree if they have met all admission requirements. Meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee entrance to an Honors Bachelor degree. The department(s) or Faculty will take into account courses from the first degree and prescribe the courses to be completed. At least 5.0 senior courses must be taken and successfully completed at The University of Western Ontario. Some departments may require more than this number. In addition, the majority of the courses for the Honors Specialization module or for each of the Major modules must be completed through The University of Western Ontario.

b) Graduates of other accredited universities:

Students who have completed a degree from another accredited University must apply for admission to The University of Western Ontario as a Special Student and then, follow the procedure outlined in part "a" above to request a second degree (Honors Bachelor). Students may either upgrade to an Honors Bachelor degree or complete the requirements for a different Honors Bachelor degree at the discretion of the department(s) and Faculty concerned. Graduates of other accredited Universities must also meet The University of Western Ontario residency requirements by taking and successfully completing a minimum of 10.0 senior courses at The University of Western Ontario with honors standards. The majority of the courses for the Honors Specialization module or for each of the Major modules must be completed through The University of Western Ontario.

Notes:

Students applying to upgrade their previous degree conferred under the "old" University of Western Ontario regulations should consult their Faculty regarding permissible upgrades. Students whose previous degree is a professional degree (BA Honors Business Administration, BESc, BFA, BMus, BMusA, BA(HEc), BSc(HEc), BSW(Hons), DDS, LLB or JD, MD, MDiv, MTS) should consult the "Sequential Degree" section for information.

Bachelor Degree (Four-Year)

Students may upgrade to a Bachelor Degree (Four-Year) in one of two ways:

They may upgrade their Major or Minor module(s) in a Bachelor degree (Three-Year) to a Specialization module or Double Major modules.

OR
They may upgrade to a Bachelor degree (Four-Year) by taking a different Major module, Double Major modules or Specialization module.

All students must complete all outstanding degree requirements for the Bachelor degree (Four-Year) in addition to meeting the specific requirements of the module(s).

The following regulations apply to previous University of Western Ontario graduates and graduates of other accredited Universities:

a) Graduates of The University of Western Ontario:
Students who have completed either a Bachelor degree (Three-Year) or a Bachelor degree (Four-Year) at The University of Western Ontario may apply to upgrade to a Bachelor degree (Four-Year) at the discretion of the department(s) and Faculty concerned. Students must consult the appropriate department(s) or Faculty for assessment of their transcript. At least 5.0 senior courses must be taken and successfully completed at The University of Western Ontario. The majority of the courses for the new modules must be completed through the course offerings of The University of Western Ontario.

b) Graduates of other accredited Universities:
Students who have completed the equivalent of a Bachelor degree (Three-Year or Four-Year) at another accredited University must apply for admission to The University of Western Ontario as a Special Student and then, follow the procedure outlined in part "a" above to request a second Bachelor degree (Four-Year). These students must also meet The University of Western Ontario residency requirements by taking and successfully completing a minimum of 10.0 courses at The University of Western Ontario including all of the required courses for the module(s) chosen.

Notes:

Second Degree (When One Degree is a Professional Degree) Professional Degrees:

BA Honors Business Administration, BESc, BFA, BMus, BMusA, BA(HEc), BSc(FN), BScN, BSc(HEc), BSW(Hons), DDS, LLB or JD, MD, MDiv, MTS

1. Sequential Degree

Students Who Have Completed a Professional Degree and are Seeking a 3 or 4 Year Bachelor degree or an Honors Bachelor degree.

Students who have been awarded a professional degree by this or another accredited university may be granted advanced standing for a maximum of 10.0 courses toward fulfillment of graduation requirements for a 3 or 4 Year Bachelor degree, or a 4 year Honors Bachelor degree. Consult the Faculty offering the second degree.

Students Who Have Completed a 3 or 4 Year or Honors Bachelor Degree and Are Seeking a Professional Degree

Students who have received a 3 or 4 Year or Honors Bachelor Degree from this or another accredited university may be granted advanced standing toward a professional degree. Consult the Faculty offering the professional degree.

Students Who Have Already Completed a Professional Degree and are Seeking a Second Professional Degree.

Students who have already received a professional degree from this or another accredited university may be granted advanced standing towards the fulfillment of graduation requirements of a second professional degree. Consult the Faculty offering the professional degree.

2. Concurrent Degrees - One Professional and One Bachelor Degree Taken at the Same Time.

Students who are currently registered in a professional degree may apply for permission to register concurrently in a Bachelor degree. Tuition fees applicable to the professional degree will be assessed and primary registration will reflect the Faculty offering the professional degree. (For further fees information, please refer to the Student Financial Services section)

Students must consult the Dean's office of both Faculties for permission to register in, progress in and graduate with a second undergraduate degree with an Honors Specialization, Specialization or Major module.

A complete statement by the Dean of the Faculty offering the 3 or 4 Year or Honors Bachelor degree must be forwarded to the student, with a copy to the Office of the Registrar specifying:

a. The courses that may be credited towards both degrees to a maximum of 10.0, with no more than 5.0 courses from faculties other than Arts and Humanities, Health Sciences (excluding Nursing), Information and Media Studies, Science and Social Science.
b. The number and kind of courses required to complete graduation requirements for the second degree including all senior courses for the Honors Specialization, Specialization or Major.
c. These Concurrent Degree regulations do not apply to Senate approved Combined or Joint degrees.

Note:

In the case of professional degrees for which normal admission requires one or two years of study in a Bachelor degree, the courses taken as part of such a degree must be included among the 10.0 courses double credited towards both degrees.

Students are encouraged to obtain academic counselling from the Dean of each Faculty during the course of their concurrent degree. Students who fail to meet the progression requirements of either degree will be required to withdraw from the concurrent degree.

3. Combined / Joint Degrees

Students who wish to complete Combined or Joint Degrees

Combined or Joint Degrees are Senate approved degrees created by two Faculties where one or both degrees are professional degrees. Normally, these academic options are listed within Departmental or Faculty degree availability sections. Some examples are as follows:

Bachelor of Engineering Science and Juris Doctor (BESc/JD)
Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy (MD/PhD)

Structure of the Degree SR.07-064




Academic Calendar 2010 ACADEMIC INFORMATION STRUCTURE OF THE DEGREE/ PROGRESSION THE DEGREE STRUCTURE