Program Selection

Definition

A program is a sequence of courses in one or more disciplines that are grouped together to form a cohesive area of study. A Program of Study is also referred to as a Subject POSt.

Specialists, Majors and Minors

  • Specialist Programs: consist of 10.0 to 18.0* credits (out of the total of 20.0 credits required for a degree) including at least 4.0 credits at the 300/400 level, 1.0 credit at the 400 level.
  • Major Programs: consist of 6.5 to 9.0* credits, including at least 2.0 credits at the 300/400 level.
  • Minor Programs: consist of 4.0 to 4.5* credits, including at least 1.0 credit at the 300/400 level.

*Courses may have prerequisites not listed in the program, but which must also be taken.

Program Enrolment

Eligibility

Students must enrol in the appropriate program, or combination of programs in the session in which they have completed, or will complete, 4.0 credits. All degree students must enrol in at least one specialist, two majors, or one major and two minors. A maximum of 3 programs are allowed as long as one is a minor.

Students who are admitted with 4.0 transfer credits or more, must enrol in a program.

Students admitted as “non-degree students” are not permitted to enrol in a program.

Some programs also require specific standing in individual courses and/or a minimum grade point average. See Program Requirements and the specific requirements for each program for more information.

U of T Mississauga students may only enrol and complete programs listed in this Calendar. Enrolment in programs offered at other U of T campuses or divisions is not permitted.

Choosing a Program

Students enrol in programs online via ACORN, the online student information system.

For limited enrolment programs, see the Office of the Registrar website for dates and deadlines for program enrolment.

Program Requirements

Every program in this Calendar lists its requirements – the courses that must be completed in order to successfully complete the curriculum. Specific program requirements for each program can be found in this Calendar under List of Programs.

Upon enrolment in a program at the end of the Winter term or Summer session, students are expected to follow the program completion requirements listed in the Calendar for the upcoming academic year (e.g., if you enrolled into a program in the Summer of 2020, you would follow the program completion requirements listed in the 2020-2021 Calendar). Make sure to check the program requirements each time you consider adding or changing courses, or if you consider changing programs of study.

Please note that completion of a program is only one part of the degree requirements. For more information, see Degree Requirements.

NOTE: In some programs there may be occasions when anatomical, biochemical, physiological or pharmacological observations are made by students on themselves or on fellow students. These include some common diagnostic or immunization procedures. Unless a valid reason exists, students are expected to participate in such exercises. If any investigative work does not form part of the program, participation is voluntary.

Self-Designed Program of Study

Students wishing to pursue a program other than, or in addition to, those listed in this section may propose a Self-Designed Program of Study. Students considering this alternative should discuss their proposal with the related department(s). If the proposal involves more than one department, it must first be presented to the Office of the Vice-Principal, Academic and Dean. Consultation should take place as early as possible in the student's academic career and proposals must be submitted no later than upon completion of 8.5 credits.

Students will be required to present a coherent grouping of courses designed to meet their individual needs, and substantially different from any program existing in the U of T Mississauga calendar. All proposals will need to be approved by the Office of the Vice-Principal, Academic and Dean on the basis of academic rigour, breadth and coherence. If the proposal is approved, successful completion of the courses will be accepted as fulfilling the degree requirement and noted on the transcript with the appropriate Subject POSt code as indicated below.

Self-Designed Program of Study (Arts)
Specialist Program - ERSPE0408
Major Program - ERMAJ0408

Self-Designed Program of Study (Science)
Specialist Program - ERSPE0755
Major Program - ERMAJ0755

Symbols and Terms Used in Program Descriptions

  • (P.I.): Permission of instructor required to enrol.
  • (G): Course available only on the St. George Campus.
  • AND: Comma (,); Semi-colon (;); Ampersand (&); Plus Sign (+)
  • OR: The slash (/)
  • "First Year," "Second Year," etc.: Sequences of courses are given as guides, but need not be followed in the exact order listed, provided all pre- and co-requisites are observed.
  • Higher Years: Second, Third and Fourth Years
  • 200 level: Courses numbered in the 200s ONLY
  • 200+ level: Courses numbered in the 200s, 300s, 400s
  • 300+ level: Courses numbered in the 300s or 400s