Skip to main content

Liberal Arts and Professional Studies – Degree Requirements

Print

Residency Requirement

A minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University.

General Education

The Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies general education curriculum provides students with the foundation of interdisciplinary knowledge, breadth, methods and the approaches necessary for successful liberal and professional education. General education courses approved for credit expose students to ways of knowing and fundamental ideas spanning the humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science. These courses also provide explicit instruction in critical analytical skills and thought and its communication in writing and speech.

General Education Requirement by Degree Types

Honours BA, BA, Honours iBA, Honours BDEM, BDEM, Honours BPA and Honours BSW Degree Programs

The following are required:

  • 24 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of humanities, natural science and social science.

Honours BAS, BAS, Honours BHRM, BHRM Degree Programs

Modes of reasoning is recommended.

The following are required:

  • 18 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of three areas: humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science.

Guidelines for General Education Courses

It is strongly recommended that students successfully complete (pass) their first general education course within the first 24 credits and all general education courses within the first 48 credits.

Approved general education courses are offered at the 1000 and 2000 level.

A maximum of nine credits in each of the four areas (humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science) will count towards fulfillment of general education requirements.

A maximum of 36 credits in general education will count towards the degree. Students who are required to exceed the 36 credit maximum because of program/degree requirements must obtain permission.

General education courses may be used to satisfy more than one requirement, but are counted only once toward the total number of credits required for the degree as follows:

  • General education courses may be used to fulfill the general education requirement and, if applicable, major or minor program requirements. For the purpose of meeting major or minor program requirements, all nine credit general education courses will count as six credits towards the major or minor. The remaining three credits will count towards the total number of credits for the degree.
  • General education courses used to fulfill the general education requirement, or major or minor program requirements, may not also be used to fulfill required credits outside the major.
  • Additional general education courses not used to fulfill the general education requirement, or major or minor program requirements, may be used to fulfill required credits outside the major.

Major Credits

In addition to taking courses which contribute to their broad knowledge, students are required to specialize in a specific subject or combination of subjects. The area of primary concentration is known as the major; an area of secondary concentration (if any) is known as the minor. In a double major program, a course may count for major credit towards only one major. In a major/minor program, a course may count only for major credit or for minor credit.

Students may choose to major or minor in a specific subject when they enter the University or they may wait until they have completed up to 24 credits. At this point, students must choose a major and possibly a minor, but subsequent changes are possible. In selecting courses, students who are undecided should try to take introductory courses in a number of potential major subjects. This will allow them to proceed in their subject(s) of choice without the possibility of a delay.

Cross-listed courses may not be double counted in order to fulfill major requirements. For example, if AP/SOCI 3030 6.00 is cross-listed to AP/POLS 3300 6.00, it may be counted as a sociology course or a political science course, but not as both.

Upper-level Credits

The Faculty also considers it good educational practice to ensure that students take a number of credits at the 3000 level and/or 4000 level. (A course's level is indicated by the first digit of its number.)

Credits Outside the Major

Credits outside the major are courses which are intended to broaden the educational experience of students beyond their area of specialization. Credits outside the major include most courses which are not used to fulfill the general education requirements or major/minor requirements. Please refer to programs of study section for program specific information.

Courses which are not considered as fulfilling the credits outside the major requirement:

  • major/minor courses taken above the required number, non-major/minor courses taken within the major/minor subject (e.g. AP/FR 1020 6.00 is a non-major French course);
  • courses outside the major/minor taken to fulfill major/minor requirements;
  • courses which are cross-listed or designated as course substitutes to courses offered by the major/minor program (e.g. SC/MATH 1530 3.00 is cross-listed to AP/ECON 1530 3.00 );
  • cross-listed courses used to fulfill the major requirements may not also be used to fulfill the outside the major credits requirement.

Minimum Requirements by Program Type

The following minimum requirements apply to all Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies students. Each program of study (major or minor) may stipulate additional requirements. For details of individual programs, refer to the Programs of Study section. Also consult the section on Academic Standing.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degrees

In order to graduate with an Honours BA degree, students must achieve satisfactory academic standing to enter, proceed and graduate and must successfully complete (pass) a minimum of 120 credits which fulfill all of the following requirements.

Specialized Honours BA

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 120 credits which meet the Faculty's degree and program requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00;
  • General education: 24 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of humanities, natural science and social science;
  • Major credits: as defined by the specific program, a minimum of 54 credits, including at least 12 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Upper-level credits: at least 36 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level, including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: at least 18 credits.

Honours BA

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 120 credits which meet the Faculty's degree and program requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00;
  • General education: 24 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of humanities, natural science and social science;
  • Major credits: as defined by the specific program, a minimum of 42 credits, including at least 12 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Upper-level credits: at least 36 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level, including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: at least 18 credits.

Honours Double Major BA

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 120 credits which meet the Faculty's degree and program requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00;
  • General education: 24 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of humanities, natural science and social science;
  • Major credits: as defined by the specific programs; a minimum of 42 credits in each of the majors, at least 12 credits of which must be at the 4000 level in each of the major programs. In a double major program, a course may count for major credit towards only one major;
  • Upper-level credits: at least 36 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level, including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: students who graduate in this program are deemed to have fulfilled this requirement.

Honours Double Major Interdisciplinary BA (Linked)

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 120 credits which meet the Faculty's degree and program requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00;
  • General education: 24 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of humanities, natural science and social science;
  • Major credits: as defined by the specific programs; a minimum of 36 credits in each of the majors, including at least six credits at the 4000 level in each of the major programs. In a double major interdisciplinary program, a course may count for major credit towards only one major;
  • Upper-level credits: at least 36 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level, including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: students who graduate in this program are deemed to have fulfilled this requirement.

Honours Major/Minor BA

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 120 credits which meet the Faculty's degree and program requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00;
  • General education: 24 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of humanities, natural science and social science;
  • Major/Minor credits: as defined by the specific programs:
    • Major: a minimum of 42 credits in the major, including at least 12 credits at the 4000 level;
    • Minor: a minimum of 30 credits in the minor, including at least six credits at the 4000 level.
  • In a major/minor program, a course may count only once toward major credit or minor credit;
  • Upper-level credits: at least 36 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level, including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: students who graduate in this program are deemed to have fulfilled this requirement.

BA

In order to graduate with a BA degree, students must achieve satisfactory academic standing to enter, proceed and graduate and must successfully complete (pass) a minimum of 90 credits which fulfill all of the following requirements.

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 90 credits that meet the Faculty's degree and program requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at least 4.00;
  • General education: 24 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of humanities, natural science and social science;
  • Major credits: as defined by the specific program; a minimum of 30 credits, including at least 12 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level;
  • Upper-level credits: at least 18 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: at least 18 credits.

International Bachelor of Arts (iBA) Degrees

In order to graduate with an Honours iBA degree, students must achieve satisfactory academic standing to enter, proceed and graduate and must successfully complete (pass) a minimum of 120 credits which fulfill all of the following requirements.

Specialized Honours iBA

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 120 credits which meet the Faculty's degree and program requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00;
  • General education: 24 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of humanities, natural science and social science;
  • Major credits: as defined by the specific program, a minimum of 54 credits, including at least 12 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Language study credits: at least 18 credits in a modern language offered by York University, including the Advanced I university-level course in the chosen language;
  • Internationally-oriented credits: at least 12 credits of internationally-oriented courses chosen outside the major;
  • International exchange: at least one full term abroad as a full-time student at one of York University’s exchange partners;
  • Upper-level credits: at least 36 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: at least 18 credits.

(Note: for the Specialized Honours iBA, courses taken outside the major to satisfy the language study requirement and/or the internationally-oriented courses requirement can also be used to satisfy the credits outside the major requirement.)

Honours iBA

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 120 credits which meet the Faculty's degree and program requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00;
  • General education: 24 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of humanities, natural science and social science;
  • Major credits: as defined by the specific program; a minimum of 42 credits, including at least 12 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Language study credits: at least 18 credits in a modern language offered by York University, including the Advanced I university-level course in the chosen language;
  • Internationally-oriented credits: at least 12 credits of internationally-oriented courses chosen outside the major;
  • International exchange: at least one full term abroad as a full-time student at one of York University’s exchange partners;
  • Upper-level credits: at least 36 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: at least 18 credits.

(Note: for the Honours iBA, courses taken outside the major to satisfy the language study requirement and/or the internationally-oriented courses requirement can also be used to satisfy the credits outside the major requirement.)

Honours Double Major iBA

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 120 credits which meet the Faculty's degree and program requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00;
  • General education: 24 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of humanities, natural science and social science;
  • Major credits: as defined by the specific programs; a minimum of 42 credits in each of the majors, at least 12 credits of which must be at the 4000 level in each of the major programs. In a double major program, a course may count for major credit towards only one major;
  • Language study credits: at least 18 credits in a modern language offered by York University, including the Advanced I university-level course in the chosen language;
  • Internationally-oriented courses: at least 12 credits of internationally-oriented courses chosen outside the major;
  • International exchange: at least one full term abroad as a full-time student at one of York University’s exchange partners;
  • Upper-level credits: at least 36 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: students who graduate in this program are deemed to have fulfilled this requirement.

Honours Double Major Interdisciplinary iBA (Linked)

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 120 credits which meet the Faculty's degree and program requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00;
  • General education: 24 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of humanities, natural science and social science;
  • Major credits: as defined by the specific programs; a minimum of 36 credits in each of the majors, including at least six credits at the 4000 level in each of the major programs. In a double major interdisciplinary program, a course may count for major credit towards only one major;
  • Language study credits: at least 18 credits in a modern language offered by York University, including the Advanced I university-level course in the chosen language;
  • Internationally-oriented courses: at least 12 credits of internationally-oriented courses chosen outside the major;
  • International exchange: at least one full term abroad as a full-time student at one of York University’s exchange partners;
  • Upper-level credits: at least 36 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level, including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: students who graduate in this program are deemed to have fulfilled this requirement.

Honours Major/Minor iBA

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 120 credits which meet the Faculty's degree and program requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00;
  • General education: 24 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of humanities, natural science and social science;
  • Major/Minor credits: as defined by the specific programs:
    • Major: a minimum of 42 credits in the major, including at least 12 credits at the 4000 level;
    • Minor: a minimum of 30 credits in the minor, including at least six credits at the 4000 level.
  • In a major/minor program, a course may count only once toward major credit or minor credit;
  • Language study credits: at least 18 credits in a modern language offered by York University, including the Advanced I university-level course in the chosen language;
  • Internationally-oriented courses: at least 12 credits of internationally-oriented courses chosen outside the major;
  • International exchange: at least one full term abroad as a full-time student at one of York University’s exchange partners;
  • Upper-level credits: at least 36 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: students who graduate in this program are deemed to have fulfilled this requirement.

Bachelor of Administrative Studies (BAS) Degrees

In order to graduate with a Specialized Honours BAS degree, students must achieve satisfactory academic standing to enter, proceed and graduate and must successfully complete (pass) a minimum of 120 credits which fulfill all of the following requirements.

Specialized Honours BAS

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 120 credits which meet the Faculty’s degree and program requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00 and a major grade point average of at least 5.50;
  • General education: 18 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of three areas: humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science. (Note: modes of reasoning recommended for Specialized Honours BAS).
  • Major credits: as defined by the specific program; a minimum of 75 credits, including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Upper-level credits: at least 36 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: at least 18 credits.

BAS

In order to graduate with a BAS degree, students must achieve satisfactory academic standing to enter, proceed and graduate and must successfully complete (pass) a minimum 90 credits which fulfill all of the following requirements.

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 90 credits which meet the Faculty’s degree and program requirements, with a cumulative and major grade point average of at least 5.00;
  • General education: 18 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of three areas: humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science. (Note: modes of reasoning recommended for BAS);
  • Major credits: as defined by the specific program; a minimum of 54 credits, including at least 18 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level;
  • Upper-level credits: at least 18 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: at least 18 credits.

Bachelor of Disaster and Emergency Management (BDEM) Degrees

In order to graduate with an Honours BDEM degree, students must achieve satisfactory academic standing to enter, proceed and graduate and must successfully complete (pass) a minimum of 120 credits which fulfill all of the following requirements.

Specialized Honours BDEM

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 120 credits which meet the Faculty’s degree and program requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00 and a major grade point average of at least 5.50;
  • General education: 24 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of humanities, natural science and social science;
  • Major credits: as defined by the specific program; a minimum of 57 credits, including at least 12 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Upper-level credits: at least 36 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: at least 18 credits.

Honours BDEM

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 120 credits which meet the Faculty's degree and program requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00 and a major grade point average of at least 5.50;
  • General education: 24 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of humanities, natural science and social science;
  • Major credits: as defined by the specific program, a minimum of 48 credits, including at least 12 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Upper-level credits: at least 36 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level, including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: at least 18 credits.

Honours Double Major BDEM

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 120 credits which meet the Faculty's degree and program requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00 and a major grade point average of at least 5.50;
  • General education: 24 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of humanities, natural science and social science;
  • Major credits: as defined by the specific programs; a minimum of 48 credits in BDEM and a minimum of 42 credits in the other major, at least 12 credits of which must be at the 4000 level in each of the major programs. In a double major program, a course may count for major credit towards only one major;
  • Upper-level credits: at least 36 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level, including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: students who graduate in this program are deemed to have fulfilled this requirement.

Honours Major/Minor BDEM

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 120 credits which meet the Faculty's degree and program requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00 and a major grade point average of at least 5.50;
  • General education: 24 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of humanities, natural science and social science;
  • Major/Minor credits: as defined by the specific programs:
    • Major: a minimum of 48 credits in the BDEM major, including at least 12 credits at the 4000 level;
    • Minor: a minimum of 30 credits in the minor, including at least six credits at the 4000 level.
  • In a major/minor program, a course may count only once toward major credit or minor credit;
  • Upper-level credits: at least 36 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level, including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: students who graduate in this program are deemed to have fulfilled this requirement.

BDEM

In order to graduate with a BDEM degree, students must achieve satisfactory academic standing to enter, proceed and graduate and must successfully complete (pass) a minimum of 90 credits which fulfill all of the following requirements.

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 90 credits that meet the Faculty's degree and program requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00 and a major grade point average of at least 5.00;
  • General education: 24 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of humanities, natural science and social science;
  • Major credits: as defined by the specific program; a minimum of 33 credits, including at least 12 credits at the 3000 level or above;
  • Upper-level credits: at least 18 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: at least 18 credits.

Bachelor of Human Resources Management (BHRM) Degrees

In order to graduate with an Honours BHRM degree, students must achieve satisfactory academic standing to enter, proceed and graduate and must successfully complete (pass) a minimum of 120 credits which fulfill all of the following requirements.

Honours BHRM

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 120 credits which meet the Faculty’s degree and program requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00 and a major grade point average of at least 5.50;
  • General education: 18 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of three areas: humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science. (Note: modes of reasoning recommended for Honours BHRM);
  • Major credits: as defined by the specific program; a minimum of 81 credits, including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Upper-level credits: at least 36 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: at least 18 credits.

BHRM

In order to graduate with a BHRM degree, students must achieve satisfactory academic standing to enter, proceed and graduate and must successfully complete (pass) a minimum of 90 credits which fulfill all of the following requirements.

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 90 credits which meet the Faculty’s degree and program requirements, with a cumulative and major grade point average of at least 5.00;
  • General education: 18 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of three areas: humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science. (Note: modes of reasoning recommended for BHRM);
  • Major credits: as defined by the specific program; a minimum of 54 credits, including at least 18 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level;
  • Upper-level credits: at least 18 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: at least 18 credits.

Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) Degrees

In order to graduate with an Honours BPA degree, students must achieve satisfactory academic standing to enter, proceed and graduate and must successfully complete (pass) a minimum of 120 credits which fulfill all of the following requirements.

Specialized Honours BPA

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 120 credits which meet the Faculty’s degree and program requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00 and a major grade point average of at least 5.50;
  • General education: 24 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of humanities, natural science and social science;
  • Major credits: as defined by the specific program; a minimum of 72 credits, including at least 12 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Upper-level credits: at least 36 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: at least 18 credits.

Honours BPA

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 120 credits which meet the Faculty's degree and program requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00 and a major grade point average of at least 5.50;
  • General education: 24 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of humanities, natural science and social science;
  • Major credits: as defined by the specific program, a minimum of 60 credits, including at least 12 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Upper-level credits: at least 36 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level, including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: at least 18 credits.

Honours Major/Minor BPA

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 120 credits which meet the Faculty's degree and program requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00 and a major grade point average of at least 5.50;
  • General education: 24 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of humanities, natural science and social science;
  • Major/Minor credits: as defined by the specific programs:
    • Major: a minimum of 60 credits in the BPA major, including at least 12 credits at the 4000 level;
    • Minor: a minimum of 30 credits in the minor, including at least six credits at the 4000 level.
  • In a major/minor program, a course may count only once toward major credit or minor credit;
  • Upper-level credits: at least 36 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level, including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: students who graduate in this program are deemed to have fulfilled this requirement.

Honours BSW Degrees

In order to graduate with an Honours BSW degree, students must achieve satisfactory academic standing to enter, proceed and graduate and must successfully complete (pass) a minimum of 120 credits which fulfill all of the following requirements.

Honours BSW (Direct Entry)

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 120 credits which meet the Faculty’s degree and program requirements, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00 and a minimum grade of 4.00 in all major credits;
  • General education: 24 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of humanities, natural science and social science;
  • Major credits: as defined by the specific program; a minimum of 60 credits, including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: at least 36 credits.

Honours Major/Minor BSW (Direct Entry)

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 120 credits which meet the Faculty's degree and program requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00 and a minimum grade of 4.00 in all major credits;
  • General education: 24 credits of general education chosen from approved courses in humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science and social science, including a minimum of six credits in each of humanities, natural science and social science;
  • Major/Minor credits: as defined by the specific programs:
    • Major: a minimum of 60 credits in the major, including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level;
    • Minor: a minimum of 30 credits in the minor, including at least six credits at the 4000 level.
  • In a major/minor program, a course may count only once toward major credit or minor credit;
  • Credits outside the major: students who graduate in this program are deemed to have fulfilled this requirement.

Honours BSW (Post-Degree)

Note: students admitted to the Honours BSW (Post-Degree) are granted 66 transfer credits.

  • Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University;
  • Graduation requirement: students must successfully complete (pass) at least 120 credits which meet the Faculty’s degree and program requirements, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00 and a minimum grade of 4.00 in all major credits;
  • General education: students who enter this program are deemed to fulfill this requirement.
  • Major credits: as defined by the specific program; a minimum of 54 credits, including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level;
  • Credits outside the major: students who graduate in this program are deemed to have fulfilled this requirement.

Programs with Other Faculties (Honours Double Major, Major/Minor)1

Students in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies may combine any Honours Major program that offers a double major or major/minor option with approved Honours Double Major or Honours Major/Minor programs offered within the Faculty or by the Faculties of Environmental Studies, Fine Arts, Health or Science and Engineering, subject to the following:

  • students must maintain Honours standing, a cumulative grade point average of 5.00 or above for all courses taken at York. Students in an Honours BA whose cumulative grade point average is below 5.00, may proceed in Honours providing they meet the minimum Honours progression requirement;
  • students registered in any Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies degree or program must complete at least half (50 per cent) of each major or minor at York;
  • in some instances, in order to complete the requirements of an Honours Double Major or Honours Major/Minor program, it may be necessary to successfully complete (pass) more than 120 credits;
  • Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies degree requirements and program regulations apply;
  • Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies students successfully completing a BA, BDEM Honours Double Major or BA, BDEM or BPA Honours Major/Minor programs combined with other programs or Faculties will receive the applicable BA, BDEM or BPA Honours degree.

Faculty of Environmental Studies

Students in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies may combine any Honours Double Major BA, BDEM or Honours Major/Minor BA, BDEM or BPA program with the Faculty of Environmental Studies. For details about the program requirements in environmental studies, students should consult the Faculty of Environmental Studies.

Faculty of Fine Arts

Students in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies may combine any Honours Double Major BA , BDEM or Honours Major/Minor BA, BDEM or BPA program with the Faculty of Fine Arts. For details about the program requirements in fine arts, students should consult the Faculty of Fine Arts.

Faculty of Health

Students in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies may combine any Honours Double Major BA, BDEM or Honours Major/Minor BA, BDEM or BPA program with the Faculty of Health. For details about the program requirements in the Faculty of Health, students should consult the Faculty of Health.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Students in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies may combine any Honours Double Major BA, BDEM or Honours Major/Minor BA, BDEM or BPA program with the Faculty of Science and Engineering. For details about the program requirements in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, students should consult the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Note: information technology may not be combined with computer science as either a Double Major or Major/Minor program.

Coregistration in the Faculty of Education

Students enrolled in a BA program in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies may apply for admission to the Pre-Service program of the Faculty of Education. If they are accepted, they may coregister in the Faculty of Education and upon successful completion of the separate degree requirements of both Faculties will be awarded two degrees: Honours bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of education (BEd).

Although liberal arts and professional studies and education courses are taken concurrently, they are counted separately by each Faculty. Grade point averages for courses in the two Faculties are also calculated separately. The 30 credits required for the BEd are independent of the 120 credits required for the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies Honours BA or the 90 credits required for the BA. Therefore, a student completing the requirements for both degrees would complete a minimum total of 150 credits for the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies Honours BA/BEd or 120 credits for the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies BA/BEd.

Credit for Education Courses

Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies students who are coregistered in the Faculty of Education may count education courses taken beyond the requirements for the BEd for credit towards the Honours BA or BA degree as credits outside the major.

Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies students who are not coregistered in the Faculty of Education may receive degree credit for academic courses offered by the Faculty of Education as credits outside the major.

1. Students in the Faculties of Environmental Studies, Fine Arts, Health or Science and Engineering may also combine an Honours Double Major BA or Honours Major/Minor BA program with the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies. For further details, consult with your home Faculty.