A student holding a tablet points to the screen as she talks to another student.
If you’re thinking of adding a major, minor or microprogram to your degree, or whether to change programs, read third-year political science student Kady Diarrassouba’s helpful blog.

Two years ago, when I started studying political science, I did not intend to stray from my program. The plan was simple: compulsory courses + optional courses and electives = degree. That’s it.

But along the way, as I was analyzing cases and writing papers, I realized that I found writing to be more motivating than I would have thought.

I started wondering whether I even liked political science, or whether I just liked writing about it.

In wanting to explore this interest in writing, I realized that I didn’t need to choose between a new program and my current one. I could simply personalize my degree by adding a microprogram in professional writing, for example ... there were so many possibilities!

In many programs, like mine, students can add another major, which counts for between 42 and 60 units. This combination, which can still be completed in four years, allows students to explore two fields that are sometimes very different, which was the case for third-year student Yusuf Rahman, who is completing a double major in political science and computer science. A rare, but perfectly possible, combination! 

Yusuf Rahman
Double major
“The intersection between two different skill sets has really benefitted me personally. It feels like I’m in two different worlds, with two types of peers, two environments. I will graduate with two types of opportunities.”

Yusuf Rahman

— Third-year student

A more flexible way to add a new area of focus is to use your elective courses to complete a microprogram. Third-year biomedical sciences student Rachel Sudhakar opted for a microprogram in gerontology to gain a new perspective on a field that she was already interested in.

“What’s really great about a microprogram is that it only takes a small number of units,” says Rachel.

Rachel Sudhakar
Microprograms
“Instead of picking my electives haphazardly, I can focus specifically on courses that fulfill the requirements of the microprogram. It’s useful because you know what electives to take.”

Rachel Sudhakar

— Third-year biomedical sciences student

Microprograms, which range from 9 to 21 units, are a practical way to give your electives a more focused direction.

A minor, which is another possibility, is somewhere in between the two. This complementary group of courses totaling 30 units is compatible with several programs and gives you the chance to explore a whole new area, or a subdiscipline within another discipline.
 

Before you take your next steps

The University of Ottawa offers many ways to tailor your degree to suit your career ambitions. Undergraduate students often decide to refine their interests after their first, or even their second, year. It’s normal! Many programs are designed so that you can focus on a particular topic or even change your mind along the way.

If you’ve thought about it and decided that the program of study, specialization or discipline you’re currently in is not for you, you can change it.

Second year is the best time to make adjustments that will determine your final degree. By your third year, your choices will be more limited: you can still change programs, but it may mean taking more time to complete your degree.

The first thing you’ll want to do before you make any decisions is to get informed and seek advice. Here’s how:

Try adding experiential learning to your program

No matter what program you’re in or how you decide to tailor your program to suit your ambitions, experiential learning allows you to learn more about yourself as you build your future. It will also help you gain experience and hone skills that look great on a resumé before you hit the job market.

The Co-op program, which involves working full time in a related field for four or five terms during your studies, is perhaps the best-known experiential learning opportunity, but remember that the University of Ottawa offers many more ways to add experiential learning to your university experience, such as self-directed courses, international exchanges, volunteering, course-based Community Service Learning, interdisciplinary challenges and much more.

Make the most of all the opportunities on offer to learn through experience and to gain the skills that will help you achieve your goals, whether they are personal or professional. Level up and prepare to change the world!