FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Will Priority Registration apply to minors?
Priority Registration applies only to majors. Check the Course Calendar/Registration Guide for specific information. After that first period, all students, including those pursuing a minor, will have access to all courses. Please help us with course planning: we will be planning course sections based on the number of declared majors and number of declared minors for each field of study. To help ensure enough spaces in each course, you must declare your intended minor!
2. Can I declare a minor in a different Faculty from my major?
Yes. You may opt for a minor in any Faculty. You may also choose an Interdisciplinary Minor, which includes courses from all three faculties; see also Question 22 below.
3. How do I fit a minor into my program without adding a full extra year to my studies?
Every major program at OCAD includes either Faculty of Art (FoA) electives or Faculty of Design (FoD) expansion studios. Students who declare a minor may opt to take courses toward the minor instead of these, up to the following limits: a maximum of 2.0 credits FoA electives and a maximum of 1.5 credits FoD expansion studios. You may also use liberal studies distribution credits not specifically required for your major (up to 3.0) toward your minor. You will most likely require at least an extra 2 to 3 credits to complete all the requirements for both your major and your desired minor.
4. What other considerations should I keep in mind if I decide to declare a minor?
Keep in mind your career objectives and the difference between minimum requirements and recommended requirements. You may well decide not to shift the maximum allowable FoA electives or FoD expansion studios into course requirements for the minor; that is, you may opt to take additional credits. With this in mind, the normal number of credit attempts to complete a 20.0 credit degree program has been increased from 25 to 30 for students who have declared a minor. Please review the program guide in the Calendar and consult with the Student Advisor in your major Faculty as you plan your overall program.
5. Can the same courses be used toward both the major and the minor or toward multiple minors?
No, you may not double-count a specific individual course. You may not use the same course to fulfill the requirements of more than one program. So if a course is listed as a requirement in your major program guide, you may not use it toward both your major and your minor. You must find a different course to fulfill the requirements of the minor. Please note that liberal studies distribution requirements are graduation requirements but do not constitute a program.
6. What is the role of liberal studies distribution credits in a major or minor program?
You must take a minimum of 5.0 credits in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences to graduate with a BFA or BDes. These distribution requirements provide breadth across disciplines other than studio art and design: English (ENGL), Humanities (HUMN), Social Sciences (SOSC), SCTM (Science/Technology/Mathematics), and History & Theory of Visual Culture (VISC). But they do not constitute a program and you have a large range of choice in fulfilling these distribution requirements. Whatever your major or minor, up to 3.0 liberal studies distribution credits may be used to fulfill requirements for the major or minor. If a specific liberal studies course is required for your major, you may not use it toward your minor; you must select an alternative course.
7. Is special permission required from an Associate Dean to take courses in another Faculty toward a minor program?
You do not require permission to use some of your major program electives or expansion studios toward a minor in another Faculty (up to the limits cited in #3 above). However you are strongly encouraged to speak with a student advisor about what combination of electives or expansion studios and minor programs best fulfill your career objectives. Please note that liberal studies distribution requirements for graduation are still in effect but may be combined with any requirements for a minor program.
8. Will distribution requirements change with the minor programs?
No. None of the existing graduation requirements for your major or for your liberal studies distribution requirements will change.
9. What is the maximum number of summer courses a student can take now?
Students may register for a maximum of 2.5 credits during the summer semester. This will not change with the introduction of minors. However, please note that this is a very heavy load if you are taking courses in the condensed 3-week or 6-week formats and is not recommended.
10. How will minors affect international students on a visa?
Minors should not have any effect on international students. If a visa student requires additional time to complete a degree, he/she can apply for an extension of his/her study permit.
11. May I complete a minor following graduation?
Majors and minors are components of an undergraduate degree program and students must complete all requirements for both their major and their minor prior to graduation.
Alumni may apply for admission to Postgraduate Certificate programs. Postgraduate Certifitcate program requirements are similar to those of minors, with the exception that a maximum of 1.0 credit of eligible undergraduate coures may be applied to the Certificate. For details go to Postgraduate Certificate.
12. Who can I see for more information about minors?
You can talk with a student advisor in your home Faculty or in the Faculty that offers the minor you are interested in. You may also request the Information Sheet for Students Interested in a Minor in any Faculty office.
13. Can I do a double minor?
In theory, yes. But please remember that you cannot use the same course toward more than one minor. Also keep in mind that you are working toward an undergraduate degree. Consider the amount of time and tuition required for a major plus a double minor relative to your career goals. We strongly recommend you discuss your plans with a student advisor.
14. Are there plans for double majors?
No, not currently. A studio major is highly demanding and does not lend itself to a double major.
15. If I choose not to take summer courses, will that hinder my ability to get a minor?
There is no requirement that students pursuing a minor must attend summer sessions, although we have increased our summer course offerings to provide students with greater opportunity. The courses to fulfill all requirements for a minor may be completed during the fall and winter semesters.
16. How will the introduction of minors impact Awards and Scholarships?
Initially the introduction of minors will have no impact on OCAD’s Scholarships and Awards Program. In time, we can imagine some new awards and scholarships specifically related to minors.
17. How will the introduction of minors impact my plans to go to graduate school?
The answer to this question depends on the graduate program you wish to apply for. In general, the addition of a minor to your program of study signals breadth of interest. Any future employer or graduate admissions committee would view that as a serious indication of multidisciplinary capability. If you are interested in graduate study, we recommend you consult with one of the Chairs or Associate Deans in your Faculty and/or with the graduate programs that interest you for advice about minors.
18. How will minors impact mobility exchange programs?
As all credits for a minor must be completed at OCAD U, your mobility exchange program credits will be applied only to your major requirements.
19. Will the Laptop Program be available for minors?
If you choose to pursue a minor that involves a Laptop Program, you will require a laptop computer for your core courses. For further information, consult the Laptop Program Helpdesk at 416-977-6000 ext. 444.
20. May I transfer credit to a minor even if I didn’t request it at the time of admission?
Previous courses already recognized as transfer credits at the time of admission may be applied to the minor, subject to limitations described in Q&A # 3; however no new transfer credit may be initiated to apply to the minor.
21. What if I declare a minor and don’t complete it?
There is no penalty for declaring a minor and not completing it. However it will not appear on your transcript unless you have completed all requirements.
22. How are interdisciplinary courses counted?
Each Interdisciplinary Minor has at least one core interdisciplinary course (e.g., DIGF 3B01 or ABVC 2B01). DIGF courses (which are in the interdisciplinary Digital Futures minors) may be used as Faculty of Design expansion studios or Faculty of Art studio electives. ABVC courses (in the interdisciplinary Aboriginal Visual Culture minor) may be counted as VISC credits toward your Liberal Studies distribution requirements.
Last Modified:6/25/2012 12:53:47 PM
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