After you've selected a first-year entry program, elective courses and possibly a major course of study, there are several more ways you can personalize your education in Arts at Waterloo.

Joint Honours

If at the end of first year you would like to combine two major study areas, a joint honours program may be the solution. At Waterloo, almost any two Honours Arts majors can be combined to create a joint honours degree program. Also, many Honours Arts majors can be combined with a number of honours majors offered in other faculties. Degree requirements for joint honours vary from program to program. If you're interested in doing a joint honours degree, consult with your academic advisor during first year.

Minors

Once you are enrolled in an Honours program, you can also pursue a minor in most Arts disciplines or in many disciplines in other faculties. Pursuing a minor essentially allows you to complete a group of courses in specific study areas, though your major program remains your primary area of study.

Interdisciplinary programs

If you are interested in drawing on the knowledge base, instructors, and resources of disciplines in several faculties, a number of interdisciplinary programs (students in several thematic areas) are available to all Waterloo student. You normally begin an interdisciplinary program in your second year of study and use the programs to extend your learning beyond a major discipline. These innovative programs enhance, complement, and support the traditional disciplines, while offering a diverse approach to contemporary issues.

Arts and Science

Arts students who wish to pursue Joint Honours with Science should refer to "Joint Honours Arts Major and Science" in the Faculty of Science section of the Calendar. Also refer to the Arts Academic Plans section of the Calendar for the Joint Honours requirements of the particular Arts discipline.

Enrolment in Joint Honours Science and Arts or Joint Honours Arts and Science initially requires approval by the Associate Dean of Science (Undergraduate Studies), and the Undergraduate Officer of each of the individual Joint Honours disciplines. The overall averages of the Faculties and of the individual disciplines must be met at the time of declaration of Joint Honours and must be maintained.

Note: It may take more than eight terms to complete a Joint Honours/Combination Honours degree particularly if the student is enrolled in the co-operative system of study.