Thinking of a future in urban planning? Public relations? IT management? Engineering?

At York, you’ll find a full range of programs of study—more than 5,000 courses in all—to help prepare you for your choice of careers.

But before you make any decisions, it might be helpful to review some of the terminology you will encounter in your research. Let’s start with the basics!

A major is your main subject or area of study at university and typically takes about one-third of your studies or seven courses to complete. Think about subjects you've studied in the past like history, mathematics or biology—they're all among the 100 or so possible majors at York!

Some of you may choose to do what's known as a double major. This let's you concentrate your studies in two main areas. Combine two related or two unrelated areas of interest—it's up to you. Choosing a double major doesn't mean you will have twice the work; instead one-third of your studies will be focused in one area and another third in the other. Keep in mind that this will leave you fewer electives (courses that are not required to complete your degree) but may complement your major or be of interest to you.

Students also have the option of choosing a minor. Think of this as a mini-major or an optional secondary area of study, usually taking about five courses to complete. At York, you can choose a minor that complements your major or go for something in a completely different field. Either way, you'll get an education that reflects your interests and strengths.

More than 100 choices of majors and minors are offered at York. With so many options to choose from, it's easy to feel a little overwhelmed, but don't sweat it—we've got you covered! Here are a few tips to help ease the selection process.

• Think about your future. What kind of career do you want to pursue after graduation? York offers many programs and degrees that provide excellent preparation for the demands and challenges found in a wide range of careers.
• Look at your extracurricular activities, hobbies and interests. What excites you and sparks your imagination? The answer to this question may provide a clue to the right program to unlock your full potential.
• Consult with those who know you best. Parents, friends, teachers and guidance counsellors are all great resources for information about possible career choices best suited to your interests and strengths.
• Complete an aptitude or career test. You'll find many helpful tests online.
• Speak with an academic adviser. York's academic advisers will help you discover your best options for reaching your career and life goals.
• Browse university Web sites. You'll find a well of information about program and degree options offered at York on our Future Students Web site.

Tip: Can't settle on a major? Consider York's "Undecided Major" option. Available to first-year students in most of our Faculties, an undecided major allows you to sample a few different disciplines before deciding which one is right for you. Explore a wide range of topics in your first year and before planning the program best suited to your skills and interests.

Use the following table to see what choices may be available to you:

Faculty of…	Some of your options…
Environmental Studies	You can specialize within Environmental Studies Double major or minor within subjects in LA&PS or Health. Minor within subjects in Environmental Studies or Science & Engineering.
Fine Arts*	Major or minor within Fine Arts (not double major) Double major or minor with subjects in LA&PS or Health. Minor with subjects in Environmental Studies or Science & Engineering. *Students in Design cannot combine their studies with other Faculties or programs.
Glendon	Major, double major or minor within Glendon only.
Health	Major or minor within Environmental Studies, Fine Arts, Science and Engineering and selected programs within LA&PS.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies	Major, double major or minor within Arts or Health Double major or minor in Environmental Studies or with subjects in Fine Arts or Science (except Design or Engineering).
Schulich School of Business	Specialize within Schulich only. No combinations available with other Faculties.
Science & Engineering*	Major, double major or minor within Science & Engineering. Minor with subjects in Arts, Environmental Studies, Health or Fine Arts. *Students in Engineering cannot combine their studies with other Faculties or programs

Introducing... The Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies

Big changes are coming to York in 2009. The new Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) will combine the strengths of the Atkinson Faculty of Liberal & Professional Studies and the Faculty of Arts. LA&PS offers an inspiritional interdisciplinary learning approach, a wide variety of courses, hands-on learning and leading-edge researchers who bring new ideas into the classroom.

LA&PS combines the close attention of a small learning community with one of the largest selections of courses available in Canada. You'll find more than 70 programs to choose from and a variety of degree options to explore, from Administrative Studies to Women's Studies and everything in between.

Most LA&PS programs offer double major and major-minor options that give you the freedom to tailor your education to your interests and career plans. You can combine a BA in Information Technology with a second major in Professional Writing; supplement a major in Economics with a minor in Labour Studies or complement a program offered by LA&PS with one of many programs offered elsewhere on campus.

A Degree Respected Around the World

If you're thinking of working abroad, LA&PS offers many opportunities to gain a global perspective with an International Bachelor of Arts (iBA) in a number of programs including Anthropology and Urban Studies.

You'll also have an opportunity to explore different societies and cultures through many of our programs by taking upper-year courses at one of our 40 partner universities in various countries. You could take classes in history or language while exploring the rich cultures of Austria, Finland, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, Spain, and many other countries.

Award-winning Researchers

As an LA&PS student, you'll study with a diverse group of professors who are committed to your success. Learn from award-winning professors such as Diane Zorn, recipient of the University-Wide Teaching Award; Saeed Rahnema, who recently garnered an Ontario teaching award; or Christopher Innes, the Canada Research Chair in Performance and Culture, and is one of the world's leading authorities on twentieth-century drama.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

An LA&PS education goes far beyond the classroom. You'll examine real-world issues from a variety of perspectives, in real-world environments. Partnerships with more than 300 local businesses and non-profit organizations will provide you with opportunities for hands-on learning. You'll build valuable experience and contacts working with the likes of UNICEF, IBM, CIBC, NATO and many others.

Whatever your future holds, LA&PS will provide you with knowledge and skills to make an impact on the world. You'll graduate with the analytical and research skills to make sense of the issues that shape society today. You'll hone your abilities to process, synthesize and communicate information—enabling you to make decisions quickly and effectively. You'll be prepared for the demands of working in a constantly changing world with the skills that today's employers value as well as empower yourself to manage your career for life.

Be in the Know

Applicants with a diagnosed disability are advised to identify themselves during the admissions process with a modified admissions request. Whether or not your circumstances impact your admissibility to the University (you meet our admission requirements), York wants to make sure you know about the support services we have in place. In no way will identifying yourself be a disadvantage to you. By introducing yourself, you'll ensure that you get the support you need during the admission process and afterwards.

York University's Office for Persons with Disabilities, Learning Disabilities Program, and Psychiatric Dis/Abilities Program help to provide an environment for students with disabilities that considers individual needs and abilities. You'll also find additional programs and services offered within individual Faculties.

If you become a York student, you should consult with an adviser prior to the beginning of the academic year. Arrangements should be made before the start of your academic term. Failure to make these arrangements may jeopardize your opportunity to receive academic accommodations.

Did You Know?

Many York alumni go on to great success after graduation. York theatre alumnus Rachel McAdams (BFA '01) earned praise for her performances in big screen hits like The Notebook and Mean Girls; Steve MacLean reached for the stars after graduating with a Bachelor of Science and a doctorate in physics, (BSc '77, PhD '83) as a crew member of the Space Shuttle Atlantis; and English alumnus Nino Ricci (BA Spec. Hons '81) took home the Governor General's Literary Award for Fiction for his latest novel, The Origin of Species.

Faculty Focus

Ever stop to wonder about the origins of the food we eat? Finding those origins was the goal of Deborah Barndt's eight-year research project tracing the trail of the "corporate tomato" from the Mexican field to a Canadian fast food restaurant. Her discoveries unveiled not only the environmental impacts of the global food system but also the social implications for women workers in the food chain.

The project spawned two academic books, two photographic exhibits and a video. Barndt is currently researching the development of community arts in North America and popular communications in Latin America, a project that involves collaborators in California, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama. In both projects, she has used her skills as a photographer to document and evoke, interview and interact, and ultimately, ground and humanize the research.

York in the News

Remember when your parents told you you'd ruin your eyes playing video games?

Here's one game even they can't object to—a 3-D version of Pac-Man designed to correct a common vision problem. The game—developed by a team of researchers led by York associate professor of computer engineering, Robert Allison—helps patients with a condition called convergence insufficiency learn to align their eyes.

The disorder, known to cause headaches, blurred or double vision, eye strain and reading problems, affects up to five percent of the population.

While conventional therapies can be boring and monotonous—especially to young children—the game offers a more engaging form of treatment.

By playing the game 20 minutes a day, five days a week over a period of two weeks, the patients in the study improved the coordination of their eyes as they advanced through the game; some felt less strain when looking at nearby objects.

Important Deadlines

We recommend all prospective students review the criteria for admission into their chosen programs. Remember that no two academic departments are alike and requirements can differ from one to the next. Learn more about York admission requirements, auditions and evaluations on our Future Students Web site.

Keep these important dates marked on your calendar. York reminds all applicants that meeting deadlines and minimum admissions requirements is not a guarantee of admission.

March 1, 2009
Deadline for modified admissions requests from Ontario high-school applicants with physical, learning or psychiatric disabilities.

April 1, 2009
Deadline for all other applicants with physical, learning or psychiatric disabilities to submit modified admissions requests.

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Best regards from the York&U newsletter staff!
Editors: Donna Cope, Laura D'Amelio, Jelani Lowe, Nick Valentino

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