Degree level expectations (DLEs) define the expectations appropriate for a degree in relation to subject-specific and generic knowledge and skills that students are expected to achieve upon graduation. The Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance has identified six required expectations of an undergraduate degree and six required expectations for a graduate degree.

Graduates pursuing a specified degree (e.g. Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science) are expected to demonstrate competencies at their degree level. York University has undertaken the mapping of each program (academic)'s learning outcomes to the appropriate degree expectations.