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Update Your Program

Previously called Program Change

Sometimes your original choice of major may not be the right fit. Your academic interests can shift, deepen, or broaden as you progress through your studies, and your program can change with you. If you are considering a new major, degree type, or specialization, advising support is available to help you plan your next steps.

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Graduation Notes: If you are currently in an Honours (120‑credit) program but intend to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree (90 credits), you do not need a program change. However, you must still apply to graduate.

All change requests must be submitted through the Registrar’s Office Program Change website, which includes a step-by-step tutorial.

Eligibility and Requirements

Minimum University Requirements:

  • 5.0 GPA to transfer into an Honours program
  • 4.0 GPA to transfer into a Bachelor (90‑credit) program
  • At least 24 credits completed at York
  • All general admission requirements (including Grade 12 prerequisites)

Note: Some programs require a higher GPA than the University minimum.

Program‑specific requirements are available in the Academic Calendar - under the Admission Requirements

Approval is not guaranteed and depends on program capacity, competitiveness, and academic standing.

Popular Program Requirements (Faculty of Science)

Below are requirements for some of the most common Science programs that students request when changing their major

Neuroscience (Specialized Honours BSc)

Behavioural & Cognitive, Molecular & Cellular, Systems

For BSc students who wish to transfer into the Neuroscience program. Students will be considered on a case-by-case basis if space permits and if they meet the following requirements:

  1. completed NRSC 1001 or have the permission of the program coordinator to take the course in the upcoming year,
  2. earned at least 24 science credits at York with an overall cumulative GPA of 7.0 (B+) or better, and
  3. completed BIOL 1000, BIOL 1001, and PSYC 1010 with a minimum grade of 4.0 (C).

Once the requirements are completed, students should submit a MyProgram request for Change in Major by June 1st for review. Permission to transfer should be provided by July.

For BSc students who were admitted into the Neuroscience program, but did not make the Qualifying requirements. Student can apply for re-entry if the students. has achieved

  1. an overall cumulative GPA of 7.0 (B+) or better on at least 24 science credits at York, and have
  2. completed NRSC 1001, and
  3. have completed BIOL 1000, BIOL 1001, and PSYC 1010 with a minimum grade of 4.0 (C).

Once the requirements are completed, students should submit a MyProgram request for Change in Major by June 1st for review. Permission to transfer should be provided by July.

Biology Programs

Biology, Biomedical Science, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Environmental Biology, iBSc Biology

Requirements for Biology program changes are maintained by the Biology Department.
Please see the official page for the most current information:

yorku.ca/science/biology/undergraduate/change-of-major

Course Relief

York University allows eligible undergraduate students who have changed their program degree or major to exclude courses completed toward the prior major requirements from their Overall Cumulative GPA (OCGPA) and credit totals for their new program of study.

This policy aims to help students continue in and graduate from a new academic program.

You are eligible if you are either:

A.  a continuing undergraduate student who has:

  1. completed fewer than 84 earned credits and,
  2. met the eligibility requirements for a new academic program

OR

B.  an undergraduate student returning after a Required Withdrawal or Debarment who:

  1. meets the eligibility requirements for the new program and,
  2. whose request for a program change has been approved by the new academic program

Courses eligible for exclusion from the OCGPA include all subject courses taken previously that will not count as major credits in the new academic program. You can use the previous major courses as elective credits in your new degree program.

The General Education and elective courses you completed in the first Major program are not eligible for Course Relief. Courses where a penalty for a breach of academic honesty is imposed are not eligible for Course Relief.

You must confirm your eligibility for the Course Relief Policy and become informed about the degree requirements for your new program. If you wish to exercise this option, you must visit your home academic advising office first to discuss your options.

A record of all completed courses and the original grades awarded will remain on your transcript. Courses which are excluded from your OCGPA under Course Relief will appear on your transcript with a qualifier (RLF) next to the grade.

Advising Support

But advising is critical to help ensure success on your new path.

You should schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor in the program area to which you want to transfer.

You can also schedule an appointment with a SAS advisor who will explain the change rules, admission requirements, processes, timelines and provide you with a degree checklist.

Need Help?

If you're looking for assistance with navigating your general education requirements, our team of academic advisors will be happy to help you!

Science Academic Services (SAS)