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A new undergraduate degree structure is being proposed
What is being proposed?
Changes to some common degree requirements, like General Education and Outside the Major credits are being proposed.
This would affect all undergraduate degrees except accredited degrees (for example, BEng, BEd, etc..).
If the changes are approved by York's Senate, they would go into effect in Fall 2027 or later. The changes would only affect students who start after that date.
Why change the structure?
The proposed structure would improve student experience. The requirements are simpler and provide flexibility to explore different subjects. The increased flexibility could also make it easier to pursue a minor.
The proposed changes would help bring focus and connection to the degree by discouraging students from taking too many 1000-level credits, especially in upper years.
Key Elements of the Proposed Framework
New Credit Types
The proposed structure has two new credit types: Explore credits, which are at the 1000-level and Connect credits which are at the 2000-level or higher. Any 1000-level course can satisfy the Explore requirement and any course at the 2000, 3000, or 4000 level that is outside the major could satisfy the Connect requirement. These two categories would replace the current Gen Ed and Outside the Major requirements.
Explore
At least 18 credits at the 1000 level. At least 3 credits from each of the 4 Explore categories.
Why? These credits give you the opportunity to explore a wide range of disciplines. Learning about different disciplines and the way they approach problems makes you a more nimble and adaptable learner.
Connect
At least 18 credits outside the major at the 2000 level or higher.
You can also take a minor or a second major to satisfy this requirement.
Why? Taking more advanced courses outside your major gives you opportunities to make richer connections between fields and to add a minor or second major
Major
Your major credits, including a minimum number at the 3000 and/or 4000 level, depending on your degree type.
Why? The courses in your major are progressively specialized and allow you to immerse yourself in a discipline.
Explore Categories
In the proposed structure, students would need at least 3 credits from each of the following categories:
Social Worlds
Courses in this category explore the complexities of social structures, cultural norms, and societal changes. The category includes traditional social sciences disciplines like anthropology and sociology as well as emerging fields like human rights and equity studies and educational studies.
Creativity and Cultures
These courses focus on the arts, literature, cultures, and languages. The category includes fine arts disciplines such as dance and theatre, traditional humanities subjects, like English and classics, and courses in many languages.
Scientific Foundations
These courses introduce students to fundamental scientific principles and provide a solid foundation for understanding how the natural world works. Most non-BSc students will choose their Science Foundations requirement from the Natural Science unit, which have a NATS course code. These courses are specifically designed for non-science students.
Inquiry in Action
This category includes subjects that expose students to the ways in which their university experience – whatever their major – might be put into practice. Some of the subjects are more concrete examples of professional applications (for example, Disaster and Emergency Management, Information Technology), and others focus more on skills that are readily transferrable to any field (for example, Modes of Reasoning, Linguistics).
Share Your Thoughts on the Proposed Structure!
Your feedback can help shape future York students' experience!
Please click below to complete an anonymous seven-question survey about the proposed framework. If you have questions about the framework, you can also email Jennifer Bethune at bethune8@yorku.ca.