Customize Your Degree to Fit You!

One of the most exciting parts of starting university is realizing that your journey doesn't have to look exactly like anyone else's. When you first apply to the University of Calgary, you'll choose the program you're most excited to study, but that's only the beginning of your story. As you explore new classes, meet new people, and discover what inspires you, you may find interests you never expected to have. Maybe you'll take an elective that becomes your favourite class. Maybe you'll discover a new career path, or realize you're passionate about more than one subject. The best part? Your degree can grow with you. From adding a minor to pursuing an embedded certificate or even combining two areas of study, there are many ways to create a university experience that's uniquely yours.

Start with your Interests...

When you apply to UCalgary, you’ll start by choosing the programs that best match your interests and goals. On your application, you’ll be asked to select your first-choice program and second-choice program, so take some time to think about the areas of study that excite you most. Choosing your program is an important first step, but it doesn’t mean you need to have every part of your university journey planned from day one. Your interests can continue to grow and change as you take new classes, meet new people, and discover new opportunities. Your major is where your UCalgary journey begins, not where it has to end. Once you’re here, you’ll have opportunities to customize your degree and explore different areas through options like minors, embedded certificates, and combined degrees.

Discover a new passion? Add a minor!

Sometimes, one class is all it takes to discover something you never expected to love. Maybe you're studying psychology and find yourself enjoying your chemistry electives. Or perhaps you're in Business and develop a passion for learning a new language or exploring technology. Adding a minor allows you to continue studying another area while keeping your major as the main focus of your degree. A minor is a great way to explore another subject, broaden your knowledge, and graduate with experience in more than one area of study.

Want to build additional skills? Consider an embedded certificate.

Your degree is about more than just the courses required for your major. At UCalgary, you’ll have opportunities to explore your interests, build new skills, and add experiences that complement your area of study. Embedded certificates allow undergraduate students to develop knowledge in a specific area while completing their degree. Whether you’re interested in leadership, entrepreneurship, sustainability, community engagement, or another area, an embedded certificate can help you explore topics that connect to your goals and passions. Think of it as adding another layer to your UCalgary experience, giving you the chance to learn across different disciplines, challenge yourself in new ways, and build skills that can support your future goals.

Love two subjects? You might not have to choose!

What if your interests don’t fit into just one area of study? The good news is—you might not have to choose just one! At UCalgary, some students discover that their passions connect in unexpected ways. Maybe you’re interested in exploring how computer science and commerce can work together. Or perhaps you’re passionate about education and kinesiology and want to explore how different areas of study can complement each other. A combined degree gives you the opportunity to register in two different bachelor’s degrees (including honours degrees) at the same time and graduate from both degrees concurrently. While combined degrees require thoughtful planning, they can be an exciting way to explore multiple passions, gain perspectives from different fields, and build a university experience that is truly your own.

Your UCalgary journey is just beginning!

Starting university is a big step, and it’s completely normal if you don’t have every detail of your future planned out yet. In fact, many students discover new interests, passions, and career goals after they arrive on campus. Your degree is more than a list of courses, it’s the experiences you have, the communities you become part of, and the opportunities you explore along the way. Whether you add a minor, complete an embedded certificate, or pursue a combined degree, UCalgary offers many ways to shape your education around your interests and goals. Your application is only the first step. Once you become a Dino, your journey is yours to create!

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