Exploring your Options: Multidisciplinary Studies, Arts Undeclared and Open Studies at UCalgary

January 16, 2025
 

Choosing the right academic path is a pivotal decision, and we’re here to help guide you through it! At the University of Calgary, we offer a variety of programs designed to support your journey of discovery and learning. For undecided students, there are flexible options that allow you to explore different areas of interest. Let’s take a closer look at these opportunities and see how they align with your passions and aspirations.

Many students feel uncertain about which degree program to pursue, often finding themselves drawn to Open Studies to explore a wide array of subjects. At UCalgary, we've crafted three unique pathways—Multidisciplinary Studies, Arts Undeclared, and Open Studies—each catering to different needs and ambitions. Here’s a closer look at what makes each program shine and how they can support your educational journey.

1. Multidisciplinary Studies: This degree provides you with the opportunity to design your own program, allowing you to cultivate a personalized academic experience.

2. Arts Undeclared: While you can't graduate from Arts Undeclared, it offers flexibility to explore your strengths and interests for your future degree in the Faculty of Arts. Students in Arts Undeclared will need to apply to a change of program (COP) during their degree to enter a degree granting program.

3. Open Studies: Explore diverse courses without being tied to a degree program, perfect for those looking to meet admission requirements or develop personal interests.

Regardless of the option you choose, inclusivity and accessibility are part of UCalgary's DNA. We offer an Equitable and Inclusive Admissions pathway to ensure everyone has the opportunity to pursue higher education.

Multidisciplinary Studies: Chart Your Own Course

Our Multidisciplinary Studies program is a gateway to customized learning. Tailor your degree with a primary focus—including a minor from the Faculty of Arts—and a secondary focus from another faculty or subject area. This program empowers you to:

• Connect with like-minded peers,

• Engage in a capstone research experience in your final year,

• Build a skillset in problem-solving and critical thinking valued by employers across sectors.

A Multidisciplinary Studies degree opens doors to careers in civil service, non-profit organizations, and business. It's also a great foundation for grad school or professional degrees in fields like law, medicine, and education.

Arts Undeclared: Discover and Decide

At the start of your academic journey, the Arts Undeclared program offers flexibility. Though you can't graduate with this designation, it's ideal for high school grads ready to:

• Discover new strengths,

• Explore potential majors,

• Plan careers aligned with their passions.

Secure a major by completing 60 units and applying for a COP from October 1 to February 1 of your first or second year through My UCalgary Student Centre. Our exploratory advisors are ready to assist you.

Open Studies: Explore Freely

Open Studies provides full flexibility for those aiming for personal or professional advancement. As an Open Studies student, you can take UCalgary credit courses without being admitted into a degree program. Thinking about Open Studies? We encourage you to connect with our team to see if it’s the right path for you. Here are a few reasons you might want to explore Open Studies, grouped into three main categories:

• Degree Holders and Non-Degree Holders: If you've completed a post-secondary degree or have a blend of high school and/or post-secondary courses but no degree, Open Studies might be for you. These students aren't currently enrolled elsewhere and might explore Open Studies for professional growth, personal interests, to meet admission needs, or to benefit from the Open Studies undergraduate admission guarantee.

• Visiting Students and Visiting Student Researchers:Visiting Students and visiting student researchers are those enrolled at another university but completing work at UCalgary. Visiting students need a letter of permission from their home institution specifying approved courses and terms. Visiting researchers need a letter of support from a UCalgary supervisor describing the research project and its relevance to their home studies. This letter must be signed by the department head and detail the research dates at UCalgary. Interested? Contact your current institution’s Faculty Advisors or your proposed UCalgary supervisor.

• High School Students:High school students seeking challenges can enroll in our Dual Credit program. This allows you to earn credits for your high school diploma while taking university-level courses. Dual Credit courses prepare students for post-secondary education and ease the high school to university transition. UCalgary offers Dual Credit in subjects like Math, Psychology, Physics, Kinesiology, and English, which can also count toward undergraduate degree programs here. Attend a Calgary Board of Education school? Visit the CBE website or talk to your school counselor for more info.

Remember, students interested in Open Studies can attempt up to 36 units within this program.

Equitable and Inclusive Admission

Our Equitable and Inclusive Admission Process, acknowledges the diverse identities and backgrounds of students. This process takes into account factors that affect a student's access to education, such as social barriers and systemic discrimination. If you have been influenced by these experiences, you can choose to be evaluated under the Equitable and Inclusive Admission Process if you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person with refugee status. This information can be added in the "Additional Information" section of the application.

We encourage you to share these experiences in your application, including any extracurricular activities or work experiences. This process does not delay or negatively impact an application. When you apply through this process, UCalgary will initially evaluate your application through the competitive admissions process, followed by any relevant additional pathways. Decisions for this process are typically made between May 1st and June 30th for fall admissions.

• Undergraduate applicants submit a personal statement by March 15 for fall admissions.

• UEP and Open Studies Applicants Submit Personal Statements by August 10 (fall), December 10 (winter), April 10 (spring), June 10 (summer).

Ready to apply? Click here to complete your online application to be considered for a degree program such as multidisciplinary studies. For students who wish to apply into Open Studies, click here.

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