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May 06, 2026
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2026-2027 Undergraduate Academic Calendar
Bachelor of Arts, General
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General information
Pursuing the Bachelor of Arts, General degree entails deepening one’s capacity for effective communication, incisive analysis, creative thinking and critical self-reflection. It is not just a university graduate’s overall sum of knowledge, but the capacity to increase, deepen, distribute and apply that knowledge, which matters most in an ever-changing world. Preparing students to flourish in their personal and professional lives informs the holistic, interdisciplinary, inquiry-driven approach of the General program. Creating awareness and compassion, fostering civic engagement and nurturing the needs of the whole student are central to the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities’ mission to equip students with the intellectual and interpersonal skills they need to excel in all facets of life. Building on the disciplinary strengths of the university as a whole—and the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities in particular—Bachelor of Arts, General enables students to pursue their academic interests and professional aspirations beyond the disciplinary confines of other programs. The General degree program grants students the flexibility to decide which courses to take among the fascinating array of offerings at the university. The Bachelor of Arts, General program may be completed fully online if the necessary courses are offered. Not all specializations will include courses that are offered fully online in every year. Selected courses are normally offered online. Please see the FSSH website for more information. Science, Technology and Society specialization
Science, Technology and Society is an interdisciplinary field of study that explores the complex and dynamic relationships between science, technology, and society. It explores how scientific discoveries, technological innovations and their applications impact our society, culture, politics, ethics, and everyday lives. In this specialization, students gain a depth and breadth of theoretical and methodological knowledge of science, technology and society, apply it by analyzing and communicating about how science, technology and society intersect and interact, and reflect upon the ever-evolving interplay between science and technology on one side and societal institutions, values, norms, and practices on the other. By doing so, students hone knowledge, ethical frameworks and skills needed to understand the social shaping, uses and impacts of science and technology in relation to the dynamics of economic, political, environmental and cultural change. Based in the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Science, Technology and Society is an interdisciplinary specialization that empowers students to explore how science and technology shape and are shaped by society, past and present. Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship specialization
This Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship specialization is designed for students interested in making a difference. It is particularly suited for those looking at pursuing a career within the area of social entrepreneurship, and becoming social innovators in their respective fields. Whether they are looking to create or join a socially conscious start-up, or lead innovative projects within a nonprofit organization, the program will provide students with the tools to excel within a socially conscious organization. Through the use of multiple learning methods, students will have the opportunity to develop and cultivate the skills required to address a host of social problems such as social inequality and sustainability. Admission requirements
Admission is competitive. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria including school marks, distribution of subjects taken, and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.
Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M credits including English (ENG4U). All other applicants should refer to admissions for the requirements for their specific category of admission. Note: Students intending to take Science courses as part of their Bachelor of Arts, General program are strongly recommended to have Advanced Functions (MHF4U), and two of Biology (SBI4U), Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U) or Physics (SPH4U).
Practicum
A limited number of fourth-year students are granted an opportunity to participate in a learning experience with a community organization. The Practicum course consists of 100 hours of fieldwork, in-class seminars, and a set of academic assignments. As part of the pre-practicum process, students will be required to acquire a Vulnerable Sector check. For additional information, please refer to the course description for SSCI 4098U . Co-operative Education in the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities
Co-operative education is one experiential learning option offered in FSSH in selected programs. All undergraduate FSSH students participating in the Co-op program are governed by the FSSH Co-operative Education Policy. Students in the co-op program who successfully complete at least three work terms will graduate with the Co-operative Education designation on their degree parchments. The FSSH co-op education model has been designed to conform to the Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL). Full-time students apply to the co-op program directly from high school and must successfully complete their first year at Ontario Tech University in clear standing. They should meet the following criteria to apply for the Co-operative Education Program: - Have completed first year with a minimum cGPA of 2.7.
- Be returning to full-time studies after completing the co-op work term.
- No hold on their account with the university.
- Be legally entitled to work in Canada.
Information on the application process and administrative fees are available from the Co-op office. Degree and major requirements
To be eligible for the Bachelor or Arts, General (Honours) degree, students must meet both the degree requirements and requirements of the major as outlined below for a total of 120 credits. Each year prior to course registration, the order and timing of course offerings will be released by the faculty and communicated to students. Although reasonable efforts will be made to adhere to the Bachelor of Arts, General program major and major specialization maps, course requirements and term offerings may change. Required courses for all Bachelor of Arts, General students (12 credit hours)
Bachelor of Arts, General major [108 credit hours]
Students are required to complete 108 credit hours from any program. At least 36 credit hours should be at the 3000- and 4000-level. Note: A maximum of 42 credit hours of 1000-level courses are permitted. SSCI 2000U – Introduction to Social Science, Humanities and Arts should be completed in the second year of study. It is the student’s responsibility to check carefully for prerequisites, co-requisites and enrolment restrictions. Students should note that not all courses listed are available each year and all courses have enrolment capacities. Students are strongly encouraged to seek guidance from their Faculty Advisor or the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities to ensure they are meeting all enrolment requirements. Bachelor of Arts, General major with Science, Technology and Society specialization [108 credit hours]
Bachelor of Arts, General major with Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship specialization [108 credit hours]
SSCI 4101U and SSCI 4102U Honours Thesis I and II
In order to be considered for the Honours Thesis I , students must apply during their sixth semester to begin their Honours Thesis I in semester seven. The course application must include a detailed statement of intent outlining the methodology, theoretical significance and the projected timelines for completion of the project. To proceed to Honours Thesis II , a student must have successfully completed Honours Thesis I with a minimum A-minus and prepare a written statement outlining the projected timelines for completion of the project. Please note: only a limited number of applicants will be admitted to the Honours Thesis. Consent is required from both the instructor and the dean. Program learning outcomes
The following outcomes outline the knowledge and skills students will have achieved upon completion of the program. |
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