A Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Arts and Science degree encompasses a variety of programs and departments. ArtSci students can customize their degree to their interests in nearly any field from the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. The following range of degree concentrations are available:
- Major concentration with a minor concentration
- Double major concentration
- Major concentration with a double minor concentration
Major concentrations are the main focus of an ArtSci degree and require 12 courses, whereas minor concentrations are secondary areas of specialization and only require 6 courses. ArtSci students can design their degree concentration to include any of the following programs.
In the Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Earth & Environmental Science
- Economics
- Mathematics & Statistics
- Physics
In the Arts
- Communication, Media and Film
- Criminology
- Dramatic Arts
- English
- French Studies
- History
- Languages, Literatures and Cultures
- Music
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Psycology
- Sociology
- Visual Arts
- Women’s & Gender Studies
Degree Planning
For future ArtSci students, please refer to the Admission Requirements for further information on how to enter the program.
For current and incoming students, below is more information on how to organize and plan your courses to fulfill the requirements for your concentrations, along with what you can expect during each year of the program.
Welcome to the Interdisciplinary Arts and Science program!
Planning Your Courses
This program offers the benefit of a customized schedule. To determine which classes best suit your academic journey, we recommend starting by filling out the ArtSci advising sheet. You can save a copy to your student OneDrive. This will help you organize which courses you need for your degree.
You are also encouraged to seek advising from the Program Chair and the Central Advising Office as you decide on your concentrations and choose courses.
You can find the courses required for your concentration by consulting the Undergraduate Academic Calendar. Under each discipline mentioned in the table above, there will be an Interdisciplinary Arts and Science section detailing the required classes. Pay attention to the prerequisites for future courses to plan your journey accordingly. Once you have declared your concentrations, you can also refer to the Academic Progress section in the student’s UWinsite portal.
Enrolling in a Class
To enroll in a class, please refer to the Registration Information page for guidance on registration through the UWinsite portal.
Declaring Your Concentrations
At the end of the first year of your undergraduate journey, declare your concentrations through the Office of the Registrar. IMPORTANT: Some classes within certain disciplines will not allow enrollment unless your concentration has been declared. It is strongly recommended that you declare your concentration before selecting your courses for the second year.
These years are dedicated to completing the courses required for your declared concentrations and for your ArtSci degree.
If core courses, such as the ARSC classes, are available, it is advisable to take them when offered, as some are not available every year.
By the end of third year, students should ideally have a general idea of their thesis topic and begin looking for a thesis supervisor. It is recommended to secure one before the start of the fourth year.
Students complete a research project in their final year of the ArtSci program. The project may focus on any topic of interest, including but not limited to those related to a student's major concentration(s). Students are encouraged to select a project relevant to their post-university goals, one that can be discussed in graduate school applications and/or job interviews.
For the research project, students must connect with a suitable faculty advisor and enroll in a 6.00-credit, two-semester research course. Students will then present their research in a public setting or during the end-of-year celebration. The research project provides an opportunity to work closely with a faculty supervisor to explore a chosen topic, offering a capstone research experience that will strengthen graduate applications and prepare students for their future endeavors. Finally, be sure to check out some additional programs available to complement your final year of study:
Note: Students should consult with the Interdisciplinary Arts and Science program chair when registering for their chosen research project course.