Majors and minors

Female student sitting in class.

Many students change their mind about what to major in. That’s why we have you declare your major at the end of first year for Honours Arts and for Honours Arts and Business. You'll have time to explore before committing to a major.

In second year, when you make a decision about a major, you can add an optional double major, minor, or specialization. Your academic advisor can help you make these decisions.

The 29 majors you choose from are:

Anthropology
Classical Studies (or Classics)
Communication Studies* (or Communication Arts and Design Practice)
Economics
English (choose Literature, Literature and Rhetoric, or Rhetoric, Media, and Professional Communication)
Fine Arts (choose Studio Practice or Visual Culture)

*previously Speech Communication for incoming fall 2020 and earlier

**also available as an entry program

Auditions for Fine Arts, Music, or Theatre and Performance

In Fine Arts, you’re not required to submit a portfolio until the end of your first year, when you declare your major. You develop your portfolio in your first-year classes.
In Music, auditions for first-year Music studio courses take place during fall orientation and the first week of class in winter. If you’re interested in Music as a major for second year, however, you may attend early auditions in March for Music studio courses. The Music Department will help you with the details. Non-studio music classes do not require an audition.
In Theatre and Performance auditions for advanced acting classes are usually held the first week of each term.

Double major

If at the end of first year you would like to combine two major study areas, pursuing an Honours double major may be the solution. At Waterloo, almost any two Honours Arts majors can be combined. Also, many Honours Arts majors can be combined with a number of honours majors offered in other faculties. Arts students who wish to pursue an Honours major with another faculty should refer to available Arts academic plans in the Undergraduate Calendar. If you're interested in doing two majors, consult with your academic advisor during first year. Each major in Arts is 16 courses and the Bachelor of Arts degree requires 40 overall courses.

Minors

Pursuing a minor allows you to complete a group of courses in specific study areas, though your major remains your primary area of study. Once you're in second year, you can pursue a minor in most Arts major disciplines or in many disciplines in other faculties. When you're ready to add a minor, you'll complete a plan modification form. Minors in Arts are optional and require 8 courses.

Minors offered by the Faculty of Arts: