How to study multiple interests at university

Use minors to broaden your interests

Minors don’t have to be related to your major. You can pursue a minor in something that you took a course in and fell in love with, or you could pursue a minor in something you’re really good at!

For example, you can combine subjects in the Faculties of Health, Arts, Environment, Mathematics, and Science.

Other ways to customize your degree

Options and specializations

If you want to go deeper into your program, you can often choose options and specializations. These are sets of courses inside your major that let you dig deeper.

Options are normally open to students registered in the same faculty that offers the option. Specializations are normally open to students within a specific program.

You could major in English and add a Digital Media Studies specialization or choose a Recreation major with the Tourism option.

The faculties of Engineering, Health, and Science list options and specializations for their programs. Students in the Faculty of Environment can add a Business option to their degree.

Double majors or joint honours

The most intensive way to specialize is to do a double major or joint honours. Available in a number of programs, these allow you to really focus on two major subjects of interest. Nearly all of your courses would be in your two majors.

In first year, you would start taking courses in both subjects. It's a good idea to chat with the advisor for your program to get help in planning which courses you'll take when.

International exchanges

• Earn credit towards your Waterloo degree while discovering the culture of another country.
• Gain new perspectives, become more independent, and show yourself (and future employers) that you can step outside your comfort zone.
• Have fun and make friends from around the world.
• Travel and fulfill your wanderlust!

Study abroad opportunities →

So once you’ve taken a couple of courses and know you want to add a minor, specialization, option, or double major, you have to add it to , usually at the end of first year. (FYI: You declare your major and minor so Waterloo knows what to put on your degree.)

How do you do that? Easy!

“Your first stop anything about your degree would be the undergraduate office in your faculty,” says Devon. “Advisors there can help with selecting courses, adding a minor or specialization, and ensuring you're taking the courses you need to graduate."

Then you just have to make sure you select the courses you need each year to meet the requirements. Your program advisor can help when you get to university and can definitely get you started.

Changing your mind

You might take some courses in your major, minor, or specialization and find that it's not really what you want. You almost always have choices to switch or change. You know what I’m going to say: just go see your advisor to figure out what you should do.

So when you get to Waterloo, explore your options. Find something you’re passionate about, and look into ways to make degree as unique as you are!

Explore your interests with extracurriculars

Outside of the classroom, extracurricular activities can be a fun way to explore your interests and add valuable skills. For example, joining a student association or student design team can give you experience with marketing, writing financial reports, building models, or writing software.

Many programs allow you to pursue a year-long project in fourth year on a topic of personal interest. This can be a great opportunity to realize focus your studies.

Some faculties (including Science and Engineering) also provide opportunities to work with professors on research during the school year.

What do students say about their minors?

Matthew – Honours French, English minor

A minor distinguishes you from everyone else. It shows that you walked the extra mile to accomplish it, and it gives you better opportunities in your life.

You can follow multiple passions or something else that would be beneficial for you in the future.

Holly – Honours Psychology, Sociology minor

I chose Sociology as a minor because I wanted to learn about groups, not just individuals. And I'm really interested in criminology and I wanted to learn about it from both perspectives.

Questions about customizing your degree?

Learn about Waterloo's programs as well as minors available to all students.

If you have questions about combining areas of interest, contact the recruitment co-ordinator for your faculty or program.