University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) students may only register in Scarborough programs. If you are a degree student and you have at least 4.0 credits, you must register in a program or programs.
Choosing Your Program(s)
There are many factors to consider when choosing your program(s). There is not one universal ‘right’ choice; each person must look at his/her own situation and decide upon the right program options for him/her. Some of the factors to consider are:
What are you interested in?
- Studying subjects that are interesting to you means you will enjoy your time at university more, you will be more focused in your learning and probably achieve higher marks.
Where do your strengths lie?
- This means looking at where your skills lie; are you a good writer, researcher, problem solver, organizer? Are you good with numbers, creative expression, or intricate details? Assessing your strengths and understanding those required by different programs may give you some ideas as to which programs are best for you.
What courses have you done well in?
- It is important to assess this now, as you complete your first courses at university. You may have been good at a number of subjects in high school; usually, the field is narrowed down by the intensity of study at the university level. Assess what you are better at in the university setting.
Have you checked to see if enrolment in the program is limited or unlimited?
- Enrolment in some programs is limited, so you have to meet standards to gain admittance. If you do not have the required standard, you will need to choose another program of study. Please refer to the UTSC Calendar (https://utsc.calendar.utoronto.ca/) to determine if the program has prerequisites or grade requirements.
What career opportunities are available with this program?
- For many programs there are a number of career opportunities available. The answer lies not so much with the program, but with each person. What skills, interests, personal qualities and values does this person have? These factors, gathered through all your life experiences, will help you choose the career option that is right for you. If you would like to discuss your career options, phone the Academic Advising and Career Centre (AA&CC) at 416-287-7561 (Room AC213) and book an appointment with a Career Counsellor.
Why do you want this program?
- Examine why you are making this choice; look at the above factors, and ensure that your program is interesting to you, that you can succeed at it and that it offers courses and career options that are right for you.
How Do I Register in a Program?
You should begin by reading the UTSC Calendar. Read the regulations regarding Programs of Study to be aware of the various regulations regarding programs. Pay special attention to the regulations regarding the overlapping of programs. Also, review the program descriptions and requirements for the programs in which you are interested in order to familiarize yourself with the prerequisites, required courses, etc. You may register in no more than three programs including no more than two majors and/or specialist programs and you are responsible for ensuring that the courses you select will enable you to complete the requirements of your program(s) by the time you complete your other degree requirements. Be sure to consult your supervisor of each program if you have any issues fitting in your program requirements.
Admission Criteria for Limited Enrolment Programs
Some programs such as the Specialist Programs in Management, Specialist and Major Program in Economics for Management Studies, Specialist and Major Programs in Biology, Specialist and Major Program in Sociology, as well as the co-operative and joint programs have limited enrolment. Admissions criteria vary for these programs so check the specific information for the program in which you are interested. If you are eligible for, and interested in applying to, a limited enrolment program, you must apply by the deadline as published in the UTSC Registration Guide http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/registrar/unlimited-and-limited-programs
Use the Career Centre Resources and Services
- Use the Career Centre library located in the AA&CC (Room AC213) for descriptions of different careers, their educational requirements, and potential employment opportunities.
- Review the Career Options by Program tip sheets available on the AA&CC website
- Talk to people in your field of interest; find them by reviewing profiles on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) & Ten thousand coffees (http://tenthousandcoffees.com).
- Connect with senior students or review student program testimonials on the AA&CC website
- Explore the field through job shadowing experiences.
- Peruse the volunteer listings and part-time and summer jobs on CLN to find opportunities to build relevant skills.
Attend the Choosing Your Program Fair
Throughout March the AA&CC coordinates events to help you explore UTSC programs. Program representatives will be at the Choosing Your Program Fair to discuss the information you will need to know about potential programs. Most students, however, need to explore the range of programs available at UTSC. They should talk to as many program representatives as possible—and seek advice and information in the AA&CC.
Sample Questions to Ask Program Supervisors
- What types of skills do I need to succeed at this program?
- What are the career opportunities for graduates of this program?
- May I take one or more program courses on the St. George or Mississauga campuses?
- Are there any electives which would complement this program?
- Have I taken all of the necessary pre-requisite courses? Which courses should I take first?
- Will I need strong math skills to cope well in this subject? Are there resources to assist me with these skills?
- Will I have much interaction with other students in group projects or is this self-directed study? Are there opportunities/requirements to speak or do oral reports? Will I need any design sense to complete projects and assignments?
- Is basic computer literacy expected/will I need more advanced skills to compete effectively with others?
- Should I complete a Major/Specialist program? What is the difference between Minor, Major & Specialist Programs?
- How do the courses prepare me for my co-op work terms?
- Are there any community or extra-curricular activities that might benefit me in my chosen program of study?
- Will I need to consider graduate or professional school once I complete my undergraduate degree?
- What program do I need to get into graduate school? What grades do I need to qualify for graduate school?