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Office of the Registrar

Choosing a Program

Program Combinations

When you are expecting to complete 4 credits at the end of your current semester, you will need to declare your program of study on ACORN. You are encouraged to select the program or combination of programs that suit your academic interests:

  • 1 specialist program or
  • 2 major programs or
  • 1 major + 2 minors

A specialist program provides you with an in-depth, focused, and sophisticated understanding of a subject. Provides between 12-16 of your total 20 credits needed to graduate.

A major program is designed to provide you with a concentrated understanding of an academic field. This provides you the opportunity to combine multiple programs across the arts, sciences, or economics. It is not enough to study one major program and earn your degree, so you will be expected to combine your major with an additional major program, or two minors. Of the 20 credits that you will need to graduate, one major program can satisfy between 7-9 credits, depending on the program.

A minor program gives you the flexibility to diversify your academic portfolio. It will introduce you to a subject area, and allow you to augment skills that can be applied to other fields. One minor will provide 4-5 credits of your total 20 credits needed to graduate.

Choose Your Program on ACORN

  1. Determine whether your program is limited or unlimited. Apply for a limited program by the deadline, or enrol in an unlimited program at any time.
  2. Login to ACORN.
  3. Under the Academics menu, click on "Enrol & Manage" and select "Programs".
  4. In the search box, type in the program name, select the appropriate UTSC program.

Changing Your Program

As you progress through the semester, it's normal to consider changing your program. There's no rule that indicates that your program selection is set in stone, and you do not have to make a decision on your own! Chat with your Program Advisor, or an Academic & Learning Strategist at the Academic Advising & Career Centre for guidance.

How will a program change impact your graduation eligibility?

Before you make any changes, you can see how your graduation eligibility will be assessed on Degree Explorer by doing a hypothetical evaluation of a program you're thinking of enrolling into. Use Degree Explorer to help you determine how many additional credits you will need, and the impact that changing your program may have.

Changing your program on ACORN

  1. Determine whether your program is limited or unlimited.
  2. Login to ACORN.
  3. Under the Academics menu, click on "Enrol & Manage" and select "Programs".
  4. Click the gear icon on the top right hand corner of the program you want to drop.
  5. Select "Remove Program" from the drop-down menu that appears, and confirm your selection.
  6. In the search box, type in your program name, select the appropriate UTSC program, and confirm your selection.