Program Overview

North American Studies (BA in Combination)

The North American Studies program is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on the historical, cultural, political, and economic aspects of North America. Students will study one of four key areas: business and economy, culture and identity, public policy, or Indigenous Peoples.

Program Details

Degree Highlights

• Innovative Curriculum: The program stands out as the first of its kind in Ontario, providing a comprehensive exploration of North America's diverse aspects and Canada's unique role within the continent.
• Customize Your Degree: The program is paired with other Bachelor of Arts programs, allowing students to enhance their major by combining it with programs like Communication Studies, English, Film Studies, Global Studies, or Women and Gender Studies.
• Pathway to an MBA: Students can begin their North American Studies program with a conditional offer for Laurier's full-time Master of Business Administration program, featuring a six-year pathway that includes four years in the BA program and two years in the MBA program.
• Accelerate Your Degree: Students can fast-track their future by completing their degree in just three years, working with their Academic Advisor and taking courses during summer semesters.

Top Experiences

• Apply to Co-op: Students can combine their North American Studies program with a program that offers co-op, applying for co-op at the end of their first year.
• Study Abroad: Students can complete an academic term with international university partners in the United States or Mexico.
• Join a Research Collective: Students can get involved in the Laurier Centre for the Study of Canada, participating in faculty-led research and learning about research and assistantship opportunities in North American Studies.
• Ensure a Supportive Start: Students can ease their transition into university with first-year courses that help build foundations for academic success.

Courses, Options, and Pathways

Courses

The program offers a range of courses, including:

• Introductory French
• One Planet, Many Worlds
• Studying Popular Culture
• Canadian Communication in Context
• Politics Beyond Borders
• Canadian Identities and Cultures
• Managing Borders and Boundaries in North America
• North American: Business and Society
• Canadian-American Relations
• Indigenous Peoples and Public Policy

Program Options

The program must be completed in combination with another Bachelor of Arts program. Students can pair their studies with programs like:

• Ancient Studies
• Archeology and Heritage Studies
• English
• Film Studies
• Global Studies
• History
• Philosophy
• Political Science

Options and Minors

• Management Option: Students can add management-specific education to their degree, including courses covering core pillars of business and economics.
• Other Options and Minors: Students can explore other academic opportunities, such as: 젨- Global Studies Minor 젨- History Minor 젨- International Public Policy Option 젨- Legal Studies Option 젨- Management Option 젨- North American Studies Minor 젨- Research Specialization

Admissions

Format and Duration

• Format: Full-time or part-time
• Duration: Four years
• Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)

How to Apply

Students can apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), selecting North American Studies as their subject of major interest and choosing their desired program enhancement.

Admission Requirements

• Ontario High School Admission Requirements: 젨- Average admission range: Mid 70s 젨- English at 60%
• Canadian Admission Requirements (Outside of Ontario): Students applying from outside Ontario should review course equivalents by province.
• International Admission Requirements: 젨- Average admission range: Mid 70s 젨- Senior or grade 12 English at 60%
• English-Proficiency Requirement: Students must provide evidence of English proficiency, with some exceptions for those who have completed recent education in English.

Transfer Admission Requirements

Students applying from another post-secondary institution should review transfer-specific requirements, which may include block transfer agreements for college graduates.

Career Options

Graduates of the North American Studies program can pursue various career paths, including:

• Cultural affairs officer
• Demographer
• Diplomat
• Immigration officer
• International business consultant
• Market research analyst
• Political correspondent
• Public policy analyst