Program Overview

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Bachelor of Arts Degree

The Bachelor of Arts degree offers flexibility in studying various subjects, making it an ideal choice for those considering further education in law, education, business, or pursuing a master's degree. This degree allows students to gain expertise in their chosen major while acquiring a broad knowledge base in multiple subjects. It is an excellent way to become a free thinker and lifelong learner.

What is a Bachelor of Arts Degree?

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) is a university degree focusing on subjects within the liberal arts, humanities, social sciences, languages, and culture, and fine arts. Typically, it is the first degree earned at university after completing high school and usually takes three to four years to complete. Many programs offer flexibility in choosing courses to suit individual interests.

What Do You Study in a Bachelor of Arts?

Study What You Love

Many BA programs are highly flexible, allowing students to study a range of subjects or focus on one or two subjects. Students typically have a "major" or main subject of interest, with a large portion of their courses in that subject. However, they also have the freedom to take courses in other subjects to build important skills like critical thinking and research.

Customize Your Bachelor of Arts

If students have multiple subjects they are passionate about, many programs allow them to choose two majors (a double major) and/or a minor. A minor is a subject requiring fewer courses than a major but still demonstrates a strong level of knowledge in that subject. Students will have an advisor to help select courses and any minors or specializations they wish to pursue.

What Majors Can You Choose in a Bachelor of Arts Degree?

Majors can range from anthropology to women's studies, depending on the university. At Waterloo, most Arts majors are offered by the Faculty of Arts, but the Faculty of Health also offers three Bachelor of Arts degrees. Some of the available majors include:

• Anthropology
• Classical Studies
• Communication Studies
• Economics
• English
• Fine Arts
• French
• Gender and Social Justice
• History
• Legal Studies
• Medieval Studies
• Music
• Peace and Conflict Studies
• Philosophy
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Recreation, Leadership, and Health
• Religion, Culture, and Spirituality
• Sexualities, Relationships, and Families
• Social Development Studies
• Sociology
• Sport and Recreation Management
• Theatre and Performance
• Therapeutic Recreation

Careers

With a Bachelor of Arts degree, students have a wide range of career opportunities in business, theatre, education, recreation, tech, writing, history, design, and more. Arts graduates have pursued careers as archeologists, interior designers, financial planners, writers, CEOs, animation artists, political leaders, teachers, marketing directors, translators, Academy Award winners, music therapists, child care workers, intelligence officers, lawyers, nurses, poets, and stage managers.

Co-op = Relevant Paid Work Experience

Through Waterloo's co-op program, students can explore potential jobs and gain experience. They can also take their degree further to law, med school, an MBA, or graduate school.

Common Questions About Bachelor of Arts Degrees

How Long is a BA Program?

It normally takes three or four years to complete a BA degree as a full-time student. Many universities also offer part-time degrees, with the completion time depending on the number of courses taken each term.

What Are the Prerequisites?

For many BA programs, students need a Grade 12 English or equivalent. However, admission requirements vary by program and university, and more specialized programs may require high school courses in other subjects.

What Does Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Mean?

An honours degree, which normally takes four years to complete, requires more courses and a higher average than a general degree, which can be three or four years in length. At some universities, students "graduate with honours," meaning they graduate with an impressively high grade point average.

What is the Abbreviation for an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree?

The common abbreviations are BA or HBA.

What Financial Aid is Available?

First-year students are eligible for several entrance scholarships. Once enrolled, there are many upper-year scholarships, bursaries, and awards available.

How Much Does a BA Cost?

Tuition for Arts programs at Waterloo is about $9,000 a year, plus books and supplies. Students can estimate their total first-year costs using the university's cost calculator, with Honours Arts being a good program to use as an example.