U of R launches new three-year bachelor’s of arts and science degree

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Students who have an affinity for multidisciplinary studies are more likely to benefit from the integration within this new program.

In March, the Faculties of Arts Science and Media, Art, and Performance (MAP) launched a new undergraduate program that now gives students the option to study in all three faculties for their degrees.

The new three-year bachelor’s degree in arts and science (BA&SC) bridges the gap between STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and the liberal and creative arts.

Students who have an affinity for multidisciplinary studies are more likely to benefit from the integration within this new program. The degree is open to both domestic and international students, who will develop their skills in math and sciences as well as communications, literacy and creative arts. Students in the Arts, Science or MAP faculties can already register for this program and start their classes in the upcoming spring/summer semester.

The Carillon had the chance to connect with Dr Susan Johnston, associate dean (Undergraduate) in the Faculty of Media, Art, and Performance as well as professor in the department of history to get her take on the topic.

When asked about the inspiration behind the inauguration of this program, Johnston highlighted the pressing need for institutions to widen their scope and deepen their focus in a constantly evolving world.

”Our most pressing challenges—from climate change and pandemics to political extremism and artificial intelligence—require tools and methods from both the arts and sciences and [which both] lead to careers in emergent fields,” she said.

Johnston said the three-year degree helps students who are short on time and finances and who want a “multidisciplinary degree which will empower them to engage in matters at the intersection of the human, creative and natural sciences.”

One of only a few programs of its kind in Canada, the BA&Sc will equip students with the skills to shape their future and thrive in a world that values both creativity and technical expertise, Johnston continued. Students will choose their faculty—Arts, Science or MAP, and then “enjoy the freedom to select from hundreds of courses, research opportunities, and experiences such as study abroad.”

“Instead of a more siloed approach to their education and support systems, [students will] have access to all the supports of each constituent faculty, which represent together over 40 per cent of the undergraduates on campus,” Johnston continued.

Students can have minors or concurrent certificates along with their degree, but specialization isn’t required and is, Johnston said, a core strength of the program. A certificate program usually comprises of ten courses but depending on the courses already taken, students can adjust their electives accordingly.

Johnston explained that students can even ladder up to a traditional bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree through the BA&SC three-year degree program.

“The program has also been designed to allow students to transfer into a traditional BA or BSc and declare a major. The best transfer point into a traditional four- year degree in arts, MAP or science would be at or before 60 credit hours.”

When asked about what she envisions for this arts and science degree and what impact it will have on the campus community, Johnston said it’s too early to predict numbers but feedback from advisors and students has been promising.

“We expect a healthy cohort by the end of the first year,” she said.