Moving to Second Year Class Standing
You've probably heard already.... you need to apply for a specialization (e.g. major) in the Spring after you enter second year class standing.
UBC Science runs a coordinated admissions process for BSc specializations. All majors, most combined majors, and a few honours and combined honours specializations can be applied to through the BSc Specialization Application.
While the process is multi-faceted, it doesn't need to be overly complicated. Below are the six major steps to selecting and applying for a specialization. These important milestones happen between February and June; add them to your calendar!
1. Join Us at "Beyond First Year" in late February/early March
Science advisors will walk you through what you'll need to know and complete before and during the specialization application. These workshops include an overview of what makes you eligible to apply and what you need to know to submit a successful application. Advisors will demo the application system so you know what to expect. You’ll also get a chance to ask questions. Register for Beyond First Year.
2. Learn More About Specialization Requirements
Will you have completed the required courses for the specialization(s) you're interested in by the end of term 2?
There are different specialization types: majors, combined majors, minors, honours, and more. Are you going to focus on one area or study across disciplines? You can enter a combined program (like Computer Science and a second area) but most students have one specialization (a major).
Honours specializations often require an additional application after you are established in a primary specialization (typically a major in the same discipline). The timing of when you apply for honours differs by specialization; if the honours specialization is not included in the coordinated specialization application, look on the departmental website for more details.
Applying for a second major or a minor is typically done once you have a primary specialization.
3. Check Out Experiences and Opportunities within Specializations and Beyond the Classroom
Considering your specialization options and narrowing down to your top three choices involves a bit of soul-searching, and more than a bit of planning.
Beyond important considerations like the admission requirements for each specialization, you may also want to think ahead five or so years to where your specialization might take you.
Find information about the skills and experience you'll gain within each specialization, how you can further engage with your field of studies beyond your courses, and preview related career possibilities at What can I do with my Science degree?
4. Connect with the Experts at "Meet Your Major" in March
This is the one time each year that everyone is in one place at one time. Science Advising, Departmental advisors, and senior students in each specialization are on hand to answer your questions and share their knowledge and experience.
Science Co-op and other UBC faculties that offer minors for BSc students or joint specializations also attend.
Find the details for this year's event.
5. Determine Your Top 3 Choices
When the application opens, you'll indicate and rank three specializations. You will need to meet the specialization admission requirements for each of these and you might be accepted into any one of them.
6. Apply Online In Late May
The BSc Specialization Application opens in late May. Keep up with Distillation emails for specific dates and deadlines and additional information to prepare for your application. We encourage you to apply soon after the application opens, however this does not have an impact on the evaluation of your application.
