Who is eligible to apply for a BSc specialization?
BSc students in 2nd or 3rd-year class standing without a specialization are required to apply for a specialization through the coordinated process. Students eligible to apply are notified by email in advance of the opening of the application. Please be sure to check the email you use for official UBC communication to be informed about what actions you need to take.
When do I apply?
The BSc specialization application process occurs annually in May and June.
What should I know about the BSc specialization application if I am a transfer student?
If you are a transfer student, you will apply to a specialization in your first year attending UBC if you are in 2nd or 3rd-year class standing based on your completed transferrable course work. If you are in 1st-year class standing, you must complete the coursework required to be promoted to 2nd-year class standing before you can apply for a specialization. Please read the transfer student Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.
How does the process work?
In Round 1, applications are considered in descending order of each applicant’s most recent winter session average (for continuing students) or admission average (for transfer students). Students are placed into their first-choice specialization (so long as they meet the eligibility requirements), as long as there's still room in that specialization. If there isn't space in a student’s first choice, we move to their second choice and do the same evaluation. If there isn’t room in their second choice, we review their third choice.
Some specializations consider students’ rank choice and/or specific course grades. Additionally, specializations may admit a small portion of their students with a random draw. For example, the Major in Mathematics considers choice rank of the Major in Mathematics and grades in MATH courses. The BSc Specialization Requirements list this information, where applicable.
We’re able to place the vast majority of students into one of their three choices in Round 1. To increase the likelihood you are placed into one of your three choices, be sure to select specializations for which you meet the criteria. If you’re not placed in one of your three choices in Round 1, we’ll reach out via email regarding Round 2 of the application. It’s important that you check your email and respond quickly—Round 2 is based on a first-come, first-served basis.
What average do I need for each specialization?
The Faculty of Science provides historical BSc specialization admission information to help students with their BSc Specialization Admission application. Exact future admission averages cannot be predicted since they vary due to shifts in students’ interests, changes in the number of available spaces in a specialization, and other factors.
When will I know the outcome of my application?
Roughly three weeks after the application has closed, you’ll receive an email directing you to log into Workday Student to view your assigned specialization.
Can I change my application after I’ve submitted it?
No. Please ensure you have done the recommended research about your choices and are confident you have submitted choices for which you are eligible.
What happens if I don’t apply for a specialization?
Eligible students are required to apply for a specialization. Students with specializations experience the following advantages:
- Since departments prioritize course seats for students in their own specializations, students without a specialization may have a harder time getting into some courses.
- Only students with specializations may apply to departmental specialization admission processes. For example, you cannot apply to some honours programs without an existing specialization.
Having a specialization is important for degree progression. It is significantly in your best interest to apply through the specialization application to have the best access to the specialization options, as well as to ensure you can progress as expected in your degree. Students with 48 or more attempted credits who do not participate in Round 1 or 2 of the application will be placed into a specialization determined by the Faculty of Science before winter session registration opens in July.