What is a double major?
A double major consists of one bachelor’s degree with TWO full undergraduate specializations. A student who double-majors completes all the degree requirements in two separate programs whereas a single major student completes requirements for only one. With careful planning, a double major can be completed in the same time frame as a single major and at no additional cost.
Is the York World Scholars program right for me?
Are you intellectually curious, passionate about more than one subject? Do you have an appetite for challenging assumptions and questioning conventional wisdom? Are you equally competent in both math and the social science/humanities? Are you looking for ways to combine the theoretical and practical? Have you been thinking about ways to enhance your career prospects? Then a double major is right for you!
What advantages will a double major give me?
It will open a world of opportunities you may not have thought of.
You can pursue post-graduate work in either field.
It will differentiate you from your peers and help you stay competitive in the workforce.
It will lead you to new discoveries and new connections between disciplines.
It will immerse you in a rich intellectual dialogue that will expand your world view and the view of others around you.
A double major can help you become a more flexible, adaptable and creative problem solver.
Are there any additional costs in comparison to a single Major?
No. There are no additional fees charged for students in a double major.
Can I work while I study?
Yes, international students can work both on and off campus. York International – our primary support office for all visiting international students – has details on their website. Keep in mind immigration requirements.
What program options are available?
For the inaugural session of the York World Scholars program, the following double major combinations are available:
Economics and Political Science
Finance and Business Economics
Cognitive Science and Information Technology
English and Professional Writing
Human Rights & Equity Studies and Anthropology
Sociology/Geography and Urban Studies
International Development Studies and Geography
History and Political Science
We will offer additional combinations in future but for this application cycle, program choices are limited to the suite of selections above.
What are the requirements for a Double Major?
A double major is an honours degree usually requiring 120 credits broken down as follows:
General Education credits 21
Major credit requirement for 2 Majors 96
York World Scholars capstone 3
Total number of credits required 120
Note that a typical half-year course is 3 credits.
How many students will be recruited to the program?
In our inaugural year, we will admit 50 students.
What are the entrance requirements?
You must meet York’s international admission requirements, found here: futurestudents.yorku.ca/requirements/international
Are scholarships available?
Yes, students admitted to the YWS program may be eligible to receive two scholarships:
Inaugural York World Scholars Scholarship
The top 3 inaugural York World Scholars will receive one year’s tuition support (Value: $20,000 CDN). To be eligible for one of these scholarships, you must submit the OUAC application and both statements of interest no later than April 20, 2016.
Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies International Student Entrance Scholarship
As a York World Scholar applicant you will be automatically considered for the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies International Student Entrance Scholarship. Eligible candidates with a Grade Point Average (GPA) between 90% and 94.9% will receive $2,000; candidates with a GPA of 95% or higher will receive $3000.
Scholarships will be awarded based on your final entering grade point average and your written statements of interest.
How can I apply?
Applying to the YWS program is a two-step process:
1. International applicants can apply through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) (if they are interested in applying to other Ontario Universities)
OR
they can use the York online application (if they are interested in applying to York only).
When submitting the OUAC application, you will choose your FIRST major. See the program list above for choices and use the Program Search (http://futurestudents.yorku.ca/program-search) to learn more about your program.
2. After submitting the OUAC application, we require two statements of interest.
a. A statement of 400 words describing the double major combination you have chosen and why.
b. A statement of 200 words explaining who you envision yourself to be in the next five years.
Submit these statements to yws@yorku.ca in pdf format.
What happens after I apply?
The Office of Admissions will assess your application. If you are admitted, we will inform you of the decision by email. You can also check the status of your application on MyFile (yorku.ca/myfile). Be sure to submit all required documents so that your application is processed efficiently.
By May 20, 2016, we will inform you whether you have been admitted to the YWS program and whether you qualify for a scholarship.
You must accept your offer no later than June 15, 2016.
I got accepted to York but not to the YWS program. Can I still come?
Yes! You can still pursue a double major program or choose a single major instead.
I have questions. Who do I contact?
We have a dedicated team available to respond to your questions about the York World Scholar program:
Mathew Harper, Director Strategic Enrolment Management, Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, York University.
Professor Narda Razack, Associate Dean, Global & Community Engagement, Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, York University.
Email us at yws@yorku.ca. We will respond within 48 hours.
