FAS leadership is sharing information on the initiative to increase awareness and understanding among students, staff, and faculty members on how this initiative will impact student's options and opportunities, as outlined below in the section on benefits to students and FAS.
The Modular Degree Framework Proposal
FAS has proposed a change to the plan structure for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Bachelor of Computing (Honours), and Bachelor of Science (Honours) degrees, moving to a Modular Degree Framework. This Framework offers students the option of completing different combinations of modular degree plans from more than one area of study to complete their degree requirements. General Bachelor's degrees will remain unchanged as standalone 3-year degrees.
The move to the Modular Degree Framework for honours degrees comprises two principal changes:
- There will be three new modular degree plans offered to students: Specialization; Double Major; and Major plus a Minor. While the Specialization can be a standalone degree, it can become a modular degree if students choose to add a minor. The Double Major and Major plus a Minor degrees are modular as students complete major and minor degrees from more than one area of study to complete the degree requirements. Students can choose to add a second minor to the Major plus Minor combination.
- Stand alone degree = plan + electives
- Modular degree = plan + plan (+ plan) + electives
- To facilitate the move to the Modular Degree Framework, there will be fewer credits (fewer classes) required for the Specialization, Major, and Minor plans. The modular framework proposes that a Major will be a minimum of 48.0 units in a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (BAH) degree, and a minimum of 60.0 units in a Bachelor of Computing and Science (Honours) (BScH) degree. A Minor on the Arts side will comprise a minimum of 24.0 units, while the Science side will comprise a minimum of 30.0 units. Specializations will have a minimum of 60.0 units and a recommended maximum of 84.0 units. The overall degree requirement of 120 credits will remain unchanged.
Benefits to Students and FAS
The move to the Modular Degree Framework will have a positive impact on the student experience in Arts and Science, as it responds to student demand for flexibility and the ability to access and combine a range of subjects within their degree.
Students will benefit from more choice and range in their academic journey.
Students will have more flexibility to design and pursue their own learning journeys, with the option of completing different combinations of modular degree plans from more than one area of study to complete their degree requirements. It also provides students more timetable space to add more minors as well as elective courses to their study plans.
Moving to a Modular Degree Framework will bring FAS into better alignment with peer institutions in the U6 group of research universities (University of Toronto, Western University, McMaster University, University of Ottawa, and University of Waterloo). Students will be given recognition at Queen's for the same work as students at other institutions, such as the University of Toronto and several other Ontario universities, enabling them to earn degrees that are competitive and comparable.
By pursuing their own learning journeys and having a range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary subjects, breadth of studies, and additional credentials, students will be better prepared to enter the workforce or for further study in graduate or professional programs.
As a minor in FAS will only be 24.0 credits, they will be more accessible to students from other faculties, which promotes interdisciplinary and community among Queen's students.
The move to the Framework leans into the strengths and diversity of FAS, as an integrated faculty with more than 30 programs under one umbrella, by encouraging multidisciplinary degree combinations.
Plan Selection/Change of Plan Processes
Current students may select new modular plans starting in May 2025. The proposed modular framework is flexible and will ensure students have options to choose from.
Current first year students entering second year in the 2025-26 academic year will select modular plans in May 2025, during the Plan Selection period.
Current second year students entering third year and third year students entering fourth year (but not graduating) in the 2025-26 academic year can choose to remain in their current plans or to change to a new modular plan during the plan change period in May, although plan accessibility and choice will vary department by department.
Students graduating in Spring / Fall 2025 will receive degrees as per the plans in which they are enrolled. There will be no changes for them.
For more information, please visit the Plan Selection and Change of Plan pages.
