Change of Plan

Eligibility

Some students should NOT request a change of program/plan through this process:

Upper-year students who would simply like to drop the minor component of their plan. Instead, send an email to asc.studentservices@queensu.ca including full name, student number, current degree/plans, and confirmation of the request being made.
Students graduating in 2025. These changes will not impact this year’s graduates, even if final courses are being taken during Summer 2025 for November degree conferral. Continue to refer to the Academic Progress report as currently shown on SOLUS, as this will continue to be the guide to the completion of an Arts and Science degree in 2025.
Students in a direct-entry program (LISC, BCHM, KINE or BMUS). These degrees and plans are not going to change their structure within the modular framework, but students will have access to other modular plan additions if desired. Those whose degree plan allows for the addition of one minor, two minors, or a second major should refer to the Modular Degree Plans section below for the area of study that they wish to pursue.
Students in a general degree program (on-campus, online, or dual degree). These plan changes only relate to plan options within honours degrees. General degrees and general plans are not going to change in their structure.
Second degree students should seek advice from Undergraduate Admission.

The Modular Degree Framework

Whether it’s a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Honours), Bachelor of Computing (Honours), or Bachelor of Music degree that you’re pursuing, the total number of units that you need in order to have that degree conferred is 120.0.

Just like the previous degree and plan structures, within those 120.0 units, the plan option(s) that you choose will help you understand what specific courses are required for you.

You can think of your degree as a container that will be filled once you are ready to graduate.

Think of the plan options – majors, minors, specializations – as building blocks that you are going to use to fill the container. Because the plans have different amounts of units, there are different ways that you can stack them within your degree. Elective units are also a key part of an undergraduate degree in Arts and Science, and these will be used to top up that container to reach the 120.0 units you need.

The new modular degree structure allows for a greater variety of plan combinations than have ever been available to Arts and Science students. Have a look at the Modular Degree Plans section below to review the unit numbers for the plan(s) that you’re interested in, as the exact numbers will vary.

Here are the ways that you might choose to use these plan building blocks in your degree:

Major + Minor

Double Major

Specialization + Minor

Major + Double Minor

Specialization

Here are a few important things to keep in mind:

Every degree program must have some elective courses. These degree combinations have been carefully structured to allow enough space for some electives. Because of this, combinations like two specializations, or two majors and a minor, for example, are not possible.
If you choose a modular major, you also need to choose one of the following:
- one minor
- two minors, or
- a second major

Unlike in the previous/existing degree structure, modular majors cannot stand alone.

Some departments will offer specialization plan options and major plan options. If you’re curious about the differences between the two, you can review the course requirements for each plan in the Academic Calendar, or connect with the department to discuss the best path for you.
In most cases, only modular plans can be combined (no mixing of existing non-modular degree plans with modular plans). For example, if you are currently in a major and plan to add a minor, you should consider requesting a change to the modular specialization (which for many concentrations will be identical to the current major) along with the modular minor of your choice.
In cases where modular plans are not offered in the chosen concentration, students will continue to complete the current degree plan requirements and have the option to add a modular minor plan, if desired. Just be aware that this option could require more than 120.0 units of courses and may take longer than four years to complete, depending on the combination you choose.
Visit the Modular Degree Plans section below to see how the department/school you’re interested in is structuring their plan options and what will be available to choose from.

Overlapping Courses in Modular Plans

Should you choose a plan combination where the same course can count as a supporting requirement for one of your degree plans, you will also be permitted to count that course toward both plans. (This policy is not new – this applies to existing/previous plan combinations as well.)

A new regulation that pertains specifically to modular plans allows students to overlap or double-count up to 12.0 units that appear in the Core, Option, or Sub-Plan requirements of multiple plans. If you shift to modular plans and determine that there are overlapping units in your plans that fall under this new regulation, contact the Student Services Office.

Remember – a course may be counting toward more than one plan, but it is only contributing its units to your overall degree once. Whether you have supporting units or not, you’ll always need to ensure that you are completing 120.0 units to be eligible to graduate with your honours degree.

If 50% or more of the specific required Core or Option courses overlap between two plans, it won’t be possible to meet the requirements for both. This means that this particular plan combination is not viable. It is your responsibility to ensure you are registered in a viable plan combination by reviewing the degree plan requirements and then consulting with Academic Advisors as needed.

Modular Degree Plans

Below you will find the modular plans proposed for each department. As noted above, many of our departments are offering new modular degree plans but several are choosing to keep their existing plan structures.

Important! This information is currently being presented for planning purposes only. The plans and changes proposed here are pending approval of Faculty Board and will appear in the Academic Calendar when published in June.

Computing

New Modular Plans

Notes:

The new SODE Specialization can be paired with a Minor plan, but this is not mandatory
The new Major MUST be paired with another plan of some kind (a second Major, or one or two Minors)
All other plans are remaining in the same format as shown below in the Existing Plans section
The following two Specializations will no longer be available for students to request to move into:
1. Biomedical Computing
2. Computer Science
Students currently in these Specializations will still be able to complete their degree with those plans.

Existing Plans

Creative Arts

Drama
Film and Media
Music

New Modular Plans

Notes:

The new Specialization can be paired with a Minor plan, but this is not mandatory
The new Major MUST be paired with another plan of some kind (a second Major, or one or two Minors)
Although the new DRAM Specialization has the same overall number of units as the previous DRAM Major (60.0), there are modifications to the courses that comprise the new Specialization plan requirements

Existing Plans

New Modular Plans

Notes:

The new Specializations can be paired with a Minor plan, but this is not mandatory
The new Major MUST be paired with another plan of some kind (a second Major, or one or two Minors)
Although the new FILM Specialization has the same overall number of units as the previous FILM Major (60.0), there are modifications to the courses that comprise the new Specialization plan requirements

Existing Plans

New Modular Plans

Notes:

The new Major MUST be paired with another plan of some kind (a second Major, or one or two Minors)
The Specialization remains only available to the direct-entry students in the Bachelor of Music (BMus) degree

Existing Plans

Humanities

New Modular Plans

Notes:

The new ARTH Specialization is identical to the existing/previous major plans
The new specialization can be paired with a minor plan, but this is not mandatory
The new major MUST be paired with another plan of some kind (a second major, or one or two minors)

Existing Plans

New Modular Plans

Notes:

The new specialization can be paired with a minor plan, but this is not mandatory
The new major MUST be paired with another plan of some kind (a second major, or one or two minors)

Existing Plans

New Modular Plans

Notes:

The new specialization is identical to the existing/previous major plan
The new specialization can be paired with a minor plan, but this is not mandatory
The new major MUST be paired with another plan of some kind (a second major, or one or two minors)

Existing Plans

New Modular Plans

Notes:

The new specialization is identical to the existing/previous major plan
The new specialization can be paired with a minor Plan, but this is not mandatory
The new major MUST be paired with another plan of some kind (a second major, or one or two minors)

Existing Plans

New Modular Plans

Jewish Studies – Minor (Arts)

Existing Plans

New Modular Plans

Notes:

The new Specialization can be paired with a Minor Plan, but this is not mandatory
The new Major MUST be paired with another Plan of some kind (a second Major, or one or two Minors)
Although the new PHIL Specialization has the same overall number of units as the previous PHIL Major (60.0), there are modifications to the courses that comprise the new Specialization plan requirements

Existing Plans

New Modular Plans

Notes:

The new major MUST be paired with another plan of some kind (a second major, or one or two minors)

Existing Plans

Languages

French
LLCU (including INDG, LING, LLCU, SPAN, WLS)

New Modular Plans

Notes:

The Specialization plan will not be available until the 2027-28 academic year. Students interested in an Honours plan in French should request the Major this year and next. Beginning in May 2027, eligible students can request a change to the Specialization if they wish.
The new Specialization can be paired with a Minor plan, but this is not mandatory
The new Major MUST be paired with another plan of some kind (a second Major, or one or two Minors)
Although the new FREN Specialization has the same overall number of units as the previous FREN Major (60.0), there are modifications to the courses that comprise the new Specialization plan requirements

Existing Plans

New Modular Plans

Notes:

The new Majors MUST be paired with another Plan of some kind (a second Major, or one or two Minors)

Existing Plans

Life and Physical Sciences

New Modular Plans

Biochemistry – Minor (Science)

Notes:

Only the Biochemistry Minor has been modified; all other Biochemistry plans remain the same as they are under the existing structure
The Specialization can now be paired with a Minor plan, but this is not mandatory
The Major can be paired with another plan of some kind (a second Major, or one or two Minors), but this is not mandatory
Note that adding Plans to a Biochemistry Major or Specialization may result in over 120.0 units needed to satisfy the degree requirements

Existing Plans

New Modular Plans

Notes:

The new Specializations can be paired with a Minor Plan, but this is not mandatory
The new Major MUST be paired with another Plan of some kind (a second Major, or one or two Minors)
The new BIOL Specialization includes a choice of either a Research or Course option; the new BIOL Major does not include a Research Option
Although the new BIOL Specialization has the same overall number of units as the previous BIOL Specialization (72.0), there are modifications to the courses that comprise the new plan requirements

Existing Plans

New Modular Plans

Notes:

For certification reasons, the CHEM Major is remaining as-is, keeping the current/existing unit numbers and courses
The Major can be paired with a modular Minor plan, but this is not mandatory
The new Specialization can be paired with a Minor plan, but this is not mandatory

Existing Plans

New Modular Plans

Notes:

The new major MUST be paired with another plan of some kind (a second major, or one or two minors)
Same as previous plan versions, supporting units can be used in multiple plans

Existing Plans

New Modular Plans

Notes:

The new Majors MUST be paired with another plan of some kind (a second Major, or one or two Minors)
The existing Specialization in Earth System Science (99.0 units) is still available and unchanged. Students currently in or requesting this Specialization can request a modular Minor as well, but must be aware that the combination of required units will exceed 120.0.

Existing Plans

New Modular Plans

Notes:

The new Major MUST be paired with another plan of some kind (a second Major, or one or two Minors)
Same as in previous plan versions, supporting units can be used in multiple plans

Existing Plans

New Modular Plans

Kinesiology plans are unchanged

Notes:

The Kinesiology Specialization is remaining the same as it is under the existing structure
The Specialization can now be paired with a Minor plan, but this is not mandatory
Note that adding a Minor to a Kinesiology Specialization may result in over 120.0 units needed to satisfy the degree requirements

Existing Plans

New Modular Plans

Life Sciences – Minor (Science)

Notes:

Only the Life Sciences Minor has been modified; all other Life Sciences plans remain the same as they are under the existing structure
The Specialization can now be paired with a Minor plan, but this is not mandatory
The Major can be paired with another plan of some kind (a second Major, or one or two Minors), but this is not mandatory
Note that adding Plans to a Life Sciences Major or Specialization may result in over 120.0 units needed to satisfy the degree requirements

Existing Plans

New Modular Plans

Notes:

The new Specialization can be paired with a Minor Plan, but this is not mandatory
The new Major MUST be paired with another Plan of some kind (a second Major, or one or two Minors)
The new MATH Specialization includes a choice of a sub-plan, either in Pure Mathematics or Applied Mathematics
Although the new MATH Specialization has the same overall number of units as the previous MATH Major (60.0), there are modifications to the courses that comprise the new Specialization plan requirements
Although the new STAT Specialization has the same overall number of units as the previous STAT Major (60.0), there are modifications to the courses that comprise the new Specialization plan requirements

Existing Plans

New Modular Plans

Physics – Minor (Science)

Notes:

Only the Physics Minor has been modified; all other Physics plans remain the same as they are under the existing structure
The Specializations can now be paired with a Minor plan, but this is not mandatory
The Physics Major can be paired with another plan of some kind (a second Major, or one or two Minors), but this is not mandatory
Note that adding Plans to a Physics Major, Physics Specialization, Astrophysics Specialization, or Mathematical Physics Specialization may result in over 120.0 units needed to satisfy the degree requirements

Existing Plans

New Modular Plans

Notes:

The new PSYC Specializations, both the Arts version and the Science version, are identical in number of units to their corresponding existing/previous major plans; the highlighted areas on the new specializations note the differences in specific courses from the existing major
The new Specializations can be paired with a minor plan, but this is not mandatory
The new majors MUST be paired with another plan of some kind (a second major, or one or two minors)
Students currently in a Joint Honours plan in PSYC must complete that degree/plan; requests to change from current Joint Honours plans to new modular majors or specializations will not be granted by the department

Existing Plans

Advice for Choosing Your Degree Plan

At the heart of it, our advice to you is simple – pick the option that best suits your academic interests and strengths. Students with many subject interests who are looking for variety, flexibility, and interdisciplinarity should consider a major/minor/minor combination. Students who want to study two subjects in depth can pursue a double major. Others who are looking for more depth and focus in a singular area are best to choose a specialization (with or without a minor). Consider also how many electives you want to be able to have in your degree: a standalone specialization or a major/minor combination are the two modular plan options that would leave the most space in your degree for electives.

Strategies to help with decision-making

If you have a particular career path or further educational goals in mind after your undergraduate studies are completed, there are some helpful sources of information that you should use to help you plan.

Career-wise, we encourage you to do some research into what specific degrees/plans/courses are required for or would be relevant to the fields you want to pursue. If you have particular post-graduate or professional programs you are aiming for, investigate what areas of focus those institutions are seeking for admission into the programs you are interested in applying to. Having this big-picture information will help you pick a degree structure that best fit your goals.

If you are completely unsure of what direction you will take or what to study, we recommend connecting with Career Services for some guidance. They offer some great tips and tools to help you explore your strengths and interests to guide your decision-making.

As an upper-year student, you should also consider:

what degree plans/combinations you are closest to graduating with,
what you still have room to add,
your academic eligibility for placement in a plan, and
whether you’re willing to extend your studies to pursue a new degree structure or not.

Deciding between the “Current” and “New” Degree Structures

Both the current and the new modular plans hold the same academic value, neither one is universally “better”. If you are eligible to request the new modular plans as an upper-year student, you should make your decision based on how close you are to graduating, your academic interests, and your future goals (please see the Eligibility section above).

Eligibility for Graduate School

If you intend to apply to graduate school or professional school, in most cases choosing a modular degree plan will not impact your eligibility, whether you choose to pursue a major or a specialization. As always, we advise that you consult with the specific graduate or professional programs that you are considering, as you will get the most accurate eligibility details straight from the source. Additionally, meeting with a Career Coach at may help you understand all the options that are ahead of you.

Choosing a degree combination that complements or matches the area of study you are interested in could better match your future study focus and make your application more competitive. In some cases, it may also allow for better access to prerequisites you need for professional programs.

Next Steps and Key Dates (2025)

March: Participating departments are offering information sessions to students interested in learning more about:

the changes in their degree plan offerings,
what the new plans are expected to look like compared to the current ones,
how the new plans will meet the same learning outcomes as the current ones,
what options will be available to students, and
any other information relevant to current students with respect to that department’s plan offerings.

Scheduled sessions:

Mathematics and Statistics Modular Degree Information Session, Monday, March 10, from 5:30 – 6:30 pm
, Tuesday, March 18, from 4:00 – 4:45 pm
DAN School Modular Degree Information Session, Tuesday, March 25, from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

March to July: Academic advising will be available for questions related to modular degree plans.

May 21 to June 9: First-year students will select their degree plan(s). Upper-year students have an opportunity to request a change of their degree plan(s).

Frequently Asked Questions

We recently sent a survey out to all upper-year students in Arts and Science to ask if you had more questions that we could help answer here – thanks to everyone who participated in that survey.

As with all academic situations, there will certainly be questions that some students have that are really specific to your own circumstances. If you still have questions after reviewing all of the information on this page, please reach out for help!

Do I have to change my degree plan if I’m happy with the plan I’m registered in now?

No, you are welcome to stay in your current plan.

Can I change my plan to a current one instead of the modular one?

No, you can request a plan change into one of the new degree plans moving forward only, or into a degree plan that remains unchanged from before. We will no longer offer the old plans to students who are not currently registered in them.

When do I have to make a decision? What is the deadline to request a degree plan change?

The plan change period typically runs during the last 2 weeks in May. We will post the dates as soon as they are confirmed.

If I don’t like the minor I pick, can I change it later?

Yes, just like now, students can request to change their degree plans (majors, minors, specializations) at any point in their undergraduate career.

Does this mean that I create my own plan?

You create the combination of plans to design the degree that is best suited for you, but as in the previous/existing plans versions, the plans themselves have set requirements for Core courses and Option courses, and certain plans will have Sub-plans and/or Supporting courses as well that you’ll need to satisfy. Expand the section titled “Modular Degree Plans” to review each department’s plans and requirements.

Do I still have to take the same number of courses overall to graduate?

Yes, you still need at least 120.0 units in total to graduate with an Honours degree, regardless of which degree plan structure you follow.

What if I have a Certificate? How does that fit in?

Certificate requirements are not impacted by the change to modular plans within the degrees. As always, you’ll need to plan for the additional courses/units (beyond your degree’s unit requirements) that you need to take in order to have this second credential conferred.

Will the courses I’ve taken already count toward the new plan I’m requesting?

Even before modular plans were introduced, making a smart change to your degree plan means having a look at the differences in course requirements between the old plan and the new plan. Just like always, it’s important to have a good look at the courses you’ve taken and compare them with the requirements of the plan(s) you’re requesting to move into, and have a good understanding of what courses will be satisfying the new plan(s)’ requirements and what courses will be functioning as electives.

If I switch to a modular plan, will it take me more time to graduate?

It might! And again, this isn’t new – students have always been able to request changes to their degree, and depending on how different their previous plan and their new plan are, as well as how far along in their studies they are at the time they request the change to their plan, it very well may take additional courses or terms to complete the degree after switching. Remember that students already in a non-modular plan are not obligated to change to a modular plan – they can certainly complete their degree with their current plan exactly as it is.

I have a PIC grade (personal interest credit P grade) in a course. How does that affect my choices?

You can’t use PIC courses toward any plan requirements. If you want to choose a degree plan and you have already taken a required course with a PIC grade you will either need to retake that course and earn a grade or take something else that could count in its place.

I’m a Commerce student with an FAS minor. How will this change affect me?

Commerce students not currently in a minor can request a modular minor. Those already registered in a minor can follow the current requirements or request a change to the modular minor.

What will my transcript/diploma state if I’m in an Arts/Science degree plan combination?

If you are in a Computing major with a Science or Arts major (or minor), you will graduate with a Bachelor of Computing (Honours) degree.
If you are in a Science major with an another Science or Arts major (or any minor), you will graduate with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree.
If you are in an Arts major with another Arts major (or any minor), you will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree.

If I change degree plans, will this show on my transcript?

Yes, all plan changes appear on your transcript, but this should not be cause for concern. It’s common for students to change direction, and noting this change provides the transcript reader with context to understand your record and academic history at Queen’s.

Will my transcript or my printed degree say that this is a “modular degree”?

No, the terms “modular degree” or “modular plan” are not formal academic notations. The type of undergraduate Arts and Science degree that you are earning is the same as always – BAH, BSCH, BCMPH, or BMUS. The use of the term “modular” is to provide everyone participating in this structural shift with a mental model for understanding how the new system works.

I’m in ConEd – does this change impact my teachable subjects?

The courses and number of units that satisfy the requirements for a teachable subject are not impacted by the changes to a modular plan structure within your Arts and Science degree. If you have questions about new options and potential impacts regarding your Arts and Science courses and your teachable subjects, please .

Where do I go for more help?

Many department-specific and plan-specific questions will be clarified in the information in the Modular Degree Plans section of this page, but students with remaining plan-specific questions should connect with the relevant department.

If you have questions about career options down the road, contact a Career Coach through .

Request a Change of Plan

Please note that you may only submit one request for a change of program/plan. It is extremely important that you indicate your correct "current" program and plan. If you do not, your request may not be sent to the proper department for decision-making.

Admission to some plans is highly competitive and may require specific prerequisites. If you change your plan, it may also require more than four years to complete a degree as you may need to complete key courses or prerequisites. It is highly recommended that students who wish to change their plans contact the department concerned to seek academic advice.

The academic thresholds posted on the Plan Selection pages do not apply to upper-year students wishing to change their plan (they are for first year students selecting plans for the first time). All upper-year student change of plan requests are pending departmental approval which may or may not reflect the first-year plan selection thresholds.

You will need your NetID and Password in order to log in and request a change to your program or plan.

The Change of Plan period runs from May 21 to June 9.

If your request is approved, your program/plan will be changed and you will be notified by email at your @queensu.ca email account.

Other Plan Changes

Leave of Absence

Students may wish to take time away from school for a variety of reasons. If you make this decision before you have registered in the upcoming academic session, there are no forms to fill out to do this; you simply do not participate in the registration process. However, note that if you are in receipt of a scholarship or bursary, you may wish to speak to Student Awards to arrange a deferral of the funding until you return. If you have participated in the course selection period in July but not yet made your tuition payment, you are still required to drop your courses. These courses are considered active so tuition charges will apply and they will appear on your transcript with a failing grade, if abandoned.

There are times when a leave of absence from studies is unplanned. If, during the academic session, an illness or other extenuating circumstances will prevent you from attending class, attending an exam, or handing in an assignment, you must contact your instructor(s) and teaching assistants directly to make alternative arrangements. You should speak to an academic advisor in the Faculty of Arts and Science Student Services Office if you will need to be absent from your studies for a long period of time, or over a significant period of the academic session, such as midterms or final exams. Make sure to obtain doctors' notes or other relevant supporting documentation to verify that the time you are taking away from your studies is indeed medically necessary. Your instructors may wish to see your doctor's note upon your return, and it is within their rights to require you to provide that documentation.

If you have a parent or other representative call on your behalf, remember that they will not be able to discuss your academic or financial information with the University unless you have specifically designated access rights to them on your SOLUS account.

If you are away from your studies for an entire academic session or more, and have not attended another post-secondary institution during your time away, please notify the Faculty of Arts and Science Office by submitting a Return to Studies Form when you are ready to take classes again. No matter how long your leave of absence may be, you can resume your studies. However, along with all students registering in the academic session in which you wish to return, your record must be academically competitive and meet departmental requirements for proceeding in your concentration for that session.

Remember that you need to receive a Letter of Permission (LOP) from the Faculty in order to take any courses at another post-secondary institution while you are away from Queen's. For more information follow the steps in the PDF guide for a Letter of Permission to take courses at another University (College courses are not applicable for LOPs). Please note that taking courses elsewhere without a LOP can jeopardize your status as an admitted student at Queen's.

Transfer to Direct Entry Programs

Students who were admitted to the Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Physical and Health Education (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Kinesiology Specialization or the Bachelor of Fine Art (Visual Art) were registered in the appropriate plan(s) when admitted to the Faculty. Unless you want to change your plan, you need not take any further action. To transfer to or from one of these plans, follow the advice at the links below:

Fine Art (Visual Art)

Certificate Request Application

A selected number of departments also offer the opportunities for students to receive a specialized certificate, in addition to their degree.

To learn more about certificates in Arts and Science, visit the Academic Calendar.

If you wish to add a certificate, please email asc.studentservices@queensu.ca and we will add the certificate for you. Be sure to include your student number and the certificate that you wish to add. All emails sent to us must be from your Queen’s email account.

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Modular Degree Plan Details

Eligibility

The Modular Degree Framework

Overlapping Courses in Modular Plans

Modular Degree Plans

Computing

New Modular Plans

Existing Plans

Creative Arts

New Modular Plans

Existing Plans

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Humanities

New Modular Plans

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Languages

New Modular Plans

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Life and Physical Sciences

New Modular Plans

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Social Sciences

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Advice for Choosing Your Degree Plan

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