Second and third year is when your degree takes shape. Choose your area of focus, meet your requirements, and get real-world experience.
Shaping your UBC Arts degree
Everything you need to declare your program, meet your requirements, and plan your path to graduation.
How do I plan my UBC Arts degree?
UBC Arts offers over 90 program options. Use the Ways of Knowing Breadth Explorer and Workday Tutorials to map your courses, track your requirements, and plan a degree that reflects your interests and goals.
When do I declare a major at UBC Arts?
Most students declare or apply for a major, honours, or minor before their third year. Review your program options to find out whether you need to apply to your program or simply declare it on Workday.
Questions about your major/minor? Contact Arts Advising.
What are the degree requirements for UBC Arts?
To earn your degree, you’ll be required to fulfill a set of Faculty-wide requirements and program-specific requirements. If you’re a BA student, make sure you’re on your way to fulfilling the Ways of Knowing Breadth Requirement in your second and third years. Explore and create different course combinations using the Ways of Knowing Breadth Explorer.
Get support throughout your degree
Academic advising, transfer student resources, and tools to help you navigate your degree with confidence.
How much does UBC Arts cost?
Tuition varies by program and year level. Scholarships, awards, and funding opportunities are available to help. Review your options before your first term begins.
What support exists for transfer students at UBC Arts?
If you’re entering UBC as a transfer student in second or third year, the BA Transfer Student Planning Guide is a self-paced online program that walks you through everything you need to know to prepare for your Bachelor of Arts degree.
When should I talk to an Arts Academic Advisor?
Arts Academic Advisors can help second- and third-year students navigate program decisions, degree planning, and future goals.
How can Arts support my wellbeing?
Connect with Arts’ embedded counsellor for practical support and tools to help you manage stress, have meaningful conversations beyond the classroom, and navigate life at UBC.
Gain hands-on experience
Go beyond the classroom and build skills, connections, and real-world experience.
What is the Arts Co-op Program?
Get paid to explore your career options, gain practical experience and build your professional network.
What hands-on learning opportunities exist at UBC Arts?
UBC Arts students can gain real-world experience through workplace learning, community engagement, undergraduate research, and leadership programs — on campus, in Vancouver, and abroad. Second and third year is the ideal time to get involved, before your final year fills up with degree requirements.
What career support does UBC Arts offer?
UBC Arts offers a range of career resources to help you explore your options and build professional skills while you study. Browse job postings, access resume and interview support, and grow your network through career events, workshops, and employer connections — all available throughout your degree.
Think about what comes next
Explore where your Arts degree can take you through the stories of graduates and the programs that can deepen your expertise.
What are UBC Arts graduates doing now?
Hear directly from UBC Arts alumni about where their degree took them and what they’d do differently. Alumni profiles span careers in law, policy, media, technology, education, public service, and beyond.
Can I do a graduate degree after UBC Arts?
UBC Arts offers over 80 graduate programs across the humanities, social sciences, and creative arts. If you’re considering graduate school, second and third year is the right time to start exploring your options, attending information sessions, and building relationships with faculty who could supervise your research.
What kind of jobs can I get with a UBC Arts degree?
From law and policy to marketing, social research, nonprofit work, and beyond, Arts grads build careers across nearly every industry. Explore real examples of where your degree could take you and start thinking about the possibilities ahead.
