Bachelor of Arts, General

Not sure what you want to study yet? Want a degree that lets you explore different subjects while keeping your options open? The General Bachelor of Arts (BA) at the University of Guelph is all about choice, flexibility, and discovering what excites you.

With over 30 subject areas to choose from, you can build a degree that fits your interests, whether you’re passionate about history, sociology, politics, or even theatre. You also get to decide how you learn. Want to take your courses entirely online? You can. Prefer a mix of in-person and online classes? That works too! It’s all about what fits your schedule, goals, and learning style.

This three-year program gives you the skills that employers look for, like critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, while giving you the freedom to explore different career paths before committing to one. Whether you’re planning for the future, looking for a flexible way to study, or just love learning about different topics, the BA, General at Guelph lets you take control of your education.

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Looking for a flexible and accessible way to earn your degree? Our Bachelor of Arts, General program offers the option to be fully online, allowing you to complete all your courses remotely—on your schedule, from anywhere you please!

While the fully online option does not include an area of concentration, it provides a broad and enriching education that equips you with valuable skills for a wide range of career paths. Whether you're balancing other commitments, this program offers the flexibility you need to achieve your academic and professional goals

Looking for a more immersive university experience? Our in-person program gives you access to a wide range of areas of concentration, allowing you to specialize in a field that aligns with your passions and career goals. Whether you're drawn to the humanities, social sciences, or performing arts, our diverse concentration options help you build expertise and stand out in your field.

By studying on campus, you’ll also benefit from engaging classroom discussions, direct mentorship from professors, and a collaborative environment with your peers.

If you want to dive deeper into a subject, you can choose one of 13 specializations:

Welcome to the Bachelor of Arts, General program at the University of Guelph. This guide is designed to help you navigate your academic journey by outlining the essential components of the program.

• Credit & Course Requirements: You must complete 15.00 credits, which is generally equivalent to 30 half-credit courses. For a detailed breakdown of degree requirements, visit the undergraduate calendar.
• Course Details & Planning Support: Some courses have prerequisites or restrictions. If you need guidance with your degree planning, reach out to the Bachelor of Arts Counselling Office. Keep in mind that course offerings can change each semester—new courses may be added while others may be removed.

Example Schedule

The following schedule is designed to meet the general requirements for a Bachelor of Arts General program. It fulfills the credit and distribution requirements across humanities, social sciences, natural/mathematical sciences, and electives. Actual course selections will vary depending on student interests, intended areas of concentration, and specific program guidelines.

For an in-depth look at the program structure, please view the program structure.

You can also access the complete list of courses.

If you want to dive deeper, you can choose between our Certificate in Business and our Certificate in Public Policy and Administration:

• Certificate in Business
• Certificate in Public Policy and Administration

Explore your career potential with opportunities designed just for students. Our program connects you with a range of organizations offering job postings and internships to help launch your professional journey. Find the perfect opportunity to grow your skills and build your future.