Almost 4 years ago, I entered my final year of high school and internal panic set in. “What the HECK do I want to do when I grow up? What university program is right for me?” These questions haunted my thoughts daily, both while at school and at home. It caused me sleepless nights with the final solution being me freaking out to my mom. She encouraged me to flip through the university information books and read them thoroughly. And that’s how I first discovered the Arts and Sciences student life.
I loved the idea of school and had no problem reading, writing, or taking tests. However, I soon noticed that I loved multiple subjects equally. Unlike my friends, I did not excel in one particular class such as English, law, calculus, or chemistry. I loved reading (even for fun!) but also found great interest in science, specifically in the areas of nutrition and diseases.
As you can probably assume from the title of this article, I chose to pursue a unique degree: the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences (BAS) at the University of Guelph. I am currently working towards a double minor in the area of psychology and nutritional and nutraceutical sciences. So technically, I am part of two departments at my school and it is AMAZING. And I learned:
It is okay to be unsure about your future and your career
When I was in high school, I was quite torn (and sometimes still am) on what I want to be when I grow up. I felt intimidated by undergraduate programs, as they seemed complicated to get out of if you decided it was not right for you. When going through my undergraduate degree, I learned it is very normal for students not to be sure of what their final careers may be. Additionally, it is not as complicated as you think to switch programs. However, with a program like BAS, you may not feel as trapped in your choices. The door remains open for a multitude of professional fields.
It does not limit your post-graduate opportunities
Graduates of the BAS program with Honours have an equal chance of pursuing post-graduate opportunities as their fellow peers. BAS students have gone on to pursue things from a Master’s degree to a college diploma to medical school and law school. In fact, it opens your eyes to future education that you did not imagine doing. Most of the time, students wish to pursue something in both of their studies, such as myself. I hope to have a career in psychology with an emphasis on mental health and eating disorders.
Arts courses and science courses need more attention at different times
Arts courses typically have more essays, discussion posts, and group work that are due periodically throughout the semester. Science courses normally have fewer assessments and, instead, have more heavily weighted midterms and exams, and contain more challenging application-based questions. These are worth more of your final grade. Dedicate time to your essays on a regular basis and make sure to leave plenty of time to study for science exams.
Obtain a well-rounded set of skills
Due to being enrolled in classes of varying subjects, it is normal to be exposed to unique situations that can produce a large personal skill set. For example, problem-solving abilities within groups and as an individual. In addition, experience with math/statistics and scientific lab work as well as being familiar with in-depth researching and long thesis paper writing.
An Arts and Sciences Student has a unique advantage to employers
Although some individuals think the opposite, being a BAS student may put you ahead in the workforce. Employers typically look for candidates who possess the ability to adapt to new situations and can grow with the company. As an arts and sciences student, you are able to evaluate situations from different perspectives. For example, I did a presentation on the word ‘change’ (vague, I know) in my arts and sciences course. My group and I viewed events from a critical social science/arts AND scientific perspective. We discovered that certain ideas may be good for technological advancement. However, they can be seen as ‘socially unethical’. Using different perspectives is definitely an intelligent way of thinking about things and a plus to employers!
So, there you have it! Five things I learned in my 3 years as an arts and sciences student. Do not fear the phrase double minor! If you have a passion in different fields, take the plunge and pursue both until you can decide your primary interest (which may end up still being both, like me).
