Before applying for another bachelor degree, both external and University of Waterloo applicants are urged to determine whether a second degree is actually required for their purposes (in many cases, post-degree studies might be more appropriate). For details, students should consult the admissions office of the desired post-secondary education. Once students have decided to pursue a second degree at Waterloo, they should consult the Arts Undergraduate Office, the Office of the Registrar, or the academic advisor of the desired major.
Second Degree
Applicants who have previously completed a three-year or four-year undergraduate degree from the University of Waterloo or at another post-secondary institution will be considered for entry to an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. This option is intended for students exploring a new and distinct area of study, including students interested in a second BA degree.
Normally, transfer credits will be awarded for courses meeting the transfer credit criteria.
Admitted students are required to satisfy:
- the BA degree and plan-level requirements current at the time of admission, and
- the requirements for the calculation of plan average(s) (see Transfer Credit for more details).
Degree Upgrade
Students who previously earned a general BA degree at the University of Waterloo may pursue a degree upgrade within the same major (e.g., from a Three-Year General History to an Honours History degree or from a Three-Year General Liberal Studies to a Four-Year General Liberal Studies). Graduates with a general degree who wish to upgrade will be admitted on a case-by-case basis.
Admitted students are required to satisfy the plan-level requirements current at the time the prior BA was awarded. Courses and grades used for the general degree are retained and also used for the upgrade degree.