12.1 Do I have to declare a major in my first year?
Being in the major that is right for you is vital to your academic success. Your life/career goals, interests and abilities should be the main factors you consider when making your decision. If you are not sure about what degree to pursue, your first year is a good one for exploring your options. However, if you are in a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Mathematics program, you will need to choose a major or a combined major (available only in an Honours program) by the time you have second-year standing.
While most students remain in the major they initially chose, it is not uncommon to change majors either during or at the end of first year. You can also apply for a change of major even later on in your studies, but this may alter the time frame for the completion of your degree. Academic advisors see many students who are trying to make this critical decision.
In addition to applying to a major, you can also apply to add optional program elements, such as concentrations, specializations or minors, which often prove to be a great way to enrich your degree studies (see the limits on program elements).
Note: Engineering students are placed in their chosen major upon admission.
TIP: Make sure that you understand all of the program elements of your degree. You need to make sure to fulfill all the requirements of each program element in order to graduate. Please note: In some cases, you may have to take more credits than are required for your main degree in order to complete the minor.
12.2 Can I apply to another degree program if I’m not happy with the one I’m in now?
Being enrolled in the right degree is very important to your academic success. You may have had different expectations of your current degree when you initially chose it, or maybe your life/career goals have changed since then. Alternatively, you may have been required to withdraw from your degree as a result of your Academic Continuation Evaluation.
If you need to apply for an internal degree transfer, the Admissions Office website provides step-by-step instructions and outlines the minimum requirements for admission.
TIP: Approval of your application is subject to the university’s Admissions Regulations. Visit the Admissions Office for more information.
12.3 Can I apply to a second degree after I graduate?
Absolutely. If you would like to pursue another degree at Carleton, you can apply for re-admission to another degree program. However, the calendar does outline a number of limitations, so you should check it before you submit your application.
You can submit your application online at admissions.carleton.ca. See Simultaneous and Subsequent Degrees (Academic Regulation 3.1.13) in the undergraduate calendar for more information.
TIP: If you have graduated with a CU degree in a particular program, you will not be subsequently admitted to the exact same degree and program. Check the calendar for more.
12.4 I went to Carleton several years ago, but never completed my degree. Can I continue where I left off?
As long as you have not been absent from Carleton for nine consecutive terms or more, and have not studied in a degree or diploma program elsewhere, you can continue in your program at Carleton.
However, if you have been absent for nine or more terms in a row, or left to attend another institution, you must apply for re-admission to the university.
Re-admission procedures are available from undergraduate admissions. Also, see Absence from the University (Academic Regulation 3.1.3) in the undergraduate calendar for more information.
TIP: If you’ve been away for some time, you can check your registration status on Carleton Central under “Getting Started” to determine if you are still an active student.
12.5 I want to officially withdraw from my studies at Carleton. What are my options?
Before you fully withdraw from your studies at Carleton, it is advised that you meet with an academic advisor because there may be another solution for you. A change of program, a Letter of Permission to attend another University or an adjustment in course load may help your situation.
If you have considered your options and still want to fully withdraw from your program, you can do so by completing a Voluntary Withdrawal form and submitting it to the Registrar’s Office prior to the deadline to withdraw from courses. More information on this process is available on the Voluntary Withdrawal from Program page on the Registrar’s Office website.
TIP: You may not need to complete the Voluntary Withdrawal process. You can remain active in your program even during an absence from studies for up to nine consecutive terms without registration. Keep in mind that if you do fully withdraw from your program and if you wish to resume your studies at a later date, you will be required to submit an application for admission to degree studies.