<p>For example, if I wanted to have a major concentration in, say, Political Science, could I also have a major concentration in Lingustics (i.e. different departments)? Would this fulfill the "major concentration complemented by at least a minor concentration" rule or would it have to be something like Comparative Government and Politics with a minor concentration in International Relations (i.e. the same department)? Am somewhat confused here.</p>
<p>Don't quote me on this, but from what I've read I don't think it matters which department or faculty your minor is in. You can even do a major in arts and a minor in science, so I'm pretty sure you're free to do whatever you want for your minor.</p>
<p>I only know the rules for the faculty of arts but you can most decidedly major in Linguistics and Poli sci. This would be double majoring and would (if I remember correctly) negate the need for a minor. McGill requires that you at least take a major and a minor-- however, a double major would allow you to be focused into two general subjects. You could still get a minor if you like after the 72 credits but it would leave you with no electives after first year.</p>
<p>They mean complement in the broadest sense-- I know a lot of people who major in two different things. I was originally double majoring in English lit and History, then went into Joint Honours, English and History then switched into English Lit honours with a minor in History. And I'm only here for 90 credits!</p>
<p>I had originally wanted to do a double major in Economics and Finance but some of my friends were telling me that it was way too much work and not worth the effort. Is it really a lot more work to do a double major, or does it just mean that you don't get as many electives?</p>
<p>Double majors usually take five years, though, don't they?</p>
<p>the lady from McGill that came to my school told me that it didn't. It's still four years. It's just..more intense or you have different choices or something.</p>
<p>no four years... five years is how long it takes to complete a double degree usually- or if you're in an intense program... or if you're lazy!</p>
<p>Ah, okay. My sister is going for five years to complete her double major, but she did change her one major once or twice.</p>
<p>No, a double major takes four years-- even if you switch majors once, you can probably catch up with two or three extra summer classes. A lot of people do prefer to take a more relaxed courseload and graduate in five years. Even if you take a year longer, you'll always know people.</p>
<p>All majors at McGill take a lot of work-- don't kid yourself. We work hard and play harder. If you sincerely enjoy Economics and Finance, then do it. It is always easier and more enjoyable to major in something that you love, than a whatever major that's supposed to be easy. I've switched out of many 'bobo' classes for harder theoretical ones because I knew that I would slack off in the easier ones.</p>
<p>Double majoring is very, very common. Very rarely have I heard of someone (in Arts) just doing one major unless it's in the 60 credit for major honours program. Most University courses are diverse enough that you may not even feel the need for electives.</p>
<p>And you can always switch once you get in right? Because I applied for finance, but I think I will end up doing a double major with economics as well. However, I think they said that it was honours economics and finance. Does that make a huge difference? lol, I like the part about working hard and playing harder. That's my kind of life!</p>
<p>Oh yes, you can always switch easily within the same faculty. The upside of McGill is that no one is breathing down your back telling you what you can or cannot do (only minerva). However, you have to make very sure that you switch your degree on minerva and see advisors to make sure you are on the right track to graduate.</p>
<p>Honours is hell. There is still time to do other things, but it's very intensive! (That said, I'm in the middle of writing my honours thesis!)</p>
<p>how does doing an honours compare to doing a double major? And then how does doing a double honours compare with doing only one honours subject?</p>
<p>The Honours program is more intensive than a regular double major because of the requirements: more upper level courses/grad classes and a final thesis are required. It also is more specialized than the average major. Joint-honours involves less breadth in both subjects (only 36 credits each) but also may require more research on your own, because your required to mesh your two topics together. </p>
<p>You are also held up to a high standard than other students: Program GPA can't drop bellow 3.3 (in English it's 3.5!). Honours is also the best way to prep for grad school and most Canadian Schools require a First or Second class honours degree to be considered for admission (That is, over 3.5 or over 3.3). </p>
<p>I left joint-honours because of my thesis: I just couldn't find a nice and creative way to fit History into my thesis (which was starting to gear towards a psychoanalytical approach anyway). That said, when I was taking all 300 level classes in history and english it was fine-- normal work load. However, my senior year (this year) is crazy with just plan honours-- upper level classes with high performance expectations (after all, she is in honours...) and my thesis and two grad classes over the past year. It gets pretty crazy!</p>
<p>Honours also helps you get to know at least one or two profs really, really well.</p>
<p>see, I would do just honours in one subject, but the problem is they don't have honours finance, which is what I would've done. The only thing they have that sort of integrates an honours sort of finance is double honours in economics and finance. I don't mind doing economics, it's just that I was strongly advised against doing a double honours. Finance and Economics shouldn't be too hard to integrate. Although I also remember that for honours finance and economics you only need..well, less than 20 credits for the finance part. If I'm wrong, please correct me. I always enjoy a challenge, but I don't want to burn myself out. If I'm going to put myself through that pain, I want to make sure that it'll be worth it in the end.</p>
<p>I just got admitted into the Faculty of Arts at McGill and I've been reading a lot about this major/ minor concentration bit. I know that your minor can be in another faculty, but if you double major, can one of your majors be outside the faculty that you've been admitted into.... the wording in the booklet is a bit confusing. Also, someone said there's a lot of double majoring going on, what about the double minor concentration option, is that just as prevalent?</p>
<p>Is it possible for a US student to finish the program in 3 years without trying? The letter that came from McGill today that talked about the distribution of credits implied that the program would take 3 years (faculty of arts). He (beloved son) really wants arts&sci. I s'pose he'll be able to get into that program after he's there... I'm confused--some of the stuff I read on the web implied that canadian students were only enrolled 3 years. Sorry I cannot supply exact reference. What about AP classes? Does McGill accept AP scores towards college credit? (eg Calculus or Physics?)</p>
<p>McGill's Undergraduate System is different from most schools:</p>
<p>Instead of the typical Freshmen to Senior system we have this:
U0-First Year Students Entering from non-AP/IB/CEGEP programs
U1-First Year Students Entering from CEGEP/AP/IB programs
and Second Year students finishing U0 program. (must declare major in U1)
U2- Post U1, U3-Post U2 usually last year for most programs. Some programs are 5 years.<br>
Quebec students all attend CEGEP so they end up coming to McGill as a U1 student thus finishing University in 3 years. If you had AP and IB credits through high school it is likely you'll be entered as a U1 student depending on your scores and credit intakes.
So yes, AP is credited here- in fact it gets you further then at a US high school because it actually changes your technical status at McGill giving you some added benefits (like declaring majors, and choosing classes before U0 students). Hope that helps</p>
<p>Ridel- i was accepted as a U0 student, but i am doing the ib diploma. do they only declare you as a U1 after seeing how many credits you earn, or how does that work?</p>
<p>they declare you a U1 based on what you earned.</p>
<p>Does McGill not have faculty/departamental requirements--as in, a certain number (usually 1/3 of your required credits) of science/social sciences/mathematics/etc. courses that one must complete in order to graduate?</p>