Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Liberal Studies

at Ontario Tech University Canada

The technology industry has long benefited from trained talents in Mathematics and Computer Science.  In recent years, there has been a steady increase in demand for individuals with skill sets that combine the two disciplines. New for the 2021-2022 academic year, the Integrated Mathematics and Computer Science program focuses on where these two disciplines converge, and the practical application of computer knowledge and mathematical principles. 

Through the Integrated Mathematics and Computer Science program, you’ll develop a strong foundation in both Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, with access to courses taught by area experts in both fields.  Building upon a comprehensive and integrated curriculum of mathematics, computer science, and statistics, you'll learn to solve complex and socially relevant problems using tools in computer programming and mathematical analysis in an immersive and experiential learning environment. 

The curriculum offers flexibility in upper-year courses, tailored for a wide range of career trajectories and interests. Through program-specific application and integration courses, you’ll engage in experiential learning through self-directed group projects inspired by industry problems and initiatives. 

Experiential learning
A five-year Co-operative Education option is available; it satisfies the guidelines of the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education . The program combines an Honours Bachelor of Science program with embedded work terms. The co-op option gives you opportunities to apply your classroom and lab concepts to real-world situations and help you gain valuable, relevant work experience to promote networking and lifelong career success.
 
Co-op work terms give you the opportunity to earn a competitive salary that will help pay for your university degree, and the work experience to help clarify your career objectives. More importantly, a co-op degree gives you a distinct advantage that will assist your prospects for full-time employment after graduation or for being readily accepted into graduate school to pursue further studies. Studies have shown that university students who graduate with a co-op degree have lower debt loads, are employed faster and have higher starting salaries.
 
We are committed to providing you with outstanding opportunities to work with today’s highest-quality employers in business and industry. Our university has developed strong partnerships with leading employers in Durham Region and beyond to allow you to connect with experts in the field and gain

Biological science is the study of life at its most fundamental level. The foundational areas of cell biology, genetics and molecular biology, physiology, biochemistry and developmental biology are mastered in this program.

You can pursue the Honours Biological Science program or choose to specialize in one of the following areas:

• Environmental Toxicology:- Environmental toxicology is an interdisciplinary applied field involving health, agriculture, urban development and industry. It combines a strong base in biology and chemistry, with a focus on physiology, biochemistry, environmental science and environmental chemistry.
• Life Sciences:- This specialization consists of an integrated and focused concentration on biology and chemistry, with additional courses in neuroscience and human anatomy. You will gain a detailed understanding of the structure and functioning of the human body, how the brain and nervous systems work, and what happened when the brain degenerates and becomes damaged or disorganized.
• Pharmaceutical Biotechnology:- Biotechnology is a rapidly growing area with many applicants in health, agriculture and industry. This specialization combines a primary emphasis on biology and chemistry with molecular and cell biology, pharmacology, biochemistry and physiology. Students in this specialization also benefit from enhanced laboratory experience.
• Science and Management:- If you are interested in managerial and leadership roles, consider applying for the five-year Bachelor of Science and Management (Honours) program in your upper years of study. Graduates gain a solid foundation in the key functional areas of business and management, including finance, accounting, operations, project management and marketing.
• There is a wealth of opportunities for science graduates in industry, government, and in areas of applied science. The combination of a science degree and business and management education will give an added advantage to graduates in establishing careers within these practical fields.

Our program puts you one step ahead by combining the latest technology with the most current business and information technology trends. 
Integrating key business functions with the use and understanding of today’s latest technologies, this program provides you with the skills necessary for employment in a competitive market.

The first two years of the program have a common curriculum featuring simulations, teamwork and case studies. In your third year, you may choose one of the following five majors:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Marketing
• Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources Management
• Technology Management

Finance

• This major prepares you for the Canadian Securities Institute (CSI) Global Education Inc. exam, the professional designation of Chartered Financial Analyst, and a successful career in the financial service industry.

This program is directed toward understanding the role and safe application of exercise for health maintenance, improvement and rehabilitation. You will be prepared to become a kinesiology practitioner who can safely prescribe individualized exercise programs to improve or maintain the health, functional capacity and overall well-being of a range of healthy and clinical populations.

Kinesiology is now a regulated health profession in Ontario. You will gain the skills and knowledge needed to function as a health professional and to write the competency exam to become a registered kinesiologist. You will take courses and have hands-on learning opportunities that will prepare you to complete theory and practical examinations leading to Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology certifications (Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Exercise Physiologist).
Students will have the opportunity to specialize in Health and Wellness or to complete a generalist program.

Students have access to new, modern buildings, libraries and innovative labs including

• Kinesiology Teaching Laboratory
• Motor Behaviour and Physical Activity Laboratory

This program has an interdisciplinary focus, weaving together physiological, sociological and epidemiological perspectives on major health issues.

Public Health considers health from the perspective of communities—from a neighbourhood to national and international levels.

You will learn about the health status of populations, inequities in health, determinants of health and illness, strategies for health promotion, disease and injury prevention, health protection, and factors that influence the delivery and use of health services.

Individuals interested in this specialization will apply directly to Public Health through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre using application code DHU.

Our program puts you one step ahead by combining the latest technology with the most current business and information technology trends. 
Integrating key business functions with the use and understanding of today’s latest technologies, this program provides you with the skills necessary for employment in a competitive market.

The first two years of the program have a common curriculum featuring simulations, teamwork and case studies. In your third year, you may choose one of the following five majors:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Marketing
• Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources Management
• Technology Management

Accounting

• The Accounting major provides excellent preparation for an exciting career as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). Our program is accredited by CPA Ontario and students who complete all required courses are eligible to enter the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP). Accounting graduates can also complete the first four modules of the CPA PEP at Ontario Tech University by obtaining the graduate diploma in Accounting during the summer following graduation. CPAs have a vast range of career opportunities in every industry and sector of the economy, including senior management positions. You will acquire the most up-to-date knowledge a CPA needs, including the skills and abilities required to pursue the CPA designation.

The only program of its kind in Canada, the Manufacturing Engineering program is about the design and improvement of high?tech systems for the production and manufacturing of products. This includes the development and application of advanced technologies such as robotics, automation, new materials and intelligent controls.

Foundation year

• All Engineering students begin with a common foundation year, regardless of the program of study. During the foundation year, you will learn about the various Engineering programs available.

Most of today’s controversial issues - whether stemming from political conflict, technological developments, economic inequality or other social changes - are expressed and mediated through law. The Legal Studies program offers you the opportunity to critically explore the social roles of law and its connections with community, government and society from different theoretical perspectives. The program demonstrates a commitment to promoting justice by cultivating active citizenship skills, critical reflection, and respect for diversity, pluralism, equality, and equity.  

You will be stimulated to appreciate the law in its plural - formal and informal - forms and to evaluate it from diverse perspectives. You will be challenged to question whether law equally responds to the needs of all groups in society, including Indigenous people, racial minorities, immigrants, the poor, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community and persons with disabilities. You will study law in relation to topical themes, including national security, globalization, technology and the environment. You will explore various ways of resolving social conflicts - from traditional court processes to alternative methods of dispute resolution such as mediation.

Legal Studies graduates have knowledge and skills suitable for careers requiring legal research and analysis, policy analysis, human rights advocacy, mediation, and/or an understanding of privacy and information access issues. The program also offers preparation for graduate work in legal studies, law school, or paralegal or mediator certification programs.

You may pursue the comprehensive program or a specialization in:

• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Human Rights Law
• Information Law

Experiential learning:

• A limited number of fourth-year students have an opportunity to participate in a learning experience with a community organization. The practicum is an experiential learning tool that provides students with opportunities to acquire workplace skills and knowledge, confront the relationship between theory and practice, and cultivate a sense of personal and professional development. The practicum course consists of 100 hours of fieldwork, several in-class seminars and a set of academic assignments.

Develop the critical skills needed to help you understand and extract key information from vast quantities of data to provide insight into today's world.

As a Computer Science student in the Data Science specialization, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and tools, to set you up for success in this desirable job market.

Individuals interested in this specialization will apply directly to Data Science through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre using application code DSM.

Our program puts you one step ahead by combining the latest technology with the most current business and information technology trends. Integrating key business functions with the use and understanding of today’s latest technologies, this program provides you with the skills necessary for employment in a competitive market.

The first two years of the program have a common curriculum featuring simulations, teamwork and case studies. In your third year, you may choose one of the following five majors:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Marketing
• Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources Management
• Technology Management

Accounting

• The Accounting major provides excellent preparation for an exciting career as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). Our program is accredited by CPA Ontario and students who complete all required courses are eligible to enter the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP). Accounting graduates can also complete the first four modules of the CPA PEP at Ontario Tech University by obtaining the graduate diploma in Accounting during the summer following graduation. CPAs have a vast range of career opportunities in every industry and sector of the economy, including senior management positions. You will acquire the most up-to-date knowledge a CPA needs, including the skills and abilities required to pursue the CPA designation. 

Finance

• This major prepares you for the Canadian Securities Institute (CSI) Global Education Inc. exam, the professional designation of Chartered Financial Analyst, and a successful career in the financial service industry.

Marketing

• This area of study develops and deepens your knowledge of consumer behaviour, marketing research, digital marketing and strategy formulation in a dynamic environment.

Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources Management

• This major will help you develop the skills and knowledge required to transform an organization's most important asset, human capital, into a sustainable competitive advantage. It prepares you for a human resources career, providing you with the courses needed to pursue the Certified Human Resources Leader professional designation. 

Technology Management

• The Technology Management major is for students interested in interdisciplinary studies in commerce and information technology.  The program will develop your skills in data analytics, information systems, change management, and data security.

Experiential learning

• You will gain firsthand business experience through internship work placements (locally or abroad) or Capstone study projects in which you work as a team to provide consulting services to one of our industry partners. Learn more on the faculty website.