University of Guelph

What you'll study

The online BA provides a foundation in critical thinking, writing, quantitative and qualitative research skills, and disciplinary knowledge. Students choose a major or combined honours pathway drawn from the humanities and social sciences—examples include English, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology and Cultural Studies—alongside a programme of electives and university-wide breadth requirements.

• Core skills and introductory modules: academic writing, information literacy, critical reasoning and research methods (qualitative and quantitative).
• Major-specific sequences: foundational and advanced courses in your chosen discipline (for example, literary analysis and theory in English; political theory and public policy in Political Science; social research methods and theory in Sociology).
• Electives and breadth studies: options across departments to build interdisciplinary knowledge—for instance, combining media studies, environmental humanities or Indigenous studies with a social science major.
• Capstone or senior seminar options: integrative projects, honours essays or practicum-style courses that synthesise learning and research skills.
• Flexible delivery: courses are delivered fully online with asynchronous lectures, readings, discussion boards and regular instructor feedback; some courses may include scheduled online seminars or group work.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to meet standard undergraduate admission requirements for the University of Guelph. Typical pathways include completion of a secondary school diploma with required university-preparatory subjects, or successful study at a recognised post-secondary institution for transfer applicants. Mature applicants with relevant work and life experience are considered under the university's mature admission policies.

• Domestic applicants: completion of provincial secondary school requirements with relevant academic subjects; specific program prerequisites depend on the chosen major.
• International applicants: secondary school completion with credentials equivalent to the university entrance standard; proof of English language proficiency where required.
• Transfer students: previous university credits may be assessed for block credit or course-by-course transfer; course equivalency determines progression in the BA curriculum.
• Additional requirements: some majors may recommend or require particular preparatory courses; applicants should consult the academic department for discipline-specific guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA from the University of Guelph go into a broad range of careers that value communication, analysis and problem-solving. The degree prepares students for roles in public service, non-governmental organisations, communications and media, marketing, human resources, community development, and business support functions. It is also a common foundation for graduate study in disciplines such as public policy, education, social work, law and specialised master's programmes.

• Communications and media: content development, digital communications, social media coordination.
• Public and community sector: policy assistant roles, program coordination, community outreach.
• Business and non-profit: administration, project support, fundraising and stakeholder engagement.
• Further study and professional programmes: preparation for graduate research, teacher education, law school and other professional degrees.

Why study at University of Guelph

The University of Guelph is known for its student-centred approach, strong liberal arts traditions and emphasis on engaged, applied learning. The online BA leverages Guelph’s disciplinary strengths to deliver a high-quality, flexible degree with academic support services, advising and access to libraries and career resources. Online students benefit from instructors who are active scholars and educators, and from a curriculum that encourages interdisciplinary thinking and real-world application.

• Flexible online delivery designed for distance learners and working adults.
• Access to university advising, library resources and career services for online students.
• Opportunity to tailor the degree with a chosen major, electives and a capstone experience.
• Support for transfer credit and recognition of prior learning to accelerate progression where eligible.