At Western, you aren't required to choose your degree and subjects of interest until after you’ve completed a first-year program. In February of your first year, you will be asked to assess your goals and interests, review the requirements for the areas(s) you’re interested in pursuing, and start planning your course selection.
Western’s modular degree structure gives you the opportunity to combine courses in the Faculty of Information and Media Studies with subjects in other programs, faculties, or departments, or you may select a program in FIMS that allows you to focus on MIT or MPI courses in greater detail within a single module.
Here are some suggestions to help you make informed choices about your degree, module and course selections:
- Do Your Research
Research your degree options and modules carefully and familiarize yourself with the admission, progression and graduation requirements as outlined in Western’s Academic Calendar. Academic Counsellors in FIMS are also an excellent resource for information and can assist you with planning your degree. If you have a question, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
- Use a worksheet to plan your course selection over the course of your degree. Is your plan feasible? Can it be finished within your chosen time frame?
- How much room will your chosen program give you for options? Is that an important consideration for you?
- Is your planned workload going to be manageable? How many essay courses do you feel comfortable taking each year?
- Do you want to cluster your courses around a theme or take a broad selection of courses?
- Are you planning to continue your education in a graduate or professional program? If so, start your research early and make sure you include any prerequisite courses in your degree plan.
- Career Goals
Start thinking about your career goals and select courses that will enhance your knowledge and develop your skills.
- What sorts of skills and knowledge are employers looking for in your desired career? (Critical thinking, technical skills, presentation skills, problem solving, writing, etc.) Are there courses available that will help you become proficient in these areas?
- If you meet the requirements, consider enrolling in an academic or professional internship through FIMS.
- Find a volunteer position on campus or in the community that will give you hands-on experience.
- Make use of the wide range of resources available to you at the Career Centre @ Western.
- Certificate Programs
Consider the opportunity to add value to your degree thorough a certificate program. Western offers a variety of certificate programs that may be completed concurrently with your degree. Some popular choices for FIMS students include the Certificate in Ethics, Certificat de Français Pratique, Certificate in Not-For-Profit Management, and the Certificate Program in Writing, among others. For a list of certificate programs, look in the Western Academic Calendar under Academic Programs.
- Exchange Programs
Are you interested in studying abroad? Consider participating in an exchange program. Students usually apply for an exchange program in their second year, and take part in their third year. Eligibility is based on academic achievement in first and second year and your suitability as an ambassador for Western.
To find out more information about exciting opportunities to study abroad as a Western student, check out the web site for the International Exchange Program Office.