Undergraduate Credential Guidelines
The term specialization is used to describe primary (e.g., a major) or secondary (e.g., a minor) areas of study. A specialization can include any of the institutionally-recognized credentials identified below.
The following guidelines are intended to guide curriculum development and revision processes.
| Credential | Definition | Student Audience | Credit Range | Appears on Parchment? | Appears on Transcript? |
| Honours Baccalaureate Degree | An identified set of requirements (including course and non-course requirements) and related learning outcomes, completed in fulfilment of the awarding of a for-credit credential by the University of Guelph Senate. The curriculum of a degree may be standalone and organized around a specific theme or interdisciplinary of study, or may require additional depth in a particular discipline via completion of a major. An honours baccalaureate degree is typically four years in length. | Students admitted to the Honours Baccalaureate Degree | Minimum 20.00 credits | Yes | Yes |
| Major | An identified set of requirements and related learning outcomes completed while fulfilling the requirements of an Honours Baccalaureate Degree. The major provides students with specific depth as a primary area of study within the degree program. | Specific to students within the Honours Baccalaureate Degree | Established by program committee | No | Yes |
| Area of Emphasis | A credential that adds depth in a specific sub-discipline and the achievement of learning outcomes within a standalone Honours Baccalaureate Degree or Majors. Areas of Emphasis may be optional or required. | Specific to students within a (standalone) Honours Baccalaureate Degree or Major | 1.50 - 5.00 credits | No | Yes |
| Minor | An identified set of requirements and related learning outcomes organized around a theme, from one or more disciplines or interdisciplinary areas of study. The minor may be academically complementary or separate from a student's major/degree program. Minors are intended to provide breadth to a student's studies by extending their knowledge and skills in another discipline. | Must be enrolled in an Honours Baccalaureate Degree | 3.00 - 5.00 credits | No | Yes |
| General Baccalaureate Degree | An identified set of requirements (including course and non-course requirements) and related learning outcomes, completed in fulfilment of the awarding of a for-credit credential by the University of Guelph Senate. The curriculum of a degree may be standalone and organized around a specific theme or interdisciplinary area of study, or may require additional depth in a particular discipline via completion of an area of concentration. A general baccalaureate degree is typically three years in length. | Specific to students within the General Baccalaureate Degree | 15.00 credits | Yes | Yes |
| Area of Concentration | An identified set of requirements and related learning outcomes completed while fulfilling the requirements of a General Baccalaureate Degree. The area of concentration provides students with specific depth as a primary area of study within the degree program. | Must be enrolled in a General Baccalaureate Degree | Established by program committee | No | Yes |
| Undergraduate Degree Level Diploma | An undergraduate degree level diploma is an identified set of requirements and related learning outcomes organized around a theme, from one or more disciplines or interdisciplinary areas of study. An undergraduate degree level diploma provides breadth to a student's degree by extending their knowledge and skills in another discipline. | Open to students enrolled in an undergraduate program and open learners | 5.00 credits | Separate parchment issued | No |
| Undergraduate Degree Level Certificate | An undergraduate degree level certificate is an identified set of requirements and related learning outcomes organized around a theme, from one or more disciplines or interdisciplinary areas of study. An undergraduate degree level certificate provides breadth to a student's studies by extending their knowledge and skills in another discipline. | Open to students enrolled in an undergraduate program and open learners | 2.50 credits | Separate parchment issued | No |