Important note for students admitted to the BA as of Fall 2025: you will be required to complete at least one program component offered by an academic unit in the Faculty of Arts in order to graduate with a B.A. degree (list of Arts programs available here). Details to follow by December, 2024.

Course Selection for U1

Key points

• Refer to the helpful registration information. For help with course registration error messages, consult the tips on handling registration problems.

• Choose your programs of study.

• U1 students should select courses according to the requirements for their programs (Major/Minor concentrations, Honours/Joint Honours programs, Faculty programs).

• Refer to the Course Catalogue as well as individual departmental program information (found on departmental websites) to confirm program requirements.
• Do not register for a course if it overlaps in time with another course listed in the Minerva Class Schedule 
• Know your Departmental Academic Advisors
  • They are very familiar with the requirements of their Honours, Major Concentration, and Minor Concentration programs.
  • They give specific information about prerequisites, courses, approval for required courses and program selection.
  • They are also generally members of McGill University's academic staff, and can also provide useful insight into potential options for further study in their respective disciplines. 

Course Load

• A typical full-time course load is 12-15 credits per semester.
• Students must be registered for a minimum of 12 credits to be considered full-time.
• If you enrol in 5 courses (15 credits) in one semester, a suggested course selection would include:
  • 2-3 courses for a Major Concentration
  • 1-2 courses for a Minor Concentration
  • 1-2 courses of electives

Electives

B.A. students:

• You may enrol in any courses offered in the Faculties of Arts or Science as elective courses
  • You must have completed the appropriate course prerequisites.
• You are permitted to take a maximum of 12 credits of courses in Faculties outside of Arts or Science throughout your degree.
  • Refer to Faculty of Arts Course Regulations.

Course Level

• Most courses taken in the first year at McGill will be at the 200 level
  • Exception: language courses, where the appropriate level will be determined by a placement test administered by the department offering the course.
• The first digit of the course number normally denotes the course level.

Prerequisites

• When registering for courses:
  • Ensure that you are met all relevant course prerequisites.
• Minerva will not prevent you from registering in a course for which you have not satisfied the prerequisite. You are responsible for the consequences of your registration.