UofC

The Arts and Science Honours Academy (ASHA) is a program for students of demonstrated ability who aspire to a well-rounded education that combines the depth of an Honours degree with the breadth of dedicated interdisciplinary courses, a language requirement and an international experience.

Contact Information
Email: asha@ucalgary.ca
Website: arts.ucalgary.ca/current-students/undergraduate/arts-and-science-honours-academy

Entrance to the program is competitive. Admission criteria include high academic achievement (a minimum high school average of 85 per cent) and evidence of community or academic involvement and leadership. Students must complete a separate online form and a brief writing piece. While admission is normally limited to incoming first-year students, students in the participating faculties can be considered for admission in their second year.

1. Academic Achievement: Excellence in a degree program in the Faculty of Arts or the Faculty of Science demonstrated by either:

   a. Successful completion of a BA or BSc with Honours, or

   b. Students completing programs that do not offer Honours are required to complete their degree programs with a GPA of at least 3.30 over the final 90 units and over all courses completed in their major field, in addition to completing a significant independent research course in their field of study.

2. Second Language: 6 units in a language or languages other than English. Computer programming languages (Computer Science 217, 219, 231, 233 and Data Science 211) may be used to fulfil this requirement. Students taking courses taught in another language may seek approval from the ASHA co-ordinator to count such courses towards the language requirement.

3. Embedded International/Intercultural Experience: While students are strongly encouraged to go abroad for a full academic year, they must participate in an approved study abroad, volunteer abroad or work abroad program, or a suitable program that offers an intercultural experience within Canada. Students must submit a travel proposal appropriate for their program to the program co-ordinator in December of their second year.

4. Arts and Science Honours Academy Core Courses: 18 units:

   Arts and Science Honours Academy 220, 321, 421, 501*, 503*

*Registration in Arts and Science Honours Academy 501 and 503 is contingent upon admission to an honours program. Students completing programs that do not offer honours are required to achieve a GPA of at least 3.30 over the most recent 60 units and over all courses completed in their major field in order to continue in the program.

Note: These courses may be used to satisfy the breadth requirements of courses outside the home faculty.