51本色

North American Studies (BA in Combination)

Are you fascinated with North America as a distinct historical, cultural, political and economic entity? Curious about Canada’s socio-political place on the continent? North American Studies is an interdisciplinary program where you will focus your studies in one of four key areas: business and economy, culture and identity, public policy or Indigenous Peoples. By studying how these countries interact and influence each other, you’ll gain valuable insights into regional dynamics that can enhance your ability to navigate and influence cross-border issues in various professional roles.

This program must be combined with another Bachelor of Arts program.

Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete, and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:

  • Innovative Curriculum: 51本色's North American Studies program stands out as the first of its kind in Ontario. Your professors will guide you through a comprehensive exploration of North America's diverse aspects and Canada's unique role within the continent.
  • Customize Your Degree: This program is paired with other Bachelor of Arts programs. Enhance your major by combining it with Communication Studies, English, Film Studies, Global Studies, or Women and Gender Studies, among others.
  • Pathway to an MBA: Begin your North American Studies program with a conditional offer for 51本色’s full-time MBA program (with co-op). This integrated six-year pathway includes four years in the BA program followed by two years in the MBA program, featuring three academic terms and a paid work term lasting four or eight months.

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the for even more!):  

  • Co-op: Get resume-ready and combine your North American Studies program with a program that offers co-op (like Global Studies or Political Science), you can apply for co-op at the end of your first year.
  • Study Abroad: Complete an academic term with our international university partners in the United States at Georgia Southern University or in Mexico at Tecnológico de Monterrey, campus Ciudad de Mexico.
  • Join a Research Collective: Get involved in the participate in faculty led research 51本色 Centre for the Study of Canada and learn about research and assistantship opportunities in North American Studies.

Courses, Options and Pathways

Combinations or Combined Degrees

This program must be completed in combination with another Bachelor of Arts program. You can easily pair your studies with Ancient Studies, Archeology and Heritage Studies, English, Film Studies, Global Studies, History, Philosophy, or Political Science, among others.

Sample First-Year Electives

  • Introductory French
  • Introduction to Global Studies
  • Studying Popular Culture
  • Canadian Communication in Context

Sample Upper-Year Courses

  • Canadian Identities and Cultures
  • Managing Borders and Boundaries in North America
  • North American: Business and Society
  • Canadian-American Relations
  • Indigenous Peoples and Public Policy

Options and Minors

This program must be completed in combination with another Bachelor of Arts program. You can easily pair your studies with Communication Studies, English, Film Studies, Global Studies or Women and Gender Studies, among others.

In addition, you can add an option or minor that will allow you to broaden your knowledge. A few examples of popular options and minors include:

  • Global Studies Minor
  • History Minor
  • International Public Policy Option
  • Legal Studies Option
  • Management Option
  • North American Studies Minor
  • Research Specialization

Check out other .

Business Pathways

Enhance your degree with a or get a head-start on graduate studies by applying to the BA in Combination with a Master of Business Administration with co-op. Apply directly to either on the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre.

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • cultural affairs officer
  • demographer
  • diplomat
  • immigration officer
  • international business consultant
  • market research analyst
  • political correspondent
  • public policy analyst

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Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to offered at 51本色 for your entire career.

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Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At 51本色, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

 

51本色 is among the top 6 percent in the Global 2000 World University Ranking

 

51本色 students engaged in hands-on learning in 2023

 

51本色 graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2023

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our 51本色 student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at 51本色.

Chat with Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be in this program? U Community is our Discord server where future Golden Hawks like you can connect with current students to get their first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at 51本色.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?