FAQ - Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences at SFU Surrey

Questions

Answers

1. Is Explorations in Arts and Social Sciences only offered at SFU Surrey?

Yes. In addition to the advantages of the Explorations cohort, students can enjoy the social and academic benefits of a small and vibrant campus, housed in a brand new, architecturally innovative building.

2. What is a cohort program?

A cohort program is one in which students take the same core courses. Students in cohort programs quickly develop study groups and personal friendships.

In addition to Explorations, FASS at SFU Surrey has recently expanded its suite of first-year experience options to include first-year learning communities (FLCs) in the following two areas: Global Issues as well as Social and Behavioural Sciences.

3. Will I be able to take courses at the other SFU campuses?

Yes, however, the most popular first-year courses in Arts and Social Sciences are all offered at SFU Surrey, so you may want to take all your courses at the new campus. After two semesters in Explorations, you can continue to study at any SFU campus.

4. What is the difference between the Explorations Certificate and Explorations, the first-year pathway?

The Explorations Certificate requires the completion of at least 24 units including first year core EXPL courses, as well as second and third year requirements. It may be completed in conjunction with a degree program. Completing the Explorations Certificate attests to a student's abilities in both arts and social sciences. This balance is increasingly important in the knowledge economy.

Students in Explorations, the first-year pathway take two core EXPL courses in the fall semester, and one introductory research course in the spring. This gives them the advantages of the cohort program along with the opportunity to start courses for their intended major or minors.

5. I've heard it's hard to get into some courses. Will this be a problem in Explorations?

No. If you are accepted to the Explorations cohort you will be guaranteed a place in Explorations core courses. In addition, Explorations students receive priority registration in Arts and Social Sciences courses at Surrey until they declare their major, which is usually at the end of their second year.

6. How will Explorations contribute to my degree? Or my major?

A BA consists of 120 credits, which is somewhere between thirty and forty courses. About half of the time a student spends at University is spent on the specialized courses for a major. The other half is spent studying subjects that complement the major by providing the broad knowledge and skill base that is expected of a University graduate. We call this the Breadth Requirement. Explorations courses contribute to the completion of a BA by fulfilling Breadth Requirements.

In addition to Explorations courses, students take other courses. The latter could be electives, courses that contribute to a major, or courses that fulfill the Writing, Quantitative, or Breadth Requirements.

At SFU Surrey, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences offers courses from many different departments. Because Explorations students have priority registration for Arts and Social Science courses at SFU Surrey, you may find it easier and quicker to get into the first-year courses you want. At SFU Surrey you can select courses in Asia-Canada Studies, Criminology, Economics, English, History, Humanities, Languages, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, World Literature and more.

Explorations students have the full range of programs in Arts and Social Sciences to choose from, or they can apply for Business Administration, Education, or any other Faculty at SFU. You complete your degree in the same length of time as other students.

7. What programs are offered in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences?

At SFU Surrey, you can pursue a major or minor in Criminology or World Literature. However, you can also start your degree in any of the other programs offered in FASS; a comprehensive listing of options is available here.

8. Will taking Explorations mean I will take longer to do my degree?

No. The keys to completing a degree in a timely fashion are academic success and advance planning. Many students decide on a major or minors during their second year, after they have had the opportunity to sample different disciplines, evaluate their interests, and test their aptitudes.

Whether or not you know what you want to major in, the Undergraduate Advisor for Arts and Social Sciencs (expl-advisor@sfu.ca), is available to help you plan your studies. If you know what you would like to major in, the advisor can help you plan in advance. If you are unsure of your Major when you start Explorations, the advisor is available for academic advice at any time during your Explorations year.

Students also have the support of general FASS advisors in Arts Central at the Burnaby campus.

9. I am undecided about my major. Is Explorations still a good way to start a BA?

Yes, this program gives you time to think.

Explorations allows you to sample different disciplines and build your academic skills before chosing a degree program that is best for you. Many students are unsure of their major when they start university. Many start with one major in mind, and switch to another when they discover a field that interests them even more. Explorations will give you the opportunity to fulfill breadth requirements and explore your options for a major or minor(s).

10. I have already chosen a major or minor. Is Explorations still a good way to start a BA?

Yes. Explorations combines core cohort courses with courses that you select, based on your interests and academic direction.

If you are thinking about World Literature, International Studies or History, another option is the Global Issues FLC. If you are thinking about a major in Criminology, Psychology or Sociology, consider the Social & Behavioural Sciences FLC.

11. Can I transfer to another Faculty, such as Business Administration or Education, after Explorations?

Yes. The Explorations program provides excellent preparation for students choosing Business, Education or other pathways to a degree.

12. What are the requirements to be in Explorations?

Students must first meet the University's admission requirements. Once admitted to Explorations, you must meet the program requirements by taking core EXPL courses. Please note that you must also take at least half of your courses at SFU Surrey to be considered a Surrey student. We encourage you to meet with a Student Advisor, to discuss your options. Email surrey-arts@sfu.ca for more information.

13. What is the difference between Explorations and a First-Year Learning Community (FLC)?

Explorations explores a wide range of ideas and issues in interdisciplinary curricula, combining different areas such political science, economics, sociology, and geography or literature, the creative arts, and cultural studies. At the same time, students have the opportunity to discover new interests and build skills and knowledge across a broad set of programs. It is an excellent preparatory pathway to various majors in FASS, as well as Business, Communication and Education. If you're not sure what you'd like to major or minor in, Explorations is a great starting point.

The Social & Behavioural Sciences (SBS) FLC or Global Issues (GI) FLC will also provide a fantastic foundation for first year. The FLC is designed for students with specific interests: Psychology, Sociology and Cognitive Science for the SBS FLC; International Studies, World Literature, History and Political Science for the GI FLC. In addition to core courses, you will meet once a week as a FLC with your Peer Mentor for useful and fun activities. FLC meetings will address your academic, personal and social development. Topics include time management, effective study strategies, volunteer opportunities, choosing a program of study, career exploration, co-operative education, international opportunities, and more.

In either Explorations or one of the FLCs, you will have the opportunity to take electives of interest along with your core cohort courses.

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