How to Choose Your Program(s)

I Accepted My Offer — So Am I in a Program Yet?

“What are you studying?” and “What do you want to do when you’re done with your degree?” are questions most of us hear the moment we start university. If you don’t have a clear answer yet, that’s completely okay.

When you start your first year at UTM, you’re not immediately placed into a specific program. Instead, you’re admitted into one of 13 admission categories (like Life Sciences, Humanities, or Commerce). Each category gives you priority access to certain first-year courses that help you qualify for a future program. From there, you’ll have over 180 programs across the campus to explore, plenty of options to find the one that fits you best.

What is a Program of Study (POSt)?

At the end of your first year, after you’ve completed about 4.0 credits , you’ll apply for your Program of Study (POSt) through ACORN. This is when you officially choose the area(s) you want to focus on for the rest of your degree.

Programs are available in three types:

• Specialist: a deep focus in one area (10.0–18.0 credits)
• Major: a balanced focus between areas (around 6.0–8.0 credits)
• Minor: a smaller concentration that complements your other studies (about 4.0 credits)

You can:

• Specialize in one program, or
• Combine two or three programs (like two Majors or a Major and two Minors) to create your own unique academic path.

Your first-year grades in key courses will often determine your eligibility for a program, so exploring wisely during your first year is important.

Bringing It to Life: An Example

Let’s say you’re in the Life Sciences admission category. Within that category, there are nine different programs you could apply to.

A student who’s passionate about biology might choose a Biology Specialist to dive deep into one subject. Another student who loves both biology and writing could do a Major in Biology and a Major in Creative Writing, preparing for a career in science communication. Or, if they’re also curious about public policy, they could combine a Major in Biology with a Minor in Creative Writing and another Minor in Political Science to explore science journalism or policy work.

That’s what makes the POSt process exciting, it lets you design a degree that fits you.

Are All Programs at UTM Created Equally? Spoiler Alert: Nope!

If you’ve ever wondered why some of your friends are stressing about program applications while others are chilling and clicking “enrol” on ACORN without a care in the world; here’s the deal. Not all programs at UTM play by the same rules! Each one has its own setup when it comes to how you get in, how many spots there are, and whether you need to apply.

To make life easier, UTM sorts programs into three types: Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. Think of it as the “program personality chart” that helps you figure out what kind of process you’re getting into.

Here’s the breakdown:

Pro Tip: For both Type 2 and 3 programs, double-check the Academic Calendar to see exactly what’s required. Sometimes it’s a specific course combo, a minimum grade, or a certain CGPA.

If you want to see which programs fall under which type (and when to apply), check out the Office of the Registrar’s Program Selection page. Getting familiar with these types early means you can plan your courses strategically, and maybe even avoid some last-minute application panic.

So no, not all programs at UTM are created equally, but once you know the system, you’ll be ready to play the game like a pro.

Now That You’re on ACORN… What’s Next?

You’ve made it to ACORN, congrats! That’s the virtual command centre of your UTM student life. Now that you’ve hit (or are about to hit) that 4.0 credit milestone, it’s officially time to choose your program. Exciting, right? Here’s how to make it happen without the stress spiral:

Step 1: Log in to ACORN.

You know the drill,, same place you check your grades, fees, and course schedules.

Step 2: Click Enrol & Manage

You’ll see it on the left-hand menu

Step 3: Select Programs

This is where the magic happens , you’ll see all the program options waiting for you.

Step 4: Find your program

You can search by name (like “Psychology”) or by code if you’re fancy and already know it.

Step 5: Make your move!

• If it’s a Type 1 program → just click Enrol and you’re in!
• If it’s a Type 2 or 3 program → click Request to Enrol to apply.

And if you’re more of a “show me, don’t tell me” kind of learner , no worries. The Registrar’s Office has short video walkthroughs that visually break down exactly how to do this step-by-step.

So go ahead, log in, click around, and make your program official, your UTM story is about to get even more interesting!

Okay, But When Do I Actually Apply?

Timing is everything when it comes to choosing your program — and ACORN has its own “seasons” for that.

If you’re applying to a Type 2 or 3 program (the ones that need an application), there are two main rounds each year. Here’s how it usually works:

If you’re going for a Type 1 program, there’s no waiting game. You can enrol anytime and get approved instantly.

Pro Tip: While the months generally stay the same every year, the exact dates can change. To double-check this year’s timeline, visit the UTM Program Selection website for the most current application periods and deadlines. Knowing your application window means you’ll never miss your shot at your dream program.

Your First-Year Cheat Sheet to Course Enrolment

The following tips are adapted from the UTM Office of the Registrar – Program Selection , think of them as your secret weapons for navigating ACORN like a pro:

Three’s your limit: You can apply to as many programs as you want, but only three active programs at a time. Pick wisely!

Change is easy: Add, delete, or request new programs anytime (just follow the deadlines!). Flexibility is your friend.

Decisions, no drama: Type 2 and 3 program applications are reviewed by the departments, and the results show up directly on ACORN.

Seal the deal: Got accepted? Hit accept to make it official.

Course combos' matter: To enrol next session, you need an active program combination:

• 1 Specialist
• 2 Majors
• 1 Major + 2 Minors

Temporary roadblocks? No worries: If you’re not yet eligible for your desired program, you can add a Type 1 program as a placeholder and swap it out later once you meet the requirements and a spot in your preferred program becomes available.

Extra First-Year Tips!

• Explore early: Dive into the UTM Academic Calendar and Program Selection page. Knowledge is power.
• Ask questions: Academic Advisors and Career Counsellors are your GPS, use them!
• Attend workshops: The Registrar’s Office and Career Centre host events each spring to guide you through program selection.
• Keep an open mind: Even if you have a dream program in mind, take electives that spark your curiosity. You might discover a passion you never expected.

With these tips in your toolkit, ACORN isn’t scary, it’s your playground. Take what you’ve learned, plan ahead, and dive into your program selection with confidence. Your first year is just the start, and now you’ve got the road map to make it count.