The University is preparing to implement the Modular Degree Framework this spring.
Over 50 students attended the first online town hall hosted by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences on Feb. 25 where Associate Dean (Academic) Jenn Stephenson explained the new Modular Degree Framework and addressed questions from the student body for 45 minutes. Two town halls took place this week, the second in person on Feb. 27.
“One of the advantages of the Modular Degree Framework is going to build more breadth into your degree and so that it’s more customizable for you. You can add different blocks […] to match your specific interests,” Stephenson said during the town hall.
READ MORE: Associate Dean Jenn Stephenson addresses Modular Degree Framework
Stephenson clarified in the 2025-26 academic year, first-year students, as well as second- and third-year students, will have the option to enroll in the Modular Degree Framework when selecting or changing their majors in May. Meanwhile, fourth- and fifth-year students will complete their degrees under the current framework, unaffected by the University’s transition to the Modular Degree Framework transition.
Students who are hoping to change or add a major or minor must switch to the Modular Degree Framework to change their program.
Stephenson encourages students to reach out to someone in the Queen’s community for advice regarding their current degree plans or if they’re interested in switching to the Modular Degree Framework.
In response to a question from the audience about the changes in specializations under the Modular Degree Framework—specifically the Biology and Psychology Subject of Specialization Plan (BioPsych SSP), which combines both majors into one—Stephenson said there will be no alterations to the program’s requirements, however, students will have the option to convert the specialization into a double major.
In a statement to The Journal, BioPsych student Claire Golding, ArtSci ’27, said she has concerns that aspects of the program will change now that it’s an option to do a dual degree rather than a specialization.
Stephenson said specializations that don’t easily pull apart into two majors, such as the Media and Performance Production specialization, will continue to be a single specialization rather than two majors. Students currently in the BioPsych SSP or other similar specializations won’t have to change into a double major unless they would like to.
First, second, and third-year students will be able to switch to the Modular Degree Framework between May 21 to June 9.
Corrections
A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that the BioPsych SSP was undergoing a name change and the specialization was becoming a double major. In fact, students will have the option to continue the specialization or pursue a double major. Incorrect information appeared in the Feb. 28 issue of The Queen’s Journal.
The Journal regrets the error
Tags
Modular Degree Framework, Modularization, Town Hall
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