Tips for Choosing a Program


Students playing piano and violin

Some students know very early on exactly what they want to study and how to get there. But many others don't. University is about exploration, about finding and developing your particular aptitudes and talents. Here are some tips to help get you where you want to go... even if you don't know where that is yet.

Explore Programs by Study Area


Lakehead University's undergraduate and graduate programs can be grouped into these 9 different areas of interest. Which area captures your passion? Click on the program links to see in-depth information about it as well as admission requirements and career outcomes.

Business, Entrepreneurship & the Economy

Money, goods and services drive our economy. How we have created business, industry and systems to monitor, trade, exchange, and work with these commodities impacts our entire world. Explore programs that relate to Business and the Economy:

Undergraduate

Masters

Engineering & Technology

Our world is developed through our ideas and our physical creations. Innovation and advancement has driven us forward and promises a future limited only by our creative imagination. Explore programs related to Engineering and Technology:

Undergraduate

Masters

Doctoral

Sustainability & The Natural Environment

Now, more than ever, we must understand the environments we live in and what impacts we are having on them. From pollution to water quality, and the management of natural resources, knowledge is the key to making a difference. Explore the Lakehead programs that relate to Sustainability & The Natural Environment:

Undergraduate

Masters

Doctoral

Health & Wellness

The dream of a career as a health professional can come true as you set your path to a life devoted to helping others. Explore Lakehead University's programs in the fields of Health & Wellness:

Undergraduate

Graduate

Doctoral

Physical Sciences

Our world has forces and systems at work within it that are not governed by living organisms. These fields of science examine non-living systems and help us understand the behaviour of the natural world around us. Explore Lakehead University's programs related to Physical Sciences:

Undergraduate

Masters

Doctoral

Life Sciences

Our world is filled with living organisms and how we perceive their functioning gives us insight into our own human existence and the relationship that binds life together on earth. Below are the Lakehead University programs that pertain to Life Sciences:

Undergraduate

  • Anthropology
  • Applied Life Science (optional concentration in Biomedical Sciences; specializations in Biotechnology or Experimental Life Sciences)
  • Biology (optional concentrations in Animal Sciences, Biodiversity & Conservation, Plant Sciences, Neuroscience)
  • Bioinformatics (combines Math, Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • Environmental Management (specialization options: Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Management; Conservation Planning and Management; and Sustainable Land Use)
  • Forestry (specialization options: Forest Management; Forest Health and Protection; Forest Products and Marketing)
  • Kinesiology
  • Natural Science

Masters

Doctoral

Government, Society & Law

How our societies function – where we've come from, where we find ourselves today, and where we are going – is examined in a number of areas of study. Students in these programs are interested in developing and advancing their skills of critical analysis in order to make change in the world. Explore the following Lakehead University programs that deal with Government, Society & Law:

Undergraduate

Masters

Doctoral

Teacher Education

Lakehead has a rich history educating future educators. Our approach supports the discovery of your own teaching style while exposing you to real world challenges, which allows you to create inspiring educational experiences. We offer various options to become certified as a teacher and advance your knowledge about pedagogy at Lakehead: 

Undergraduate

  • Concurrent Education - Complete your Bachelor of Education at the same time as your degree of major study. You may choose to be qualified at the primary-junior level (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6) as well as the intermediate-senior level (Grades 7 - 12). 
  • Consecutive Education - Complete your Bachelor of Education in two years after you have already completed your undergraduate program.

Masters

  • Master of Education - Choose to focus on Educational Studies or Education for Change (with specializations in Environmental and Sustainability Education, Indigenous Education, or Social Justice Education).

Doctoral

Language, Culture & Creative Arts

When we look at our world, we form opinions, create ideas, and we express ourselves – and examine our human condition – through various forms of creation. Discover the Lakehead University programs that explore Language, Culture & Creative Arts:

Undergraduate

Masters

Doctoral

Discover Your Passion


Before deciding on a program, discover what you want out of your education, what field will make your university experience fulfilling and allow you to reach your potential. To help discover your passion, here are some things to consider:
  • Think about your favourite classes past or present. What do you excel in? Which classes are you most excited about? Follow your passions.
  • Talk to teachers, friends and family who are role models for you. Ask them about their careers and the choices they made along the way to get them where they are today. Remember: Your interests and passions will evolve as you explore new fields you don't even know about.
  • Evaluate your skills. How well do they match your interests? Narrow down your choices by doing research into different areas.
  • If you have many areas of interest and don't know how to narrow them down, take a range of courses in first year. This will allow you to explore and see what subjects most ignite your passion.
  • If you have a career goal in mind, remember that many degrees will give you skills that are transferrable to a wide range of careers. Not all journeys lead to a destination you might expect or could anticipate.
  • If you are not sure whether to apply for a 3-year undergraduate bachelor degree or a 4-year honours bachelor degree, apply to the 4-year degree. An honours will open more doors for you. After you start, if you decide it's not for you, you can always switch back into the 3-year degree. 

Ask an Expert


Take advantage of the many ways to connect to a Lakehead expert, meet current students, and ask your questions to get the information you need as you prepare to attend Lakehead University.

To connect to the Lakehead University representative in your area, please tell us what region you are currently living in: