Did You Know You Could Go to School for This?

Robert Frost once wrote, “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood / And I took the one less traveled by / And that has made all the difference.” These days, it seems that the words of a most beloved poet are completely relevant, yet they oppose the norm. While the majority of students seek degrees in popular programs, there are still many unique ones available in British Columbia and Alberta that offer the same, if not better, results. So if you’re unsure about what undergraduate and graduate programs are out there for you to pursue after high school, consider these programs you may not have heard of before.

Midwifery Education Program
The University of British Columbia offers a Midwifery Education Program. No, it does not entail middle-aged women who dress in 19th century attire. On the contrary, it is a four-year undergraduate program that will lead to a bachelor’s degree in midwifery (I kid you not). The students learn, in great depth, the foundations of conception, pregnancy, labour and more importantly, the transition between all these stages. Required courses are English 30, Biology 30, and two other approved examinable grade 12 courses.

Dispute Resolution Program
If you are a rational thinker and find Model UN rewarding, then earning a master’s degree in dispute resolution from the University of Victoria is your cup of tea. Admission to this program entails a bachelor’s degree (minimum B+ average) and post-baccalaureate work experience. It is highly competitive (accepting only ten students annually), but it is conducive for those seeking careers in the UN and international organizations, foreign affairs, development assistance, NGOs and human rights commissions.

Adventure Tourism Program
Tourism can be an adventure, especially at the University of the Fraser Valley. Though only an eight-month program, courses such as mountaineering and flatwater paddling make this short-term program worthwhile. Grade 12 graduation and a minimum of a “C” in grade 11 math are the only requirements.

Cognitive Sciences Program
According to Simon Fraser University, cognitive science is defined as “the study of the mind from many different perspectives.” It answers broad, philosophical questions ranging from what are the challenges of mankind to how do we see the world? To major in this realm of study, one must first attain an undergraduate degree in one of the following: computing science, linguistics, philosophy or psychology. Alumni have continued further studies in educational technology and have even been employed as UBC computer instructors.

Golf Management Program
Since golfing has become an increasingly popular sport, the University of Lethbridge offers a two-year program that ensures a diploma in business administration – or in this case, golf management – which is acknowledged by the Canadian Professional Golf Association. Graduates have successfully pursued careers as general managers of golf courses, golf directors and teaching professionals.

Ski Operations and Management Program
Gliding down the Alps (or Whistler) may seem like an ideal vacation, so why not consider the ski operations and management program offered at Selkirk College? Students learn the necessary building blocks of tourism, business and operations of the skiing and snowboarding industry. Throughout the year, there are several fieldtrips designed to give students the opportunities to seek future careers. Such occupations include snowmaking, designing ski lifts and other trades activities. Students must have previous work experience in the ski industry as well as the completion of grade 12 with a minimum of a “C” in English.

Military and Strategic Studies Program
According to the University of Calgary, the military and strategic studies’ mission statement is to “promote and develop excellence in military, security and defence studies.” This graduate program is not solely focused around placing bombs and such; in fact, the peacebuilding, development and security program, a section in this department, researches and attempts to ameliorate international aid to war-torn countries. There are many prerequisite courses, such as ethics, morality in conflict and uncoventional warfare.

Library and Information Studies Program
For once, being called a bookworm can be a compliment. At the University of Alberta, the faculty of education provides a specialized program that will lead to a master’s in library and information studies. Undergraduate courses required for the masters include social sciences, biological and physical sciences, literature and other humanities subjects. (If you have previously worked in a library, this is beneficial on your application!)

The variety of paths is endless. Yet, one fact remains constant: Robert Frost did realize that the safest, most popular route might not be as enjoyable or successful as the path “less traveled by.”