IDS Areas of Emphasis

As a student in the IDS major, you must select one of five areas of emphasis (AoE) as part of your program. Your area of emphasis allows you to customize your degree with a unique set of curated courses in which you will use and enhance the academic knowledge and practical skills learned in your IDS core courses.

The five areas of emphasis in the IDS major are:

1. Agriculture and Food Security (AFS)
2. Environment and Sustainable Development (ESD)
3. Development in the Canadian Context (DCC)
4. Development in Fragile Contexts (DFC)
5. Gender and Inclusive Development (GAID)

Each area of emphasis requires the successful completion of 2.50 credits:

1.00 required credits + 1.50 credits selected from a list of restricted electives.  

Course requirements for the IDS areas of emphasis are found in the academic calendar below the IDS major core requirements.

When to declare your Area of Emphasis

You should review the areas of emphasis during your first year, and start thinking which AoE most closely connects to your academic and personal interests. The majority of AoE courses your 2000-level (2^nd year) or higher, and you can start taking courses in your second year. It’s highly recommended that you declare your AoE in your second year.

Can you change your Area of Emphasis?

Yes, it's possible to change to Area of Emphasis after you've declared one. For example, you initially declared GAID in first year but then decided you are more interested in environmental issues and would like to change your area of emphasis to ESD. To do change your AoE, contact the IDS Academic Advisor. Please keep in mind that if you change your Area of Emphasis, it may take longer to complete your IDS Major requirements so careful planning is important. 

How to declare your Area of Emphasis

To declare your area of emphasis, fill, sign and date the form found here.

Tips for filling in the form: 

• Degree program is BAH.IDS or BAH.IDS:C if you are in co-op
• Program type is Honours  
• College is CSAHS  
• Current Schedule of studies: Specializations Type (e.g. Major) is Major, Subject is IDS or IDS:C (for students in IDS co-op)
• Revised Schedule of Studies: On the second part of the form repeat Major: IDS or IDS:C then under that, add Type: AoE, Subject:  AFS, DCC, DFC, ESD or GAID

Remember to sign and date the bottom of the form.  See an example of a completed form here or click on the document at the bottom of this page.

Return the completed form (or email if you are having issues with the form) to Lisa Blenkinsop, IDS Academic Advisor, at idadvisor@uoguelph.ca. Lisa will sign and submit the form for processing.

Questions about the Areas of Emphasis? Contact the IDS Academic Advisor.