Fact check: Busting myths about U of GH’s programs

Myth: Opportunities the program provides like participating in a co-op or case competitions are geared toward extroverted students with a high grade point average. 

Fact: Anyone in the program is encouraged to give these a try, with co-op being baked into the curriculum. U of GH ensures each student feels prepared going into a co-op or case competition experience; preparatory workshops are offered, as well as mock interviews and ongoing coaching. Business Administration Chair Dr. Karey Rowe said some of the strongest presenters identify as introverts. 

Myth: Business & Liberal Studies leads to a different degree than the Business Administration program at U of GH. 

Fact: Graduates from the new Business & Liberal Studies program will receive the same degree, but this program features a different experience than Business Administration. Every student graduates with the Honours Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Guelph and completes the same 12.50 business core credits, but they also complete twelve Liberal Studies courses spread across four years, framed by two Studios in first year and a Capstone Seminar in fourth year. In third year, Advertising in Business would be taken alongside a course called Propaganda. Students will leave with a second credential as well: a Diploma in General Arts and Science from Humber Polytechnic.  

Myth: Graduates from the Early Childhood Studies (ECS) program can only become primary education teachers or work in early learning and care. 

Fact: The ECS program doesn’t limit students to a single career path. ECS Chair Dr. Elena Merenda said it’s a launching point for a wide range of professional and graduate opportunities that make a meaningful impact across sectors. The program gives students a strong foundation in child development, family studies, research, advocacy, mental health, and inclusive practice, with possible career options also including speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, social work, behavioural therapy, and child and youth care, in addition to education and early learning. 

Myth: The Justice Studies program is designed for future police officers.  

Fact: While Justice Studies can prepare students for careers in policing and law enforcement, there are more career pathways graduates can pursue, especially with the program’s updated curriculum. Many graduates have pursued law school and careers in law as well. Chair Gary Galbraith said U of GH has the only university program that offers students a specialization in policing & community safety or community & justice services (reflected in the diploma they receive from Humber Polytechnic in addition to their degree from University of Guelph). 

Myth: Kinesiology is just about sports. 

Fact: The Kinesiology program is deeply rooted in human health sciences and rehabilitation, including course topics like anatomy, physiology, chronic disease, and nutrition. Students graduate with an understanding of how movement, exercise, and lifestyle impact overall health and performance across the lifespan for all populations (not just athletes). There’s a tie-in to sports – but there’s so much more. Some careers include registered kinesiologist, certified personal trainer, rehabilitation therapist, and clinical exercise physiologist. Many students also continue on to graduate programs including medical school.

Myth: Media only encapsulates journalism or news. 

Fact: Journalism and news are part of media, but only a fraction of what constitutes modern media. Media & Communication Studies (MCS) Chair Kathy Ullyott said media can be found across a variety of sectors now because companies are producing content for multiple purposes (such as marketing) on multiple platforms, each with their own audience and purpose. There’s an immense appetite in the work force for media professionals, like MCS graduates, who can tell stories using a variety of tools and strategies. 

Myth: The Psychology program is only about becoming a therapist or a clinical psychologist. 

Fact: U of GH Psychology students build broadly marketable skills including research design, data literacy, communication, teamwork, and integration of biological, psychological, and cultural perspectives on behaviour. These skills open doors well beyond clinical routes. Graduates pursue roles in education, human resources, research, health, social services, and business, and many also continue to graduate or professional programs – there are many options!  

Myth: This program is only for those who want to work on the front lines of social services. 

Fact: Social Services & Well-Being Studies students gain strong, hands-on skills in counselling, group work, and mediation, and they also develop expertise in policy, advocacy, and research. Many students even pursue advanced opportunities, such as the Honours Thesis Course, to further sharpen their ability to influence systems-level change. Graduates are just as prepared to work in research, policy, or leadership as they are in direct service.