What Aesthetic is Your Major?

By Payton Kirkpatrick and Ava Wall

Payton Kirkpatrick (she/her) is a Bachelor of Education student and recent alumnus of the Acadia School of Music. Payton is passionate about community, humour, and music.

Ava Wall (they/them) is a first-year biology student and student content creator. They are an avid writer, photographer, and artist, and you can usually find them getting involved with campus events and activities or studying at the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre.

In the era full of mood boards and hyper-curated "cores”, who says university can't be aesthetic? Acadia offers over 200 unique degree paths, so we teamed up with a few of our friends, chose some programs and paired them with today’s trendiest – and oddly specific – online aesthetics!

Community Development – Global Village Coffeehouse

Ever found yourself listening to Norah Jones and pining for that perfect soup and salad combo? An aesthetic that champions inclusivity, optimism, and comfort, Global Village Coffeehouse is the perfect aesthetic for Community Development. As a major characterized by its communal mindset and down-to-earth vibes, we can see CODE majors fitting in with this aesthetic, which dominated chic cafes of the 90s and 2000s perfectly.

Business Administration – McBling

You know what’s on-trend, and you aren’t afraid to show it! McBling is an aesthetic that combines brand savvy with comfortable do-anything clothing like tracksuits, sunglasses, bootcut jeans and the occasional splash of sparkle, making it the perfect aesthetic for Business Administration, a program that combines business savvy with versatility.

Music – Whimsigoth

Unique, eclectic, and ever-so-recognizable, we feel that the Whimsigoth aesthetic would fit perfectly with Music. Artists like Mazzy Star, Stevie Nicks, and The Cranberries borrowed from the Whimsigoth aesthetic, meaning this core is just as linked to music as it is fashion and interior design. A little chic, a little kooky, and always fun – Whimsigoth and Music just make sense!

Kinesiology – 80s Jazzercize

Because what other major could we possibly think of when we see flashy activewear? An aesthetic that sits at the intersection of functionality and fun, 80s Jazzercize blends nostalgia and wellness together in a way that we are sure fitness gurus of today would adore – minus the threat of influencers trying to sell you their workout split. Whether it be the height of the 80s aerobics scene or your annual Halloween party, just like Kinesiology, this aesthetic is quite popular and functional to boot!

Psychology – Hopecore

Psychology, meet Hopecore! As individuals who study cognitive processes, we felt psychology majors would love this aesthetic that combats doomscrolling by offering uplifting motivational images. Hopecore is not afraid to be cheesy, as it implores all observers to celebrate the little things, to look on the bright side, and of course, to touch grass.

Biology - Frutiger Aero

The sibling of Frutiger Eco, Frutiger Aero exists at the intersection of nature and technology, making it our top pick for Biology. Tech-savvy and nature inspired, Frutiger Aero is perfect for biology majors, who study living things using top-tier tech.

English – Medieval Y2K

Spanning across centuries, reminiscent of the past with a burst of the current moment - Medieval Y2K is the exact blend of today and yesteryear we imagine when we think of English. Putting the “lit” in Medieval “lit”, the sparkles of whimsy and royal-inspired robes associated with this aesthetic bring a playfulness and creativity that make this trend a universal favourite, and we think, right up English’s alley!

Environmental and Sustainability Studies: Gorpcore

Environmental and Sustainability Studies brings the GORP – that is, Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts – with practical, outdoorsy style and a plethora of nature-based activities including hiking, biking, camping, and birdwatching. Blending functionality with fashion, this major brings a pop of colour to every environment that makes you want to take a walk outside (and maybe stop and identify a few rocks and plants along the way).

Computer Science: Cybercore

Sleek, futuristic, yet reminiscent of early computer technology: these are the pillars of Cybercore, a uniquely ethereal aesthetic. As a discipline that prides itself on all things digital, we couldn’t think of a better aesthetic/core for Computer Science than Cybercore: an aesthetic that takes computers to new heights.

History: Light Academia

An aesthetic that often depicts the art and architecture of Ancient Rome and Greece is fitting for History. Much like the program, Light Academia is multi-disciplinary, depicting cozy study nooks, vaulting library halls, and warm, neutral tones all around.

Education: Twee

The Twee aesthetic is often described as gentle, colourful, and full of childlike wonder: a fitting companion for the Education program. Twee keeps your inner child thriving through its use of kooky patterns and sweet animal motifs that would look equally at home on a circle skirt or lining the walls of an elementary school classroom. More than just a callback to your younger years, the Twee aesthetic incorporates collegiate elements through hallmark clothing items such as well-worn cardigans with elbow patches, Mary Janes, and thick framed glasses (that may or may not be prescription– we don’t judge!).

Thanks for checking out our picks for pairing different aesthetics with programs at Acadia! However you define your aesthetic, there's a degree path here to help you bring it life.