Custom Degrees
University life in The Sims 4 is a transformative experience, but after a few playthroughs, the standard degree options can start to feel a little repetitive. If you have ever wished your Sim could study something more niche, like Folklore & Mythology or Marine Biology, then the Custom Degrees add-on is exactly what you need. This fan-made mod dramatically expands the academic catalog available at Britechester and Foxbury, offering a fresh layer of realism and role-playing depth to your game. Instead of forcing your Sim into a generic career path, you can now tailor their education to match their personality, hobbies, and future aspirations.
What Does Custom Degrees Add to Your Game?
This mod does not simply reskin existing classes; it introduces a whole new roster of distinct majors. Each one is fully integrated into the University system, meaning your Sim will attend classes, complete homework, and work toward a diploma just like with the Maxis originals. The mod adds a total of 22 new degrees, split between the two distinguished universities. For example, at Britechester, you can now pursue a degree in Humanities with specializations in Archaeology, Philosophy, or Social Justice. Over at Foxbury, the Scientific track has been expanded to include cutting-edge fields like Astrophysics, Games Development, and Animal Behaviour.
Complete List of New Majors
To give you a clear picture, here is the full breakdown of what you can expect to find once you install the mod:
- Britechester (Humanities): Archaeology, Folklore & Mythology, Music Arts, Philosophy, Digital Media, Education, Photography, Painting Arts, Social Justice, Legal Studies, Fashion & Styling, and Interior Design.
- Foxbury (Scientific): Chemistry, Health and Fitness Science, Veterinary Medicine, Medical Science, Environmental Science, Criminology, Mathematics, Astrophysics, Marine Biology, Games Development, Botany & Plant Science, Nutrition & Dietetics, and Animal Behaviour.
Every single one of these courses comes with its own unique book and presentation. This means the experience feels authentic, as your Sim will be studying specific materials rather than generic textbooks. The mod also includes two versions of the tuning file: one with the vanilla Maxis cost (240) and one with an edited cost (2400) for those who want a more challenging academic grind. Remember, you can only install one of these tuning files, but the main file is always required and is included in both archives.
How to Install Custom Degrees for The Sims 4
Getting this mod up and running is straightforward, but there is one crucial prerequisite. The mod requires the LOT51 Core Library to function correctly. This is a foundational mod that many other add-ons use, so you might already have it installed. If not, you will need to download it first. Once you have that sorted, the installation process is simple. First, you will need to download Custom Degrees from a reputable mod site. After downloading, extract the files from the archive. You will find the main file, which is always required, and the tuning file of your choice. Place both files into your Mods folder, which is typically located in Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4.
If you are using the foxygame.net launcher, you can skip the manual file management entirely. The launcher offers a one-click install feature for various mods, including Custom Degrees, which automatically places the files in the correct directory and checks for version compatibility. This is a great way to ensure that your game files remain organized and up-to-date, especially if you are juggling multiple add-ons. The launcher's add-on catalog makes it easy to find and manage your mods, and it will also alert you to any updates, so you never have to worry about a broken save file due to outdated mods.
Compatibility and Gameplay Notes
It is important to note that Custom Degrees for The Sims 4 is designed to work with the base University expansion pack. While it is compatible with most other mods, you should always check for conflicts if you are running a heavily modded game. The mod itself is very stable, but because it interacts with the University career system, it is best to avoid using it with other mods that overhaul the same system. The mod supports multiple languages, including English, Spanish (by Stephen), and Chinese (by Immortals), making it accessible to a wide range of players.
One thing to be aware of is that, despite the claims in some descriptions, these degrees currently do not provide a career bonus. They work exactly like the Maxis degrees in terms of structure, but the direct job-boost mechanic is not implemented. This is not a bug, but rather a limitation of the current version. Your Sim will still get the diploma and the associated skills, but they won't receive the immediate head start in a specific career that vanilla degrees offer. This makes the mod perfect for storytelling and role-playing, as the focus is purely on the educational journey rather than min-maxing your Sim's career path.
Another crucial detail is that once your Sim joins a course, they are inside the Maxis system rather than the mod one. This means that grades, lessons, exams, and other career-related issues are handled by the base game. If you encounter a problem with a class not taking place, it is likely a base game issue, not a problem with this mod. The mod solely transmits information to the main University Career about what skills to improve, what presentation to give, and what diploma to create. This ensures a high level of stability, as the mod is essentially just a data injector rather than a complex script overhaul.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking to breathe new life into the University experience, Custom Degrees is a fantastic addition to your game. It offers a staggering amount of new content for a mod of its size, and the attention to detail with unique books and presentations is commendable. While the lack of career bonuses might be a downside for some, the sheer variety of majors makes it a must-have for storytellers and completionists. Whether you want your Sim to become a philosopher in Britechester or a marine biologist in Foxbury, this mod delivers. Just remember to grab the LOT51 Core Library first, and you will be ready to enroll in no time. So, go ahead and expand your Sim's horizons with this brilliant academic overhaul.