Choose the Type of Major That Suits You
Single Major
A department major typically consists of at least 30 credits with specified and elective courses determined by the department. A minimum grade of C- is normally required in all major courses. A student cannot pursue a minor and major in the same or related fields (ex: Philosophy major and Philosophy minor).
Double Major
This involves fulfilling the major requirements, including the college requirements of each major, of two Bachelor of Arts or two Bachelor of Science majors. The advantage of a double major is that the student is able to develop and demonstrate strength in each area covered in the undergraduate program. Admission to double major status requires the approval of both departments and the dean(s) of the college(s). The minimum grade necessary in all courses required for the double major is the same as that needed for a single major in that degree program. One degree and one diploma are awarded to students who complete the requirements of a double major. Students cannot pursue double majors in the same or related fields.
Interdepartmental Major
Interdepartmental majors are available in some programs of study. For a general description and requirements, see the College of Arts and Sciences section of the catalog.
Not Ready To Choose A Major? University Studies (UST)
For students who are undecided about their choice of major, the University Studies Program (UST) is a great place to start. UST provides students the opportunity to discover and investigate various options. Given the structure of the baccalaureate degree, it is possible for students during their first semesters to choose coursework that allows them to remain on track for a number of different majors. University Studies students may consider several major options before committing to a particular one, as it is often possible to plan course schedules for the first one or two semester(s) that will fulfill requirements in more than one potential major, with the exception of highly structured programs.
Each University Studies (UST) student is assigned a professional academic advisor in the University Studies Program. The advisor works one-on-one with UST students to assist in course selection, major exploration, preparation for major entrance requirements, and to design an overall academic plan that will enable students to get the most out of their University education.
UST is a University-wide program, not affiliated with any one college at UD, thus UST students work with their academic advisors to consider majors from across the entire spectrum of more than 150 undergraduate programs. To assist UST students in identifying majors of possible interest, UD majors have been grouped into seven broad “interest areas”; see the complete list of majors and interest areas at ust.udel.edu/. Students are encouraged to select an interest designation early in their undergraduate careers. The majors within an interest area generally use a common set of beginning courses, allowing students to customize their course selection to correspond with their interests.
UST students are expected to choose a major by the end of their fourth semester of full-time study, or before the completion of 60 credits. UST is not a major or a degree program, and students cannot graduate until they declare and complete a formal major and the necessary degree requirements.
A Minor May Add Breadth To Your Studies
Designed for students interested in a particular field, minors provide programs of study less intensive and comprehensive than a major but with greater coherence than a group of courses selected at random. In general, a minor requires at least 15 credits of course work. Students may not major and minor in the same field of study (ex: Philosophy major and Philosophy minor) nor may they major and minor in related fields of study (ex: Chemistry Education major and Chemistry minor). Students must obtain permission from the designated minor advisor before declaring a minor. There is no University policy restricting students with less than a 2.0 from declaring a minor.
Multiply Your Options With A Double Degree
In some cases, a student is allowed to simultaneously pursue two baccalaureate degrees. The following regulation applies to a student seeking two concurrent degrees:
- A student must fulfill all requirements for both degrees, including all college requirements should the programs of study be in more than one college. He or she may be awarded two degrees at the same time only if the degrees are different (e.g., Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts). If a student is pursuing two fields of study for which the same degree is awarded, only one degree will be granted, but with a double major (e.g., Bachelor of Arts with majors in English and History). If a student is pursuing a double major, the degree for both majors must be conferred in the same graduation term.
Change Of Major, Concentration, or Minor Policy
Most students are admitted into a specific major. Once admitted, students may change majors during various times, provided they meet specific requirements and receive proper approvals. Between the time of admission and enrollment of classes, students should request approval from the Office of Admissions, who will process the request if appropriate. The Admissions office will notify the academic assistant dean of the new program to ensure proper scheduling of courses. There is no minimum GPA required to change into an unrestricted program at the University. However, departments may have policies to restrict admission into programs. See the Restricted Majors page for an updated list.
Once their first semester begins, students should consult with their academic assistant dean about changing majors. Normally, first semester freshmen may not change majors until the conclusion of the semester. Some majors have enrollment limits and individual transfer procedures, which may include application deadlines, prerequisite courses, and/or GPA requirements. The Change of Major, Minor, Concentration & Graduation Term form, available through UDSIS, should be completed as directed by the department or college to initiate the change (see here for assistance). Additional information concerning changing majors can be found at: http://www.udel.edu/registrar/students/restmajorsinfo.html.
4+1 Program
Students have the opportunity to complete a traditional four-year bachelor’s program plus a master’s program in five years through a number of 4+1 programs. Both degrees can be earned in an accelerated format by fulfilling a limited number of undergraduate requirements with graduate coursework (typically 6-9 credits). Students apply to be admitted into a 4+1 program in their junior year. 4+1 students should consult with both their undergraduate and graduate advisors to carefully choose courses in order to complete the requirements of both degrees in five years. Typically, students complete the undergraduate requirements, including “shared” coursework, before taking courses for exclusively graduate requirements. Approved “shared” coursework applies to both undergraduate and graduate GPAs. 4+1 Students are classified as undergraduates for the first 8 regular semesters or until the undergraduate degree requirements are completed, whichever comes first. Upon successful completion of the undergraduate degree requirements, 4+1 students will have their bachelor’s degree conferred. Upon successful completion of the remaining graduate degree requirements, students will have their master’s degree conferred. A list of 4+1 programs offered by the University can be found in the Programs tab.
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