Selecting a Major

Assistance in choosing a major is available from a variety of sources on campus

Many students have a variety of interests that may make the selection of a major difficult. It is better to receive experienced guidance from the outset than to make several changes in major. Some students select or continue in a major that may not be realistic relative to their interests, career objectives, or academic preparation. Some students may not yet have an idea as to what major they want. This is a common situation that requires the individual to take advantage of the campus resources available so that indecision does not impede progress toward the degree.

Majors Requiring Departmental Approval

The following majors require departmental approval before a student can be admitted into the program.

Second Majors

A student may declare a second major field of study in the same manner as for the first major subject to the approval of the College Student Academic Affairs. Additional majors will not be approved if they involve similar study or substantial duplication of course work with the first major. In general, an additional major will not be approved if the first major and the proposed second major are in the same department. Consult with a college dean in the Office of LAS Student Academic Affairs for information.

Cross-listed courses may count toward specific requirements in each major field. However, a cross-listed course counts toward the required total credit hours in only one of the majors. A student need not repeat course or duplicate requirements to complete the second major. Credit hours for a course may not be divided across two or more departments.

Courses Offered by Other UIC Colleges

Students who want to enroll in courses offered by other UIC colleges are subject to the enrollment restrictions of the college offering the course. For some students, non-LAS courses are required as part of their curriculum or major. When this occurs, declared majors can register during the early enrollment period in any non-LAS course that is required for the student's curriculum or major. Students are advised to consult with the College or department offering courses outside of LAS. There are limitations to the number of hours that a student may use toward an LAS degree. Generally, students may only apply a maximum of 24 hours of non-LAS credit toward their degree, excluding those non-LAS courses that are required for the LAS degree.