University of West Florida

CAS Advising

 

About Majors

What’s the best way to find out about the major I’ve chosen?

Go to the department web site that hosts the major. The typical prototype for department web site address is “uwf.edu/history.” You can also go to this link:
UWF Undergraduate Degree Programs. Bookmark the department website because you will be visiting it often. Department websites may also redirect you to related professional organizations so you can see what kind of occupations the major can prepare you to assume after graduation.

How do I declare a major when I don’t know what I want to do yet?

Relax. You have numerous opportunities for exploration and your academic advisor is well trained to help you on your journey. In addition, your required General Studies courses will expose you to a variety of new perspectives that may help you discover what you want to do. The UWF Career Services Center also provides some helpful direction in making your choice. The links below can provide more specific help to you on this important decision:


What if I decide to change my major?

You may submit a Major Change request in MYUWF to request a different major. When you change your major, your catalog year will update to the current academic year. If you change your area of specialization, you have a choice of meeting the major degree requirements listed in the University's catalog that are in effect at the time of the change of specialization or keep your current catalog year. You should be aware of admission requirements for limited access and restricted programs. If you are on academic probation or are returning from suspension, you may request a change of major; however, approval of the change of major is granted by the chairperson of the prospective department.

What can I expect from introductory courses in the major?

Most majors at UWF have specific introductory courses that offer a broad description of the nature of the discipline and the associated career opportunities they provide. Introductory courses are often considered prerequisite experiences for advanced courses in the major and often count toward the completion of your General Studies requirements. For some students, introductory courses may have been achieved through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or dual enrollment programs.

How are majors structured?

Most majors provide some lower level courses, either required or elective, that will provide you with basic vocabulary and disciplinary perspectives. These courses help you build some background in your major as you complete General Education. Advanced classes will build on this foundation by allowing you to study aspects of the discipline in greater depth. Most majors also provide a capstone experience in your final semesters in which you will have an opportunity to pull together what you have learned across the courses in your major.

What if I want more than one major?

Choosing a dual major can provide you with greater employment opportunities following graduation. However, before taking that step, you need to recognize that each major will require that you meet the individual requirements of both. Dual major status could entail more time to graduation. To graduate with a dual major, your must officially declare a major in each department and college (as applicable) and get an advisor assigned from each program. Upon departmental acceptance, you must complete a Dual Major Designation form. When a dual major is requested, the catalog year for both majors will be the current catalog year. A dual major does not require a minimum number of hours beyond those necessary for completing each degree requirement (minimum 120 sh). Requirements for both majors must be completed prior to the degree's being awarded. After successful completion of all requirements for both majors, you will be awarded one degree (for example, one B.A. or one B.S.) with both majors listed on the diploma and transcript. You should contact the University Advising Center at (850) 474-3170 for eligible dual listed degree programs or for additional information.

If I already hold a bachelor’s degree, how would that affect my requirements for achieving a second degree at UWF?

If you hold a bachelor's degree from any regionally accredited institution, including UWF, may qualify for additional bachelor's degrees by completing the following requirements:

Should I elect a minor?

Pursuing a minor may be a good idea to help you develop distinctive skills sets and perspectives to support your major. Ask your academic advisor about what minors offer the greatest potential in relation to your career goals. You may declare a minor by submitting the "Declaration of Minor" form to the University Advising Center located in building 18 room 150. To declare a minor, you must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate major. Specific requirements for the minor will be those listed in the academic programs section of the catalog that is in effect at the time the minor is declared. You should consult the minor department for questions concerning course requirements. A minimum of 12 semester hours of upper-division work must be completed in the minor, of which nine semester hours must be courses taken at UWF. You must have a minimum GPA of 2.00 in all UWF courses used in the minor.

Neither diplomas nor certificates are issued for completion of the minor. Minors are awarded in conjunction with the receipt of a baccalaureate degree and are recorded only on the academic transcript. You must submit a "Completion of Minor" form to the Office of the Registrar with the approval of the minor department for the semester of graduation. The "Application for Graduation" for the bachelor's degree must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar before the " Application for Completion of a Minor" will be processed. Forms for graduation may be found at the graduation section of the Registrar's Office website.

CAS Advising | 11000 University Pkwy. | Pensacola, FL 32514 | (850) 474-2688 | cas@uwf.edu | Campus Map |