Skip to Content

Center for Advisement and Student Success

Search UTC.edu:

Campus & People

Resources:

Common Premajor Questions

What is a major?

A major is your primary program of student and includes courses from a single discipline or a set of similar disciplines. The number of courses required for a major varies; required credit hours range from 27 hrs to 113 hrs.

How does my major relate to my future career?

Some degree programs are specific and lead to certain professional fields – examples include Engineering, Nursing, and Education majors. Liberal arts majors in the College of Arts and Sciences (includes psychology, geology, history, etc.) are broader. These students will take a wide variety of courses that prepares them to enter a wide range of careers. Even fields like business, which offer various concentrations, will require broad classes that can prepare students to enter many different careers. The fact is that many employers are looking for the skills a student acquires in college, not a specific major.

What if I already have a major but want to change it?

If you are changing from a declared major to undecided, it is best to come see an advisor during walk-in hours in our office. Students during their first year have time for major changes while working on general education requirements. However, students are advised to select a major by the completion of 42 credit hours to ensure graduation in a timely fashion. Students interested in changing from one major directly into another major may contact that department directly to meet with an advisor for more information.

Who do I see for advisement?

Students wanting to meet with an advisor for information on choosing a college major can come to our walk-in hours daily. Students who are currently listed in the system as undecided and need advisement for course registration are also advised through our office, but you must schedule an appointment to be advised for the next term. We only issue alternate pins for students officially listed as “premajors/undeclared.”

Students who know what major they want to pursue but have not yet declared it need to see that major department directly for course registration advisement.

How do I change my major?

You must submit a form online to the Records Office with information on the major change. Major changes will not officially take effect until the following term. However, you are still allowed to see an advisor in the department you are changing into.