Part 4 - Roadmaps for your Major
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of roadmaps?
Roadmaps are guides for students to follow in order to achieve a degree in a particular major within a given timeframe. For example, if you start fall 2010, as a biology major with a concentration in physiology, you can look up the fall 2010–2011 roadmap for that major. The physiology roadmap will show you the sequence of certain courses, such as major prerequisites, core requirements, GE and electives.
Do I have to follow roadmaps exactly?
No. They are meant to be a guide. There will always be circumstances that are unique to you that will determine when and how to take certain classes. For example, if you placed into remedial math, it would affect when you will be able to take GE quantitative reasoning. Or, if you can only take classes certain days or certain times, it may affect when you can take classes on the roadmap.
What if I change my major? Which roadmap do I follow?
If you change your major, you should follow the roadmap for the year you declared. For example, you changed in Spring 2012 to a history major. You would follow the roadmap for history for 2011–2012.
Are there roadmaps for minors?
No there are no roadmaps for minors. Once you have declared a minor, you want to see a major advisor in that department to plan for the classes in the minor.
Can I do all or most of my GE before starting my major?
As we discussed in the video, many freshmen think that “getting my GE out of the way” before doing major coursework is a good idea. For very large majors, particularly BS degrees, this thinking will cause you to delay your graduation time. As you complete general education, you want to take the right courses for your major. The roadmaps help a lot to plan when to take those kinds of courses.
Where do I go if I have questions about my roadmap?
There are several places to go. One is a major advisor, especially if you are in a large major like the sciences, engineering, and business. You can get additional assistance at the college resource centers. There will be a link on this page to those resources. Finally, if you are in your freshmen–sophomore years, sometimes we can help you in the Advising Center. Or if you are an EOP student, you can see an EOP advisor.
We do not recommend that you ask fellow students to be major advisors. Frequently they mean well, but if they make a mistake it can cost you time and money.
