Common Questions
- Is there anything else I should do?
- Do I need a major now?
- What classes can I take that would be interesting and useful?
- What if I am interested in only one subject area?
- What if I am interested in just one particular major?
- What is a major?
- What is a minor?
- Are my study skills strong enough to do well?
- What does the university offer to help me succeed?
Is there anything else I should do?
If you have worked through the First-Year Student Section of this site, relax and look forward to a great first year! After AARO, return to this site and review academic policies about adding, dropping, the process for changing your schedule, etc. But for now you should pat yourself on the back and tell yourself, “Job well done.” The advising staff look forward to meeting you soon.
Do I need a major now?
No, you do not need to know your major now. Most SMU students declare their majors at the end of the first year or during the sophomore year.
You do need to be looking for a few possibilities. Your adviser can help you plan a schedule that allows you to explore options. Look for classes and possible majors that you would enjoy, and look for majors that develop your strengths. Once you are on campus, there are various resources available to help you make a solid decision about an undergraduate major. Your academic adviser, your professors, and the career center will be ready and willing to help you gather information about majors/minors across the curriculum.
What classes can I take that would be interesting and useful?
Good news! All your classes are training your mind and expanding your knowledge. The question is, where do you want that growth to focus? This question usually comes to a natural answer based on your interests across the curriculum and based on what subjects you find most enjoyable. You will probably excel in the classes that are in your strongest area of interest and talent.
Use this list of sample course titles to see what looks really interesting to you. Most courses on the list are advanced courses, so you would not take them now, but the list is to give you a fun idea of what could be out there in your future.
Print out the list and highlight each class that looks interesting.
Look for common themes that run through your choices and make a note on that page about what you see. These similarities lead to interesting majors and minors.
Save this list in your academic planning folder so you can share it with your academic adviser. Your academic adviser can show you how the themes of your choices fit with opportunities at SMU and can make recommendations about interesting avenues specifically for you.
Advanced classes at any university are some of the most enjoyable ones, so this will give you a taste of what you eventually can have!
Then, see your academic adviser often. Your academic adviser will be able to evaluate your interests and opportunities. We are experts at knowing what SMU has to offer and where to find it. Remember, at AARO you will have only a limited time to speak with your adviser, but once classes begin you will want to go through your academic goals with your adviser again and work on refining your ideas and dreams.
What if I am interested in only one subject area?
It’s great that your interests are so focused. Professors within your subject area will really enjoy your enthusiasm. However, to finish most degrees at SMU students take a number of electives outside the specific subject area. In your first year you will want to explore what classes and other subject areas might benefit your main area of study and might be areas of study you truly will enjoy. Your adviser also might have some great suggestions based on your interests.
To investigate these possible areas, go back to “What classes can I take that would be interesting and useful?”
What if I am interested in one particular major?
It is wonderful to have some ideas, often strong ideas, about possible majors, and your adviser will be able to help you make a schedule that moves toward that major. Here are some questions to consider:
- Will I be able to excel in the types of classes I would have to take?
- How do I know I will be able to do well?
- What is my motivation for doing this major?
- What other areas of interest do I have to fulfill my elective requirements (possibly up to 12 classes) for graduation?
- To investigate these possible areas, go back to “What classes can I take that would be interesting and useful?”
What is a Major?
Your major is the primary subject area you will study at the university. Each major will have specific requirements that you will have to complete to graduate from SMU, and these requirements are easily found in the University Catalog, both online and in hard copy. SMU has more than 80 major programs offered through the four undergraduate schools at the university. Some programs are disciplinary (the class choices focus specifically within one department of the university). Some degree programs are interdisciplinary (class choices come from a number of different departments). Some majors require coursework in related areas of study.
What is a Minor?
A minor is a small group of classes in one area of study; for most areas a minor is 5-8 classes that allow you to gain a basic understanding of the subject. For example, a basic minor in Anthropology is five classes, while a minor in Corporate Communication and Public Affairs is seven.
Are my study skills strong enough to do well?
Students come to SMU from a variety of backgrounds and with a variety of skill levels. It is important to evaluate your skills so you can make wise choices about how to succeed at the University. The Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center has a one credit calss, Oracle, as well as peer tutoring, learning specialists, skills assessments and workshops to help all students succeed.
What does the university offer to help me succeed?
- Academic Advisers familiar with University Resources
- Nelson-Denny Reading Inventory
- Professors have office hours
- Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center for tutoring and studying skills
- Math Department Tutorials
- Find a tutor BEFORE you fail a test
