Degrees
Undergraduates are typically working toward a Bachelor of Arts degree or a Bachelor of Science degree. If you plan to graduate in four years, you should declare a major by the end of your sophomore year.
Discuss the appropriate timing for declaring your major with your academic advisor. Some majors have specific requirements (prerequisites) that must be fulfilled before you declare that major. The appropriate forms for declaring a major are available in the Arts and Sciences Advising Center, and your advisor can help you with the steps of declaring a major.
You may elect to pursue your degree in a department at the School of Arts and Sciences, or transfer to one of the other colleges at the University of Pittsburgh to complete your undergraduate education.
A bachelor’s degree from the School of Arts and Sciences requires a minimum of 120 credits (approximately 40 courses), with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00.
An Arts and Sciences academic or departmental advisor will assist you in planning coursework in order to complete requirements in a timely manner.
MAJORS AND MINORS
A major is the subject area that you concentrate on within a discipline, while minors comprise a basic introduction in a field of study. The related area may represent a thematic cluster, geographic grouping, or some other combination.
Changing Majors
Students who wish to change their majors should discuss the decision with their academic advisors. To change your major, visit Student Records in 140 Thackeray Hall.
Certificate Programs
Certificate programs allow students to complete a concentrated area of study in addition to their major.
Preparing for Graduate School
Many Arts and Sciences undergraduate students plan to pursue a graduate degree. Speak to your departmental advisor about this during your junior year, and get her or his advice on which undergraduate courses in your major will best prepare you for acceptance into a graduate program.
Also, get the advice of your advisor and other faculty members about which graduate program might be right for you. Work for faculty in your department, so that they will and be able to write informed letters of recommendation to graduate admission committees for you. Find out about, and prepare yourself for, the GRE.
