A major, also known as a plan, is a primary field of study. Selection of a field of study as a major preference may be made at the time the application for admission is submitted. Any student entering the university with fewer than 56 credits may choose to enter without a major preference by selecting "exploratory." "Exploratory" students may defer declaring a major preference or major until there has been an opportunity to explore a variety of fields under special academic advising directed by an advisor in the Neighborhood Student Success Collaborative. Students meeting college admission requirements have the option of declaring a major at 28 credits. A major must be selected before junior standing (56 credits) is reached.
Certain academic programs which specify particular courses or sequences of courses during the first two years may require more than eight semesters for completion of the degree program.