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The undecided designation allows eligible undergraduates who are unsure about their preferred major to enroll at NS, take Core Curriculum courses, and explore academic options while retaining their status as degree-seeking students.
15.1 Limits
Undergraduate students are encouraged to declare a major as early as possible to increase their likelihood of earning a degree in a timely fashion. Undecided students must declare a major by the time they complete 30 credits. An enrollment hold will be placed on the accounts of students who have more than 30 credits and have not chosen a major; students must meet with an academic advisor and either declare a major or convert to non-degree-seeking status to have the hold lifted.
Students with an undecided major are eligible for financial aid during the time they are permitted to enroll as degree-seeking students. Only classes that fulfill a Core Curriculum requirement will be eligible for financial aid. Undecided students should meet with an advisor to discuss their planned coursework, how the classes may apply to specific major requirements, and the financial aid implications.
Transfer students admitted to NS with 31 or more accumulated credits cannot declare an undecided major.
Undecided students cannot declare an academic minor.
Students who are potentially interested in a major in the natural or physical sciences, health sciences (including nursing), business, education, speech pathology, or math should be aware that these programs have rigid course sequences, including specific requirements for some Core Curriculum coursework, that require several terms to complete. Failure to begin the required course series early in a student’s degree may substantially delay their degree progress and graduation.
15.2 Exploratory Career Advising
This support provides crucial guidance and support to help students explore their options and make informed decisions for their future. Requiring undecided students to meet with a career advisor during their first year provides them with resources and tools to make more confident choices on majors and careers.
1. Students who do not have a major declared by the first day of classes in their first semester at NS have a registration hold placed on their account informing them that they must meet with a career advisor in the Career Services Center to have the hold removed.
2. Students who entered and remain undecided will receive another registration hold on their account during their second semester requiring them to meet with a career advisor to have the hold removed.
15.3 Related Information
– Change or Add a Major, Program, or Degree Form
– Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (Financial Aid Office)
15.3.1 Revision History
– Approved by Dr. Vickie Shields on 12/05/2022 and President DeRionne Pollard on 1/31/2023.