Help! My student doesn't know which major to choose. What can we do?
How many majors are there at Temple? How do I learn more about these majors?
When are students required to declare a major?
Are all students assigned an academic advisor? How often should they meet?
How many credits should a student take each semester? How many credits are required for graduation?
What kind of job/career can my student expect if they choose a certain major? What career-focused resources and services exist at Temple?
How can I obtain information about financial aid? Where can I get my questions answered concerning my student’s tuition bill?
I haven’t received any grades in the mail for my student? Should I be concerned about this?
I’m worried that my student isn’t doing well in class. How can I find out about my student’s academic progress?
Our family insurance company (or my employer) is requiring proof that my son or daughter is (or was) enrolled at Temple University. What do I do?
What is New Student Orientation? Is this required for my son or daughter?
Help! My student doesn't know which major to choose. What can we do?
University Studies at Temple University was created to meet the needs of students who have not yet decided on, or who have not yet officially declared, a major. While you and your student may think that everyone must declare a major when starting college, most studies have shown that up to 80 percent of students entering college admit that they're not certain what they really want to major in, even if they've initially declared a major. In addition, up to 50 percent of college students change their majors at least once before graduation, and some change their major several times. That’s why we're here. University Studies at Temple University is the academic home for students who would like to explore their major options at Temple. We also serve students in transition. Our office provides academic advising appointments to any student in transition who requests it. In addition to this, we handle the class enrollment and degree advising for incoming and enrolled undeclared students.
The topics that you or your student might want to discuss with a University Studies advisor include; majors available at Temple, major requirements, additional requirements for declaring a specific major, and how long will it take to complete a degree in this area. Additional questions may relate to your student's personal characteristics, the characteristics of the majors that your student is exploring, and resources to learn more about these topics. Students will be encouraged to also discuss their past/current academic performance.
How many majors are there at Temple? How do I learn more about these majors?
Temple University currently has over 130 majors. Academic advisors for University Studies are knowledgeable about each of these majors. Requirements for each major are listed in the Undergraduate Bulletin, under the Academic Programs link. Additionally, you or your student can stop by the University Studies advising office (1810 Liacouras Walk, Suite 101) to obtain information about current Temple majors. Students can also meet with a University Studies advisor to determine how the courses they have already taken can satisfy the requirements for a particular degree program.
When are students required to declare a major?
In an effort to ensure that all students graduate from Temple University in a timely manner, your student will be required to declare a major by the time they have completed 60 credits. For most students, this will occur around the end of their sophomore year. This means that the average student will be given as much as two years to explore their major options at Temple before being required to declare a specific major. Please also note that students may change their major more than once.
Are all students assigned an academic advisor? How often should they meet?
Advising is a crucial part of the academic experience and essential for your student's success at Temple University. Students in University Studies are given the flexibility to work with any of our professional academic advisors, who will assist them in planning an academic program based on their prospective major. Students meet with their advisors before registering each semester to review curriculum requirements and their academic progress (e.g., grades) to date. Students should also meet with an academic advisor when they are ready to declare a major.
How many credits should a student take each semester? How many credits are required for graduation?
Tuition for full-time students covers 12 to 17 credits. Credits over 17 carry additional tuition charges. This means that your student must be registered for a minimum of 12 credits each semester to be considered full-time. Often full-time status is a criterion for financial aid eligibility. Although the number of credits required for graduation may vary depending on the program, most bachelor’s degree programs require a minimum of 123 credits. Averaged over four years, this is typically 15-16 credits per semester. However, depending on the student's circumstances, your student may decide not to attempt a 15-16 credit load in the first semester. If a student decides to take 12-14 credits in the first semester, this does not necessarily mean that this student will not make satisfactory academic progress. Students should always consult with an advisor in University Studies for specific information about recommended credits and classes for each semester.
Temple University's two six-week summer sessions also offer an excellent opportunity for students to earn additional credits as needed or to focus on the one or two courses that may demand more attention. Unlike high school, attendance during the summer sessions does not have a negative connotation. Many college students take advantage of summer courses to make progress toward graduation. For information about taking summer courses at another university, students should schedule an appointment with an advisor in University Studies.
Class standing at Temple University is also determined by the number of credits completed by your student during any given academic semester. You may determine your student's own class standing using the information provided below:
Freshman (0 to 29 credits)
Sophomore (30 to 59 credits)
Junior (60 to 89 credits)
Senior (90 or more credits)
What kind of job/career can my student expect if they choose a certain major? What career-focused resources and services exist at Temple?
In addition to questions about their major options at Temple, your student will likely have many questions about what kinds of careers and/or jobs they can pursue after choosing a particular major. To assist with this, students have access to the Career Center, located in 220 Mitten Hall (1913 N. Broad Street), as well as specialized career advising services located in each of the schools and colleges. Students are encouraged to visit the Career Center early and often. By taking advantage of the resources provided by the University, students will have the opportunity to explore career options, develop networking contacts, strategize the internship/job search, and directly connect with employers.
How can I obtain information about financial aid? Where can I get my questions answered concerning my student’s tuition bill?
Parents and students may obtain information concerning financial aid through Student Financial Services. Questions concerning a student's bill, refund or payments are referred to the Bursar's Office.
I haven’t received any grades in the mail for my student? Should I be concerned about this?
Grade reports are not automatically mailed to students. Instead, students can access grades through the TU Portal, Temple's student information system.
I’m worried that my student isn’t doing well in class. How can I find out about my student’s academic progress?
Your student would need to waive their FERPA rights.
Our family insurance company (or my employer) is requiring proof that my son or daughter is (or was) enrolled at Temple University. What do I do?
Insurance companies, financial lenders, or employers may require proof that a student is or was currently enrolled at Temple University. An academic verification provides proof of enrollment, graduation, student status, and other related information. Requests for verification of enrollment can be obtained through the TU Portal.
What is New Student Orientation? Is this required for my son or daughter?
New Student Orientation is the official process through which newly admitted freshman and transfer students become acquainted with Temple University and the school or college associated with their major. Yes, it is required. Orientation for the Division of University Studies students begins with a presentation about University Studies, academic requirements, and support services. An important part of the presentation involves the University General Education curriculum and how Gen Ed can be used in the major exploration process. Following the presentation, students meet with undergraduate peer advisors who help them choose courses based on: major interests, placement test scores, and in some cases AP, IB, and/or transfer credit. Students also meet with a University Studies professional advisor to review course selections.
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