A program is an approved academic course of study whether it be a major, minor, or concentration.

Major/Minor

Major: Upon or after admission to Worcester State University, and in any case prior to the beginning of the junior year, degree seeking students declare an intent to major in a specific discipline or an approved interdisciplinary area. In general, a major is completed by earning between 30 and 48 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Students may take additional electives in their major if desired. Courses are selected under the direction, and with the approval of the student’s faculty advisor in the major.

Declaration: A department and/or an appropriate interdisciplinary committee administering an interdisciplinary major may establish standards for admission of enrolled students into their major and minor programs. The standards are not based solely on any GPA. They may be based on grades earned in prerequisite courses, demonstration of special knowledge and skills through tests, portfolios, interviews, and other relevant criteria. Departments and interdisciplinary major administering committees must have standards approved by the All University Committee. A minimum GPA at variance with Worcester State University's policy may not be used as a standard for retention as a major or minor student within a department and an interdisciplinary program. Transfer credits must be approved by the major department or the corresponding program administering committee.

Minor: As a choice for students completing Major + for graduation, or any matriculated student interested in doing so, an approved minor may be completed by earning between 18 and 25 credits and at least one 300 or 400 level course in a discipline other than the student’s major discipline and/or in an interdisciplinary program. With limited exceptions, (outlined in the specific minor program information), students should not major and minor in the same discipline. Within these limited exceptions, no more than one course (3-4 credits), may be reused between a major and a minor.

Changing Major or Minor: A student wishing to change a major or minor field of study completes the Declaration/Change of Major/Minor Form at the Office of the Registrar. A request for a change in major or minor must be made in the Fall by mid-October and in the Spring by mid-March. Forms for the declaration or change of a major/minor are available at the Office of the Registrar. A student wishing to declare/change into Occupational Studies, Liberal Studies, or the Global Studies minor must obtain approval from the Chair of the department. Change of major is not permitted in the Nursing program.