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Academic Advising

Major Maps

A major map is a layout of required courses in a given program of study, including critical courses and suggested course sequence to ensure a clear path to graduation. Major maps include universal terminology, a standard program of study, and a common 8-semester template.

Major Map Repository

The Major Map Repository stores all completed major maps and is updated regularly. 

 

Program of Study

A program of study is a prescribed sequence of learning components comprising an academic program. Below are the components of a program of study. 

  1. Carolina Core: (required) The common core of knowledge, skill, and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduates.
  2. College Requirements: Foundational requirements for all majors within the college.
  3. Program Requirements: Requirements specific to an academic program that are not major courses.
    1. Supporting Courses: Courses related to and required in preparation for the major.
    2. Cognate: A series of courses that display a distinct curricular pattern in one or more disciplines different from the major.
    3. Minor: A series of courses that display a distinct curricular pattern in one discipline that is different from the major.
    4. Electives: (to reach required hours to graduate) Courses open to student selection or preference that are applicable to the program of study and are counted in the required hours to graduate.
  4. Major: (required) A program of study in a discipline that leads to a degree in that distinct specialty area at a particular level of instruction.
    1. Major Courses: Specific required courses in the distinct specialty area.
    2. Major Electives: Specific recommended courses that support the distinct specialty area.
    3. Concentration: A series of courses that display a distinct curricular pattern within the major.
    4. Thesis/Dissertation/Capstone: A culminating research experience in the distinct specialty area.

Advisor Resources

What is the Carolina Core?

Explaining the Carolina Core during Advisement

An In-Depth Look at the Program of Study 


Additional Resources

Academic Terminology


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