Academic Advising for Undeclared Majors

Advisor meeting with student

Advising

Visit SFA's Academic Advising webpage to learn more about:

  • the scope of advising services available
  • finding your academic advisor through mySFA
  • and accessing resources to help you prepare for your advising appointment.

Looking for advising information for declared majors?

You may decide to be an undeclared major if you:

  • are an incoming first-year or transfer student
  • have fewer than 45 earned credit hours
  • and have not yet selected a college or decided on a major.

The academic advisors in the Student Success Center serve all undeclared and exploring students. Many students begin their college careers as undeclared majors. In fact, you're not required to declare a major until you've earned 45 credit hours.

Some students just want to "take the basics" to start and decide on a major later. Others are trying to choose between two or more majors and are not ready to commit yet. Still others come to SFA with a declared major, but quickly decide it is not the right one for them; they, too, become undeclared. All of these scenarios are typical, normal experiences.

Advising process

Available year-round, advising is by appointment.

You'll work with a dedicated advisor here in the Student Success Center and they'll get to know you and your interests. All of our advisors are here to listen and help you focus on your needs and dreams with the ultimate goal of selecting a major that is right for you. 

Staying on track toward graduation

With careful planning, undeclared students complete their core curriculum requirements while deciding on a major. Our academic advisors help you select classes that fulfill these requirements while also ensuring they apply to a variety of majors and allow exploration of your potential area of study. By the time you are ready to declare a major, you'll be well on your way to fulfilling your degree requirements.

Understand the financial aid impact

To ensure your status of undeclared doesn't impact your financial aid, you'll be assigned as a communication studies major with the transitional concentration. You'll continue to be advised through the Student Success Center; this is simply a placeholder until you decide what major you wish to pursue and allows you to receive financial aid if you are eligible.

Meeting with your advisor - what to expect

Meet with your advisor any time you have questions about your academic progress during the term. You must meet with your advisor prior to registering for the upcoming term to remove the advising hold on your account.

Undeclared students are encouraged to meet with their advisor two to three times each semester. Meeting frequently with your professional advisor will allow your advisor to do the following:

  • Review your interests — Your interests and academic abilities guide us as we work together to select courses for you and your potential major.
  • Meet you where you are — No matter how uncertain you are about which academic major you’d like to try, we can provide information and resources that will help you feel confident in your major selection.
  • Point you in the right direction — SFA offers more than 120 areas of interest with different requirements, so we’re here to help you make sure you’re meeting the right requirements at the right time to earn your degree and pursue your career.
  • Find your recipe for success — From achieving academically and participating in student organizations to serving the community and searching for jobs, we help you find the resources you need to succeed and ensure your well-being throughout your college career.
Come prepared 

Review the general core curriculum page of the course bulletin (choose "Core Curriculum" from the navigation menu) to get an idea of the courses you will take as an undeclared student.

  • Bring a list of any questions you have for your advisor to make good use of the appointment time.
  • Use your advising appointment as an opportunity to discuss your interests in areas of study and career opportunities.

Keep in mind: Your advisor will not make decisions for you. Their purpose is to provide you with information and direction so that you are comfortable with the decisions you make for yourself.

Advising for dual credit students

Academic advisors in the Student Success Center serve dual credit students and their college advising needs. Our academic advisors guide you in choosing college courses that will apply to the core curriculum and/or your dual credit college pathway while also meeting your high school curriculum.

View SFA’s dual credit exploratory pathways.

Career resources

Career preparation begins with a student’s first year at SFA. The Center for Career and Professional Development offers career planning and development resources to incoming and current students as well as alumni. Its services are completely free and offered both in-person and virtually.

Academic Standing

A student must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to remain in good academic standing. Refer to HOP policy 04-102 (PDF) for details on academic probation, suspension and eligibility for reinstatement.

Undergraduate students: Summer term is an opportunity to improve your GPA and your academic standing. If your summer term GPA is below 2.0, you will not be placed on academic suspension. Instead, your academic standing will be carried over from the spring term.

Academic standing response to COVID-19: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, SFA suspended academic standing penalties during the spring, summer and fall 2020 terms for undergraduate, graduate and doctorate students. The HOP policy 04-102 (PDF) was reinstated spring 2021.