📅 Course Sequencing & Timelines
Q: When should I take a math class?
A: Take math during your first year. Complete the ALEKS exam before your first semester’s add/drop period.
Q: When should I declare a major?
A: URI recommends declaring by the end of your first year or during your sophomore year.
Q: How long can I remain undeclared?
A: You can stay undeclared until you earn 60 credits, but you must choose a major before your junior year. Students interested in STEM majors should declare before earning 30 credits.
🎓 Majors, Minors, & Academic Tracks
Q: How often can I switch majors?
A: Change as often as needed. You must meet new requirements. Late changes may delay graduation.
Q: What is the difference between a major and a minor?
A: A major is your main study area (30+ credits). A minor is an optional addition (~18 credits).
Q: Can I declare a minor before I declare a major?
A: No. Minors require an active, primary degree program.
Q: Can I declare a minor now?
A: Yes, once you have a major. Meet with your advisor and submit the form via Starfish.
Q: How many majors can you declare in?
A: You can double major. You usually cannot double major within the same business program.
Q: How many minors can you declare in?
A: There is no rigid limit. Credit restrictions usually limit students to one or two.
Q: What is Pre-Health?
A: An advising track, not a major. Provides course planning and career prep support for medical paths.
Q: Can I declare pre-law?
A: No. It is an advising track. Choose a standard major and follow pre-law guidelines.
Q: Who can I meet with to discuss pre-law?
A: Contact Chris Parker at cmparker@uri.edu (305 Washburn Hall) or book via Starfish.
🏫 Academic Coursework & Variety
Q: What majors do not require any math?
A: BA majors like English, Art History, Theatre, and Philosophy require no program-specific upper-level math.
Q: What majors provide hands-on learning?
A: Nursing, Engineering, Marine Biology, Kinesiology, Journalism, and Textiles feature built-in labs or internships.
Q: What majors have a lot of STEM requirements?
A: All BS tracks (Computer Science, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Biological Sciences, Physics) have heavy STEM loads.
Q: What majors have the least STEM requirements?
A: BA tracks in humanities and fine arts (History, Creative Writing, Communications) have minimal STEM needs.
Q: What are alternative majors to nursing?
A: Health Studies, Kinesiology, Psychology (BS), Medical Laboratory Science, and Human Development & Family Science.
Q: What is neuroscience?
A: A field combining Biology, Psychology, Engineering, and Pharmacy to study the brain and nervous system.
Q: What is the difference between a BA degree and a BS degree?
A: A BS focuses on technical, math, and science coursework. A BA offers broader elective and minor room.
Q: How do I fill out a curriculum sheet?
A: Find yours on the Advising by Major website. Use eCampus to track completed courses.
Q: What happens if I don’t meet the GPA requirement to get admitted into the major I want?
A: You stay in FISS as an “exploring” student. Work with your advisor on the Second Grade Option.
Q: What majors are quickest to graduate in?
A: BA majors with fewer required credits and flexible courses help students graduate faster.
Q: What are the most popular majors at URI?
A: Health sciences, business, and communications have the highest enrollment and graduate numbers.
Q: What majors guarantee me a job after graduation?
A: None guarantee a job. Nursing, Engineering, Accounting, Finance, Computer Science, and Cyber Security show strong outcomes.
Q: How can I learn about Study Abroad?
A: Attend a mandatory “Getting Started” Info Session run by the Office of International Education (OIE).
Q: When should I be thinking about internships, and who can I connect with?
A: Start exploring during your sophomore year and apply early for junior year or senior summer opportunities. Use Starfish to meet with your Career Education Specialist for guidance.
🏛️ Academic Advising & Support Tracks
Q: Why do I have an advisor hold?
A: It requires you to meet with your academic advisor before registration to plan your schedule.
🖥️ Course Formats & Definitions
Q: Are there many online classes offered at URI?
A: Yes, via URI Online. Many are upper-level and may not suit first- or second-year students.
Q: What does a blended class mean?
A: A hybrid format combining physical in-person meetings with structured asynchronous online learning.
🛑 Enrollment Holds, Standing, & SAP
Q: Why do I have a term balance hold?
A: It is triggered automatically by an unpaid financial balance from the current or previous semester.
Q: What does being in good standing mean?
A: You must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher.
Q: What does being on probation mean?
A: A warning triggered if your cumulative GPA drops below 2.00. Max 3 consecutive semesters if QPD is under 8.0.
Q: What is a quality deficit point?
A: The exact number of grade points you are missing to achieve a 2.00 GPA.
Q: What is a SAP?
A: Satisfactory Academic Progress. Federal aid standard requiring a 2.00 GPA and passing 67% of attempted credits.
Q: What is early registration and how do I get it?
A: Priority registration for Honors, student-athletes, and DAI students who complete advisor scheduling forms.
⏱️ Credit Loads & Accelerated Terms
Q: How many credits should I enroll in each semester?
A: Enroll in 15 to 16 credits per semester to graduate on time in four years.
Q: Can I enroll in just 12 credits each semester?
A: Yes, it keeps full-time status for housing and sports, but will delay graduation past four years.
Q: What is J term?
A: Optional January winter session. You can complete up to 4 credits in an accelerated 3-week format.
Q: What is summer term?
A: Optional accelerated sessions from May to August to help you catch up or get ahead.
Q: Can I take a math class during J term?
A: Yes, select foundational math classes are offered but are heavily compressed.
Q: Can I take a math class during summer term?
A: Yes, URI routinely offers general education and major-specific math courses across summer block sessions.
Q: If I have a lot of AP and dual enrollment credits, can I graduate early?
A: Yes, you can use unlimited credits to finish early, depending on how they fit your major requirements.
Q: How many times can I repeat a class?
A: You can repeat a course once (two attempts total) if you earned a C- or lower on your first attempt.