FAQs

 

Rachael Teter and Jasmine Jemewouk play chess outside the Greuning building while the temperature hovered near -20F. | UAF Photo by Zayn Roohi

Plan your next move with these answers to frequently asked advising questions.

 

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All degree-seeking students must meet with an academic advisor before registering for classes. The registration form, found on your UAonline account, requires an academic advisor’s signature.

Dan Darrow and Grace Carroll, CLA’s Comprehensive Advisors, meet with freshmen, sophomore, and transfer students. 

Make an appointment with an advisor

The college of liberal arts has over 40 undergraduate major programs and 24 minors. 

The major difference between a BS and a BA is the structure of the program. A Bachelor of Science (BS), requires a higher level of math (at least Calculus I) and a sequence (2 semesters) of natural science. A Bachelor of Arts (BA), has greater emphasis on the humanities and requires both a major (30 credits) and a minor (15 credits).

A student must earn 30 credits each year to complete their degree in four years. Some students take 15 credits in the fall, 15 in the spring, and none during the summer. Some students take 12 credits in the fall and spring and 6 or more during the summer. First time freshmen are encouraged to take 12 credits during their first semester. 12 credits is full time and allows a student to get used to college life without being overwhelmed.

English

If a student has not previously taken college level English, placement into ENGL F111X is based on ACT/SAT or Accuplacer test scores. English F111X is part of the baccalaureate communication core and is often a pre-requisite for other classes.



Math

Math placement is based on previous math classes taken. If a student hasn’t taken college level math, s/he will need to take the online ALEKS math placement test. The ALEKS test can be taken at home and offers study modules, after which a student can retake the test to get the best placement score.

BA students need MATH F113X (Core) and one other math class.
BS students need Calculus I and one other math class.

 

Find information about placement tests at Testing Services.

Testing Services

All students should become familiar with Degree Works, the electronic degree audit in UAonline, which tracks the student’s degree progress. In Degree Works a student can see which classes they’ve completed (with grades) and which degree requirements or classes are still needed. In addition to information about Core, major and minor requirements, transfer credits, and general electives, Degree Works has projection tools such as the “What if” scenario and “Planner” to map out future semesters.

Both Course Finder and the Class Schedule in UAonline will show all classes in a specific subject being offered in the coming semester.

There are so many benefits to getting a degree in the liberal arts! A Liberal Arts Degree prepares you for many careers and a changing economy.  Learn all about why a degree in the Liberal Arts is a smart investment here.