Entrance to Major

  1. What is Entrance to Major?
     
  2. How do I know if I need to participate in the Entrance to Major process?
     
  3. When will I participate in the Entrance to Major process?
     
  4. What is a pool semester?
     
  5. Are there special requirements I must meet by my pool semester?
     
  6. Am I guaranteed to enter my major?
     
  7. I still have questions about entering my major, what should I do?
     

 

  1. Q: What is Entrance to Major?

    1. Upon acceptance to Penn State, students are admitted to a college, such as Education, Communications or the Division of Undergraduate Studies.  Students typically seek entrance to a specific major during their first two years of enrollment.


    [TOP]

     

  2. Q: How do I know if I need to participate in the Entrance to Major process?

    1. Some students are directly admitted to Architecture, the Golf Management option in Recreation and Park Management, Landscape Architecture, the School of Music, Nursing, the six- or seven-year Premedical-Medical major, the five-year Science B.S./M.B.A. program, the School of Theatre, the School of Visual Arts, and Workforce Education and Development.   If you are in any program other than these listed, you must participate in the Entrance to Major process.


    [TOP]

     

  3. Q: When will I participate in the Entrance to Major process?

    1. The time to declare a major varies among the colleges. Typically, you must enter a major before becoming a fifth semester student, or during your "pool semester". 


    [TOP]

     

  4. Q: What is a pool semester?

    1. Upon admission to Penn State, 4 year degree students are assigned a selection pool semester, normally the spring of their sophomore year. Students entering the University in the spring semester are generally in the pool for the following spring. Advanced standing students (students who transfer to Penn State from other institutions with 18 or more credits) are assigned a selection pool by the dean at the time of their admission to the college. To determine your pool semester, visit eLion.


    [TOP]

     

  5. Q: Are there special requirements I must meet by my pool semester?

    1. Yes.  Some Penn State majors are under enrollment controls and you must meet certain requirements before entering one of those majors.  Please consult with your academic adviser for more information concerning these controls.


    [TOP]

     

  6. Q: Am I guaranteed to enter my major?

    1. Students must meet the academic requirements established for each major at each campus location, before entering the major.  It is in your best interest to work with your adviser and discuss all the requirements prior to your pool semester. 


    [TOP]

     

  7. Q: I still have questions about entering my major, what should I do?

    1. Contact your adviser to discuss your major goals.  With the assistance of your adviser, you will become knowledgeable of the specific requirements for your major and can plan each semester's course work accordingly. 


    [TOP]