Administrative Officers

General Studies Program

Many students prefer to postpone choosing a major until they have an opportunity to experience a variety of courses at Texas A&M University. The General Studies Program, a division of the Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Programs and Academic Services, is designed for freshmen who enroll in the University before accessing or declaring a field of major interest. The advisory staff assists each student in selecting courses that will fulfill basic requirements while the student explores potential majors or attempts to meet grade and course requirements for particular majors. General Academic Programs serve the needs of the students who change majors into the program because they wish to change from one degree-granting department to another, but are uncertain as to the proper major or course work to meet competitive requirements.

The keynote of General Studies is flexibility. Once a student has had the opportunity to explore potential majors, and has discussed options with an advisor in the General Studies office, the student will be better able to make an informed decision in declaring a major. Students enrolled in the General Studies Program are expected to have identified a major field of study no later than the time they have completed four semesters of college-level work (60 semester hours).

Because the interests of individual students vary, only a suggested first year curriculum is shown below. Courses for following semesters are selected in consultation with a member of the advisory staff in the General Studies Program.

First Semester	(Th-Pr)	Cr		Second Semester	(Th-Pr)	Cr
ENGL 104 Comp. and Rhetoric	(3-0)	3		American or Texas history	(3-0)	3
HIST 105 History of the U.S.	(3-0)	3		Behavioral science		3
POLS 206 American Natl. Govt.	(3-0)	3		Humanities		3
Behavioral science or science 1		3-4		Mathematics or science		3-4
Mathematics 1		3-4		Course for possible major		3
Course for possible major		3		* Military, air or naval science
* Military, air or naval science				** KINE 199 Required Physical Activity	(0-2)	1
** KINE 198 Health and Fitness Activity	(0-2)	1				12-192
		12-192

NOTES:
1. To be selected in consultation with an advisor on the basis of the student's background, interests and goals.

2. The total number of credit hours may vary from 12-19 depending on the advisor's consultation with the student. Most first semester students are encouraged to take 12-15 hours.

* Click here for more information.

** Click here for more information.