Before completion of the junior year, a student declares a field of concentration in which to begin intensive study. While only one major is required to graduate, students may declare more than one major. A student may also elect to complete a minor field of concentration, although a minor is not required except as specified under the Bachelor of Science Degree requirements.
Hillsdale’s academic departments list requirements within each field of concentration; however, students are usually allowed flexibility in developing a comprehensive plan of study. While following departmental guidelines, students are also encouraged to enrich their program with courses in related fields, according to individual needs, interests, and talents. (Departmental requirements and suggested electives within each field of concentration are listed under Courses of Instruction.)
DECLARING A MAJOR OR MINOR FIELD OF CONCENTRATION
Students are required to declare a major field of concentration by the end of the junior year (sixth semester). Declaration is a formal process, completed as directed by the Registrar’s Office. A student completing a minor field of concentration must formally declare the minor, following the same procedure.
Upon graduation, recognition of declared majors and minors will be recorded on a student’s final transcript, provided all requirements for each field of concentration have been satisfied.
A student who wishes to change a declared major or minor must complete the procedure as prescribed by the Registrar’s Office.
MAJOR AND MINOR FIELD OF CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS
From time to time, in its discretion, the College may amend requirements for completion of a major or minor field of concentration, or may add or eliminate courses or programs of study.
Students are expected to follow the major and minor requirements described in the Catalog in effect at the time of their matriculation to Hillsdale College as a degree-seeking student. Students are responsible for understanding their academic requirements and for tracking their own progress toward completing those requirements.
SHARING CREDITS BETWEEN MAJORS AND/OR MINORS
Students will not be allowed to double-count courses and credit hours toward multiple fields of concentration (major and/or minor). In other words, each course required for a major or minor is allowed to fulfill only that one requirement. However, courses that are counted toward fulfillment of core curriculum requirements may be counted toward fulfillment of any one major or minor.
MINIMUM GRADE FOR MAJOR AND MINOR REQUIREMENTS
A grade of “C-” or higher must be obtained in each course counted toward a major or minor field of concentration, and an overall “C” average must be obtained within those major and minor courses. A grade of “D-” or higher must be obtained in cognate courses that are required for a major or minor field of concentration.