Frequently Asked Questions

Majors, Minors and Careers

1. How do I select a major?

First ask yourself what you plan to do when you graduate. A major and minor should be selected based on how they will contribute to your future career. Do some research on your planned career to see what skills, education and personality traits are needed to be successful in that career.

2. How do I select a career?

It takes some effort on your part. You should take a career assessment to determine what careers match your skills, values and personality. This type of assessment is available on the ETBU website . You should research your potential careers by using the research features on that same career software. If possible talk to someone working in that career and see if you are still interested.

3. What degree should I get?

It depends on your major. Some majors require that you get a particular degree (Nursing, Education, Religion, etc). Other majors allow you to choose between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS). If you plan to teach you must get a Bachelor of Science Education, Nursing requires a Bachelor of Science Nursing.

4. What is the difference between a BS and a BA degree?

A BS degree requires 2 lab science courses, 2 math courses, and 2 social science courses. A BA degree requires at least 3 semesters of the same foreign language, 1 math class (some will require 2 or more depending on major), and 1 social science.

5. What can I do with my major?

The Career Assessment software available on the ETBU website allows you to select a major and it will tell you what you can do with that major.

About Advisors

6. Who is my faculty advisor?

On CampusConnect under the Demographics Tab your advisor is listed. If you still need assistance, contact the Office of Academic Success and Graduate Services in Suite 301, Marshall Hall (903-923-2076). Your major also is listed on this page.

7. How do I change my major?

To change a major or minor you should go to the Registrar’s Office on the 3rd floor of Marshall Hall and complete a degree audit change form. When your major is changed, the Office of Academic Success and Graduate Services will also change your faculty advisor.

8. How do I change my Advisor?

If you are changing your major your advisor will automatically be changed. If you need to change for any other reason, again, visit the Office of Academic Success and Graduate Services in Suite 301, Marshall Hall (903-923-2076).

Degree Audits, Course Transfers and Requirements

9. What is a degree audit and how do I see it?

A degree audit is an individualized plan for each student that shows exactly what courses you must complete to receive your degree. It shows what courses you have already completed and what is remaining. It is the best planning document you can use to plan your academic career and available on your CampusConnect. You should verify that your degree and major and minor are correct on it. If not, see the Registrar to have it corrected.

10. What are advanced hours and why are they important?

Every student must complete at least 39 advanced hours to graduate, and 33 of them must be acquired at ETBU. Advanced hours are courses that start with a 3 or 4 (e.g., ENGL3303, RLGN 4201). Most departments require that you have a certain number of advanced hours in their major or minor.

11. How do I transfer courses from another school to ETBU?

If you have already taken the course the other school must send the transcript directly to ETBU. The Registrar will evaluate the course and determine how it will apply to an ETBU transcript. Only 66 hours may be transferred from a two-year school.

If you are planning to take a course at another school you should contact the ETBU Registrar’s Office and complete a course transfer form. This will guarantee you that the course will transfer and satisfy the requirement that you need.

12. How do I withdraw from a course?

It is very important that you go to the Registrar’s Office and fill out a withdrawal form. This form must be signed by all the appropriate people and left with the professor teaching the course you are dropping. They will officially drop you from the class. Classes may be dropped through the end of the 12th week. You cannot drop a class if you have exceded the allowed absences and an XF has been entered as your grade.

What's Normal?

13. What are the Chapel requirements for graduation?

You must have at least 1 chapel credit to graduate. If you add up the total number Of semesters you were enrolled at ETBU for more than 6 hours you must have the following chapel credits: 1 semester requires 1 chapel credit, 2 semesters requires 1 chapel credit, 3 requires 2, 4 requires 3, 5 requires 4, 6 requires 4, 7 requires 6 and 8 semesters requires 6. Six is the maximum you need.

14. What is the normal course load for students?

New students cannot take more than 17 hours their first semester. All others may enroll in 18 without special permission. If you are on probation, you can take only 13 hours. A minimum of 12 hours is required to be considered full-time and to be eligible for varsity athletics. The normal load for students aiming to graduate in four years is 15-16 hours per semester. Students can take fewer hours per semester and still graduate in 4 Years by taking May terms and summer courses. Part time employment and participation in varsity athletics may cause students to take lighter schedules (12-13 hours).

15. What is satisfactory academic progress?

Satisfactory Academic Progress requires a student to earn at least a 1.65 GPA during their first 35 hours attempted and at least a 2.0 after 36 attempted hours. For athletic eligibility and Financial Aid you must also earn at least 18 hours per Academic year (Fall semester to fall semester). Note that some financial aid Requires more hours. Also note that repeated courses will help raise one's GPA but will not increase one's earned hours unless you failed the course on your first attempt. Learn how to calculate your GPA

16. How often are certain courses offered at ETBU?

Every department has a four-year course rotation posted on their section of the ETBU website. You should review this listing to determine when each course will be offered. Some courses are offered only every other year.

Disabilities, tutoring and directions

17. How do I receive disability accommodations at ETBU if I have physical or learning disabilities?

Review the Disability Accommodation Section of the ETBU website. You must provide a written request for accommodations and documentation from an appropriate healthcare provider. Please note that accommodations do not change or lessen the requirements of a course; they assist you in only meeting the requirements.

18. Is tutoring or academic support available?

Academic support is available by visiting the Academic Center of Excellence (ACE) in Meadows Hall.

19. Can I major in anything I want?

You can select any major you prefer, but you may not be allowed to continue in that major if you do not meet the minimum requirements for that department. For example: The School of Education requires a minimum GPA of 2.60 to take their courses, and Nursing requires a 2.8 GPA. You must maintain a certain GPA to stay.

20. Where do I go if I need help and do not know where to go?

Come to the Office of Academic Success and Graduate Services, Suite 301 in Marshall Hall, or see your faculty advisor. If your advisor cannot answer your question, he or she will find someone who can.