University Studies
University Studies is an inclusive educational environment that empowers students to explore possibilities, confidently make decisions, and prepare for the future.
Your University Studies Advisor is an excellent resource to guide you through your major exploration experience at Virginia Tech. Please utilize their expertise by meeting with your advisor at least once each semester and reaching out to them when you have questions or concerns.
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General ItemOrientation: Virtual Academic Advising and Course Registration
Information for new incoming University Studies majors during their initial orientation to VT including an advising timeline, FAQs, and tasks to complete
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Redirect ItemAcademic Planning with HokieGPS , redirect
Develop an academic plan using HokieGPS - Graduation Plan for Success in HokieSPA
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General ItemAcademic Recovery Resources
Information for University Studies majors on Academic Warning, Academic Probation, and Academic Suspension
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Redirect ItemUniversity Studies Forms , redirect
Forms for University Studies majors including, but not limited to the Withdrawal (W Grade) Policy, Final Exam Change Request, & Authorization to Take Courses at Another Institution
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Redirect ItemPathways to General Education Information , redirect
Learn more about Virginia Tech's General Education curriculum. University Studies students typically take a majority of courses each semester in Pathways
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General ItemUNIV 1824: Pathways to Success
A course taught every fall designed to facilitate your academic success, major exploration process, and provide a smooth transition to college
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Redirect ItemVIA Living-Learning Community , redirect
A Living-Learning Community open to any student who wants to explore everything Virginia Tech has to offer
Change of Major Information
- Virginia Tech has three common change of major periods every year: end of fall, spring, and summer.
- The change of major application can be found in Hokie SPA.
- Undergraduate students who have completed at least one fall or spring semester of graded coursework at VT may request a change of major.
- Once a request has been submitted, students will be notified regarding the status of their application by the college requested.
- Each college runs its own process to determine if students can be accepted into their requested new major
The Office of the Registrar provides dates and deadlines for the VT change of major process.
Types of Majors at VT
- VT has two types of majors: restricted and non-restricted.
- Restricted majors:
- Have specific criteria students must meet to be eligible to apply
- Have a competitive application process
- A list of restricted majors with the criteria to apply is available at the bottom of the Registrar’s Change of Major Dates website.
- Non-restricted majors:
- Do not have specific criteria that need to be met before students apply.
Second Majors and Minors
If you are interested in adding a secondary major or minor, work with your advisor to determine the appropriate forms and timeline. Each college has a separate form to declare a secondary major or minor within their college.
Information Sessions
Many colleges and majors offer information sessions or provide contact information for someone who can provide more information about the major during an explore appointment. In addition to working with your assigned University Studies advisor, these information sessions and explore appointments are excellent resources in your major exploration journey.