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Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of frequently asked questions from across the offices supporting Columbia College and Columbia Engineering collected here in one place for your convenience. You can browse by topic/department or search by keyword.

Columbia College, Berick Center for Student Advising

What’s the difference between major, concentrations, and minors?

Columbia College students who matriculated prior to Fall 2024 may choose either to major or concentrate in a discipline. Concentrations usually have fewer requirements and thus free up a student’s schedule to take other classes of interest. These students do not need to have a major to graduate and may instead choose a concentration. Please note that in the case of "Special Concentrations" (for example, the Special Business Management Concentration), a student must choose a major or a concentration in addition to the special concentration in order to graduate.

Columbia College students who matriculated starting in Fall 2024 or beyond must have a major to graduate and can additionally choose to add one or two additional programs of study (as long as they are not electing three majors). Minors involve less requirements and free up students' schedule to pursue a range of subjects. 

I want to major in economics. What should I take?

A sample schedule may include: Principles of Economics and Calculus I or Calculus III.

I want to major in a discipline in the humanities or social sciences. Which classes should I take?

Take courses in the subject matters of interest. For example, if you are interested in history, take some history classes that sound interesting. Typically, it is a good idea to take introductory classes that are 1000- or 2000-level.. Classes in the 3000- or 4000-level, especially seminars, are often taken by juniors and seniors who are more advanced in the subject matter.

I’m a CC student and am not sure what I want to major in. I’m interested in many things! Which classes should I take?

Take a variety of classes that interest you! Your first year is a great time to explore classes and to figure out what you are really passionate about. Peruse the Directory of Classesand the CC Bulletin, make a list of classes that interest you, and then put them intoVergil to see what might work best with your schedule. You may also take classes that fulfill your core requirements, such as a foreign language, a Global Core class, or a class that fulfills the science requirement.

I want to major in one of the hard sciences. What should I take?

Consult the requirements for your prospective major in the CC Bulletin. Students planning to study biology, chemistry, or physics should plan to take General Chemistry, Physics, and Calculus their first semester.

How do I request to change my section of Literature Humanities or Frontiers of Science?

Can I change my section of Literature Humanities?

To change your section of Literature Humanities, use the CHANGE SECTION feature on SSOL when your registration window opens.  If that fails, the Core Office in 202 Hamilton will accept requests to change sections starting at 9:00 a.m. on the first day of classes, Tuesday, September 8 through 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 14.   The Core office will accept pairs of petitions from students wishing to swap sections with each other. The method of receiving requests is TBA. 

Can I change my Frontiers of Science discussion section?  

To change your Frontiers of Science discussion section, use the CHANGE SECTION feature on SSOL when your registration window opens.  If that fails, the Core Office in 202 Hamilton will accept requests to change sections starting at 9:00 a.m. on the first day of classes, Tuesday, September 8 through 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 14.   The Core office will accept pairs of petitions from students wishing to swap sections with each other. The method of receiving requests is TBA. 

How do I request to change sections of University Writing?

University Writing Sections cannot be changed on SSOL.  Requests must be made by petitions submitted to John Stobo in the Undergraduate Writing Center. Process for submitting a petition is TBA.

 
Can I switch the order in which I take University Writing and Frontiers of Science?

Requests to exchange University Writing for Frontiers of Science will be considered. Reach out to your Advising Dean to inquire. 

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