Parts of a Degree

There are several parts or decisions that go into the degree a student receives. All students complete a collection of common courses known as a core curriculum; there is variety in what courses fulfill the core curriculum’s requirements. In addition to these courses, a student will need to select a major and minor path of study. These paths provide a directed group of classes that will provide the students with specialized information helpful to future careers in that area. Within these paths and the core curriculum, students can personalize their learning by selecting courses that interest them; these are known as electives.

General Studies

These courses are also known as general education or core curriculum courses. At MSU Denver, these are a set of foundational classes that cover a broad range of subjects like written communication, oral communication, quantitative literacy, arts and humanities, historical, natural and physical sciences, social and behavioral sciences and global diversity courses. The General Studies courses provide the foundation for the bachelor’s degree. Students develop thinking, reasoning, and communication skills while discovering new ideas and expanding their views.  The coursework is designed to create the opportunity for learning across different disciplines and build experiences for students as they grow into lifelong learners. 

Choosing a Major

One of the biggest steps in a student’s academic journey is choosing a major. A major is a specific area of academic focus that students choose to specialize in during their undergraduate studies. A major consists of general studies, electives, and major specific courses. Students also choose a minor, which is a secondary area of study that complements students’ major but is less extensive in terms of required classes.  It allows students to explore an additional academic interest without pursuing a full major in that area. Depending on the major your student chooses, they may need to declare a minor.  

Once students choose a major at MSU Denver, they will have access to a degree progress report. The degree progress report is an advising tool to be used by students, in conjunction with their advisor, throughout the student’s academic career at MSU Denver. This will show them the required courses they must complete for their specific major and/or minor.  

Advising

Choosing a major is a significant milestone in a student’s academic journey. Understanding the components of their major is essential for navigating their educational journey at MSU Denver. Each major at MSU Denver has different requirements; if students ever need support encourage your students to connect with their academic advisor. They can email their advisors or make an appointment using the Navigate App. If students don’t know who their academic advisor is, have them look at their Degree Progress Report.  

Electives

These are courses that students can choose based on their personal interests or to meet specific credit requirements. They offer flexibility and allow students to explore topics outside of their major or minor, providing a well-rounded educational experience. For example, if a student majors in Video Production, they can take elective courses outside their major like acting courses or hospitality courses.  

Major Specific Courses

These are classes that focus specifically on the major the student chooses. These courses are designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge and skills related to that field. For example, if your student is majoring in accounting, their major-specific courses might include classes like Accounting, Marketing, and Economics. If your student is majoring in Aviation their major-specific courses might include Airport Planning or Space flight operations.  

Now that we are a bit more comfortable with the parts of a degree, let’s explore how a student can still succeed without knowing their major right away.