Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in Freshman Studies?
A student can remain in Freshman Studies until 45 credit hours have been completed. At that time, a major will need to be declared in order to continue to get financial aid.
When can I declare my major?
You don’t have to wait until you have completed 45 credit hours before declaring your selected major. You can do that at any time, even prior to the start of the fall semester. Contact your academic advisor, and they can assist you with the process for applying for the major you have chosen.
How many classes should I take each semester?
Most degree programs require 120 credit hours. Most of the classes you will take are 3 credit hours each. In order to complete your degree in the standard four years, you should plan to take 15 credit hours each fall and spring semester. Fifteen credit hours may also be required for certain types of financial aid and scholarships.
What are general first-year course options?
Our Freshman Studies students follow the College of Liberal Arts B.A. curriculum as it is the most comprehensive for preparing students for the widest range of our degree programs.
What about variations in curriculum for specific majors?
Math and science courses can differ for students going into a math or science-based major. Math course can also differ for students heading toward a business major. Freshman Studies students considering majors in these areas should let their academic advisor know so that they can take the most appropriate math and science courses to prepare them for those degree programs.
Can I transfer credits from other universities?
An official transcript must be sent to the UM Office of Admissions in order for courses to count for credit from another institution.
A searchable database is available to see how thousands of courses from different schools have been equated to UM courses. If you don’t see your school of your course listed, it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t count for credit. It just means that no one has transferred that course to UM before. If you have already taken the course, it will be reviewed and equated once your official transcript has been received by Admissions.
If you are enrolled as a student at UM and want to take a summer course at another institution, complete a Permission to Transfer Credit form and submit to the Office of General Studies for review and approval prior to taking the course.
What if I have AP credits?
Credits earned through AP do not typically go into a student’s electronic record until after the start of the fall semester. If you have AP credits, be sure to make your advisor at orientation aware of this.
Who will help me determine what classes to take?
As a Freshman Studies student, you will be assigned an academic advisor in the Center for Student Success and First Year Experience, located on the third floor of our student services building, Martindale. Since we have many students attending our orientation sessions in the summer, you may be advised by any of the advisors in the CSSFYE just for orientation. After attending an orientation session, you will be assigned to either Michael Smith (masmith2@olemiss.edu) or Molly Coleman (mollyac@olemiss.edu). One of them will serve as your advisor until you declare a major and are then reassigned to an advisor within that major. You can call the Center for Student Success and First Year Experience at 662-915-5970.
What if I need to contact my dean’s office?
As a student in Freshman Studies, your dean is Dr. Tony Ammeter, Dean of General Studies. His staff in the Office of General Studies is available to help with questions or concerns or any forms that need to be approved by your dean. The Office of General Studies is located in Suite K Central of the Jackson Avenue Center. You can call that office at 662-915-3787 or email us at freshmanstudies@olemiss.edu.