1. When will I declare a major?
Typically, students will declare a major at the end of their freshman year or the beginning of their sophomore year. Departments and schools have various requirements for admission to their programs. Be sure to meet with your assigned advisor regularly during your first year. They will ensure that you are on the right track for the degree program you are interested in.

2. If I am accepted to UNCW, may I automatically declare a nursing major (or business, education, communication studies, etc major?)
All admitted students are initially assigned to the University College. The professional schools require a separate application, usually at the end of your sophomore year. The Business, Education and Nursing schools have different sets of criteria for admission to their respective schools. Generally, each school requires that you take certain coursework and have a certain GPA for admission. Additionally some departments in the College of Arts and Sciences have GPA and course requirements. See the University catalogue for specific information.  Online Catalogue

3. What is University College?
University College provides academic advising to students until they declare a major. Professional advisors, or specially trained faculty advisors drawn from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Schools of Business, Education, and Nursing, provide students with guidance and encouragement in selecting courses, deciding on majors and meeting academic requirements. University College also provides intervention services for students in academic difficulty.  University College Web site

4. Does UNCW offer tutoring?
The University Learning Services offer a Math Lab, Tutoring and Learning Center and the Writing Place to assist students academically. Free tutoring is available in all basic studies courses as well as some upper level courses. Additionally, the university offers academic skills workshops that include topics like time management, learning styles, textbook reading strategies, note-taking strategies, and test-taking skills.  Learning Services Web site

5. Does UNCW have an honors program? When and how can I become a part of it?
Yes, UNCW offers the Honors Scholars Program that provides academically talented students with innovative and unique educational experiences. The Honors Scholars Program offers admission at different points in the academic career. As a freshman, the Honors Scholars Program may invite you to join during the regular admission process. As a sophomore, students are invited to join based on high academic achievement as a freshman. Juniors and seniors can join through academic departments (this option includes transfer students).  Honors Scholars Web site

6. What are learning communities?
UNCW’s Learning Communities motto is “Live to Learn…Learn to Live.” Students participating in this program will live and take most of their classes with the same group of students. They will have a lot in common with the other students in their Learning Community because the courses they take together will be linked. Additionally, the students live and take many of their classes in Cornerstone Hall, UNCW's newest residence hall. This modern building has all the amenities for comfortable living, as well as state-of-the-art classrooms.  Learning Communities Web site

7. Are faculty members accessible if I am having a concern about a class?
UNCW is primarily an undergraduate teaching oriented institution. Faculty hold regular office hours and often will arrange other times to meet that may be more convenient for you.

8. Do you have pre-med or pre-law majors?
UNCW offers pre-professional advising in several areas: health, dentistry, law, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, podiatry and veterinary medicine. Each of these areas has an assigned advisor who will help you best prepare for admission to specific graduate programs. You will not “major” in any of these areas, but will receive guidance on how to best prepare academically for your chosen field.

9. Please describe the pre-med advising program.
If you are interested in pursuing medicine as a career, you can major in any discipline as long as certain basic courses are incorporated into your curriculum. Your medical school advisor will know what basic courses medical schools expect, and will assist you as you plan your curriculum. You should receive a copy of the UNCW Pre-medical Sciences Student Manual, which outlines the services available, and a checklist for the medical school application process. The medical school advisor also maintains a file of information on medical schools, materials to help you prepare for the MCATs and applications to med schools. UNCW also offers the Health Sciences Club to help pre-med students understand their options.

10. Does UNCW offer engineering?
UNCW offers 2+2 and 3+2 Engineering Programs. The 2+2 Engineering Program is offered jointly by UNCW and North Carolina’s three state-supported Colleges of Engineering. Students have an opportunity to complete half of their degree requirements at UNCW and the second half at NC State, UNC Charlotte, or NC A&T. The 3+2 program is an Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering program offered through UNCW and NC State. Students who complete this program will receive two degrees, one in Environmental Science from UNCW, and one from NC State in Environmental Engineering.  Pre-engineering Web site

11. Do you have foreign language requirements?
All students are required to take at least 3 credit hours (one course) in a foreign language as part of the Basic Studies requirements. A student may demonstrate competency by passing a waiver examination.

12. Does UNCW offer study abroad?
UNCW has an extensive exchange and study abroad program for students. Students can study in Australia, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Korea, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan and Thailand.  Office of International Programs

13. What do you have to score on the ______ AP exam to receive credit?
Student must score a 3 or better on most AP tests to be considered for college credit and advanced placement. Advanced Placement test score reports should be sent to the Office of the Registrar for evaluation. AP credits

14. What are the hours for the library?
The library hours are Monday-Thursday 7 a.m. to 3 a.m., Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday noon to 8 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 3 a.m.  For extended and holiday hours click here.