Academics
First Year of Studies
Intent. Rather than enter a specific college at the University of Notre Dame, first year undergraduate students begin their academic coursework in the First Year of Studies. While students indicate an “Intended Major” on their application, they apply neither for that major nor to the College or School that houses it. Instead, all students enter the First Year of Studies, which provides an academic structure for the first year as well as advising and academic support.
Structure. All Notre Dame students must fulfill a variety of University requirements during their years here. Upon entering a specific College or School, they also must meet a certain number of College or School requirements. The First Year of Studies provides the structure necessary to ensure that all students are able to receive a broad liberal arts education even while studying a specific major subject.
For example, in the first year, all students are required to take two semesters of Mathematics, two semesters of Science, a First Year Composition course, a University Seminar, two semesters of Physical Education and a variety of other courses used to fulfill University and College requirements while exposing students to their intended majors. Although the requirements are specific, course selection within requirements varies by student interest and intended major. Students may also use Advanced Placement credit, International Baccalaureate credit, University placement tests, and SAT II scores to help them fulfill some First Year requirements.
A student interested in pursuing Chemical Engineering as a major would take a more science-based Calculus than a student interested in studying Accountancy. One student may take an Anthropology course to satisfy the Social Science requirement while another student may study Psychology. The First Year of Studies offers considerable flexibility to students, allowing them to explore all the opportunities available at the University.
Support. All First Year students are also connected to a First Year Advisor, a faculty member who holds at least a Master’s degree and whose primary function is to provide support to First Year students. First Year students are required to meet with their advisors as they decide upon a major, plan for studying abroad, choose career paths, and meet challenges faced in the classroom.
Not only does the First Year of Studies offer an advisory program, but it also facilitates other academic support services, including a Writing Center, a Learning Resource Center, and Study Skills and Test-Taking Workshops.
Learn MoreAfter Your First Year
Choices. Following successful completion of the First Year of Studies program, students may choose to enter the College of Arts and Letters, the College of Engineering, the College of Science, the Mendoza College of Business, or the School of Architecture. 96% of Notre Dame students graduate in the time allotted for their major, which is four years for most programs and is five years for students studying Architecture or for a dual-degree. Virtually 100% of Notre Dame graduates are placed in gainful employment, graduate school, volunteer work, or military service within the six months following graduation.
Majors. Students are not required to declare a major until the end of their second year, and may choose any major in any college they wish so long as they have met the necessary prerequisite and performance requirements. Students may take more than one major and may also choose to pursue a particular concentration. With careful planning, some students have been able to carry three majors and a concentration while also managing to study abroad!
Advice. Although students leave their First Year Advisor when they complete the First Year of Studies, Colleges and departments provide students with advisory support specific to students’ major and career objectives. A student may also consult with advisors from the Career Center and the Center for Social Concerns while discerning a path following graduation.
Work. One-half of Notre Dame students choose to pursue employment following graduation. The Career Center aids all students in their pursuit of internships and employment. Resources for securing employment are also available in all the various colleges and departments.
School. Other students pursue graduate and professional school. Specific advisors are designated for students who wish to attend law school, medical school, or to pursue advanced academic degrees.
Service. Many Notre Dame students desire to perform service work for a year or two following graduation. Approximately 200 members of every graduating class volunteer in the United States and around the world in programs such as the Peace Corps, Holy Cross Associates, the Alliance for Catholic Education, and the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. Five percent of students will enter the armed forces following their Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) experience at the University.
Forever. Notre Dame claims the largest and most active alumni network of any university in the country. Alumni Clubs are located from Chicago to Paris, from Nigeria to Pago Pago. Alumni Clubs perform service work, welcome fellow alumni new to the area, and support Notre Dame in its efforts around the world.
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