Advising Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of our most Frequently Asked Questions. You should also read the step by step guide to advising, as well as review the general information about the advising process.

• What is a Cognate?
• How do I declare a minor?
• What is a second major?
• What is a second degree?
• How do I change my major?
• When should I take a foreign language?
• How do I take an Independent Study and or Internship?
• What is the process for petitioning for a requirement waiver?
• What happens if I repeat a course?

If you don't see your question, contact the Undergraduate Office at 803-777-2183 or Student Coordinator Patricia Armstrong (parmstrong@gwm.sc..edu ) or Undergraduate Program Director Nina Levine ( levinen@gwm.sc.edu ).

What is a cognate?

Requirements for cognates are available in the Academic Advising Guidelines (pdf) booklet. The cognate is supposed to be a coherent set of courses (12 hours) that support the major. Cognate courses may be cross-listed with English. In other words, English majors may earn a cognate or a minor in Linguistics, Film Studies, Comparative Literature, African American Studies, or Women’s Studies. However, cross-listed courses that count toward the cognate may not be double-counted toward the major. Back to Questions.

How do I declare a minor?

Once you have declared a major, you may declare a minor by completing an Application for Minor form in the Dean’s office (Gambrell 258). See the Minors Bulletin for a complete list of available minors. Back to Questions.

What is a second major?

If you’re a student in the College of Liberal Arts, you may complete a second major within the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Science and Mathematics, or the School of Music (Bachelor of Arts track only). You must complete all requirements (including general education courses and special departmental requirements) as well as the major requirements for the second major. A second major eliminates the cognate. You may request a second major by completing an application form in the Dean’s office (Gambrell 258). Back to Questions.

What is a second degree?

You may pursue a second undergraduate degree if you complete all requirements for both degrees and if you complete a minimum of 24 semester ours beyond those required for the first degree and a minum of 144 semester hours. Additionally, courses accepted toward any requirements (general education, major, cognate or minor) for the first degree are not applied to the major requirements for the second degree. Students pursuing second degrees are urged to consult with both deans early in the process. Back to Questions.

How do I change my major?

In most cases, you can change your major within the College of Liberal Arts by simply completing the necessary form in the Dean’s office (Gambrell 258). Some majors have special admission requirements and procedures; ask the Dean’s office about this. If you want to change to another college within the University, you must be accepted by that college. See the Dean’s office of that college for information on eligibility requirements. If you are eligible, return to the Dean’s office to be released from the College of Liberal Arts. Back to Questions.

When should I take a foreign language?

It is advisable to complete the foreign language requirement early in the program in order to avoid delay in progress toward graduation in the event that you have difficulty with the proficiency test. Guidelines for Foreign Language Placement are listed in the Academic Advising Guidelines (pdf) booklet. Back to Questions.

How do I take an Independent Study and or Internship?

You may pick up the appropriate form from the Undergraduate Office (Welsh 114). This form then needs to be completed by the professor who will teach the course and then taken to the Undergraduate Office and the Dean’s Office for approval. Back to Questions.

What is the process for petitioning for a requirement waiver?

If a student wishes to petition the College Standards and Petitions committee to waive a college requirement, s/he obtains the appropriate petition form from the Dean’s office (Gambrell 258) and submits it, along with a letter of petition, to the Undergraduate Office. The petition must be approved by the Undergraduate Director and the Chair before going to the College committee for decision. Back to Questions.

What happens if I repeat a course?

Students cannot receive credit for the same course more than once. If a student passes a course and then repeats it in an attempt to get a higher grade, only ONE semester counts toward graduation. If a student has transfer credit from another school whose courses cover the material of one or more USC courses, that student CANNOT take the USC equivalent.  Back to Questions.