Academic Planning Steps: Create a Balanced Schedule

Aim for 14 to 16 Credits Consisting of 3 to 4 Classes

• Pay attention to prerequisites and course sequences for classes in your program of study.
• Pay attention to delivery methods when selecting classes. Keep in mind that 10 minutes is usually sufficient time to travel from one in-person class to the next.
• Instructors typically expect students to spend 2 hours working outside of class for every credit hour given to a class. For example, plan for 10 hours of work outside of class for a 5 credit hour course.

Check Your General University Requirements Progress

• Use Degree Works or copy your earned General University Requirement credits from your Transfer Equivalency Report to a General University Requirements (GUR) checklist
• For GUR areas that remain unsatisfied, check for classes that interest you in the Viking Advisor or Browse Classes.
• GURs are not required for students who have completed a Direct Transfer Agreement-associate degree from a Washington State two-year college. If you have earned an Associate of Science-Transfer Degree, look for an email from the Degree Evaluation team with your remaining GURs. If you have questions, please email the Degree Evaluation team directly at degreeeval@wwu.edu. The Degree Evaluation team is located within the Registrar’s Office.
• Meet with Academic Departments to talk about how XX or TT transfer courses might apply to major or minor requirements.
• Submit final transcripts to Western’s Admissions Office. If you have questions regarding your transfer credit articulation, email the Credit Evaluation team at adm.creditevaluation@wwu.edu and please include your name, W number and specific question.

Look up major and minor requirements found in the Programs of Study in the University Catalog

• Identify major requirements using the Programs of Study or “What If” in Degree Works.
• Check if any requirements will also satisfy any of your remaining General University Requirements.
• Identify the courses you will need to take early in order to declare your intended major. Some majors require advanced planning to apply or declare.

Talk with an Advisor about Math

• Advisors can help you determine if you need to take math and what courses are required based on your academic goals.
• Advisors can assist in determining if you need to take the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment (ALEKS MPA). ALEKS MPA scores can be found in Web4U. Create several possible schedules consisting of General University Requirement classes and Major Requirement classes using Browse Classes
• A mix of subjects, combination of class sizes, or variety in evaluation and grading styles can help provide balance to a schedule.