We'll help you find your way
It all starts with the First-Year Advising Questionnaire. Completing it, where you tell us your academic interests, is the first step in determining your course schedule.
By filling out this questionnaire, our Class Schedulers get to know your preferences for classes and factor in any college-level credit — AP, IB, CLEP and/or courses taken during high school at another institution. From that, we build your first semester class schedule.
Academics at USD
Core Curriculum
You can expect to have a mix of courses in your first semester at USD including Core Curriculum and preparation for a major of interest, if you have one. Whether you already have an idea of what you want to major in or not, our Core Curriculum will allow you to experience the breadth of the liberal arts and explore a wide variety of courses as you work your way toward graduation.
Liberal Arts
USD has a proud history as a liberal arts institution. A liberal arts background enables one to be a multifaceted thinker and scholar with a curious mind and the skills needed to analyze the world from myriad perspectives. No matter your passions or major, the liberal arts will propel you toward a successful future.
Majors and Minors
Scholars at every level — from first-year undergraduates to PhD candidates — have many options to explore, learn and grow both intellectually and personally at the University of San Diego.
Your Academic Team
Class Scheduler
Once your class scheduler builds your first semester schedule, you'll have an opportunity to communicate any urgent schedule requests either via email or by setting up a virtual appointment after the schedules are released.
LLC Faculty Advisor
You will have a virtual introduction to your LLC class professor prior to arriving at USD. This professor will serve as your faculty advisor until you officially declare your major. They will help explore academic areas of interest and guide you to make sure you are selecting the right courses for the upcoming semester(s) and will introduce you to important resources that will help you in your transition to USD.
Major Area Advisor
Once you officially declare your major, you will be paired with the appropriate academic advisor. Majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will have a faculty advisor from the area they are majoring in. Knauss School of Business students will be assigned to a professional advisor in the Advising Office. Students majoring in Engineering or Computer Science will have a combination of both: a faculty advisor and a professional advisor.
In all cases, you should plan to connect with your advisor on a regular basis (at least once a semester) to make sure you are selecting the proper classes to fulfill core and major requirements. This will also ensure that you are on track to graduate and maximize opportunities to allow you to go on to meet your post-graduation goals. If you're interested in changing your faculty advisor, please contact the executive assistant (EA) of the department in which you're majoring in.