Each student must choose a major field of specialization. Students may pursue options outlined below, including disciplinary majors, double majors or interdisciplinary majors.

Disciplinary Majors

A disciplinary major is a major in a traditional academic discipline. A student selecting a disciplinary major completes the number of credit hours in that field as specified by the program. At least half of the course credits in a major must be completed at Guilford.

Interdisciplinary Majors

An interdisciplinary major utilizes theoretical perspectives for analysis from more than one traditional academic discipline. A student selecting an interdisciplinary major completes the number of credit hours in courses specified by the program. Some interdisciplinary majors must also complete a second disciplinary major. At least half of the major must be completed at Guilford.

Double Majors

A double major consists of two distinct majors. A student must complete the number of discrete credits required for each major, but courses can double count between the two majors. Also, to earn a double major, a student must complete all requirements for each of the two majors.

All Guilford College graduates are awarded one degree. Students may complete the requirements for more than one major. Students wishing to have more than one major must complete a minimum of 32 discrete credit hours in each major. The 32 credit hours for each major must not overlap with the other major. When students have completed the requirements for more than one major, and those majors offer different degrees (A.B., B.S., B.M., B.F.A.), a student will select which degree will be awarded. Although each graduate is awarded only one degree, all majors completed by a student are listed on a student’s permanent academic transcript.

See the major’s department in Chapter IV for all requirements for completing that major. For a student to earn a major at Guilford, the student must complete at least half of the major credit hour requirements at Guilford. This requirement applies to each major a student earns. The minimum grade to satisfy a major is a C- in each of the courses required for a major, unless otherwise specified for professional licensure. In order for credit/no credit courses to count toward a major, they must be explicitly designated as such in the Guilford College Catalog.

If a student returns to Guilford following graduation to complete a second major, but not a second degree, the designation of the original major will not be changed, but a notation will be made on the student’s academic transcript that the requirements for the second major have been met.