Advising
How do I decide if I should pursue studies in ENVR SCI, or EARTH major? Can I dual major in both? How do the WCAS limits on double counting work? Can I dual major with CHEM, and then also count my first year CHEM courses to the Related Science Requirement? Can I focus on a particular sub-discipline with EARTH or ENVR_SCI? I want to be a doctor/lawyer - is this a good major to pursue? How do I get involved in research?
We are here to help! Current and prospective majors and minors are encouraged to consult early and often with the Directors of Undergraduate Studies (DUS), with Prof Brad Sageman for EARTH (brad@earth.northwestern.edu) and Prof Patricia Beddows for ENVR SCI (p-beddows@northwestern.edu). We can help you understand what it means to major or minor in our program, pick essential courses, and check on your progress. The DUS also provides valuable insight into how to combine your major or minor with your other interests, such as study abroad, research experiences, or internships.
Additionally, we encourage you to contact other faculty members, graduate students, and other members throughout the Department of Earth, Environmental & Planetary Sciences (DEEPS), and also with aligned faculty across campus, many of whom may officially serve as advisors. Relationships formed within our department will help you to get the most out of your time here at Northwestern, and it will expand your opportunities in the next stage of your life.
Declaring a Major or Minor
You can start with a conversation, or if you feel ready you can move to submitting your declaration form, and follow up later with a conversation:
- Conversation – Meet with the DUS to go over your interest and determine what may be next steps for you to learn more about your directions. To set a meeting time, email Prof Brad Sageman for EARTH (brad@earth.northwestern.edu) and Prof Patricia Beddows for ENVR SCI (p-beddows@northwestern.edu), or you can also use Prof Beddows calendar directly through this link – https://calendly.com/patricia-beddows/envr-sci-advising-30-mins
- Declaration Forms - Consult the Weinberg Declaring a Majoror Declaring a Minor. Download the appropriate form and fill in the upper portion. Email the form to the DUS, who will sign and submit that to WCAS.
In all cases- you should prepare a course plan that outlines what you have taken, and what you may take. Pay attention to courses that are specifically required for your general university requirements or other majors/minors, and determine when specifically required courses are offered by quarter/schedule.
Gain the benefit of pre-registration, which allows you to enroll in 2 credits towards your major/minors in the week before regular Registration, giving you security of a seat in those key courses you want towards your major, despite your registration time-slot.
Resources
The following websites are just a few of those providing important information from Weinberg College or the Registrar’s Office, about double counting courses, independent study, study abroad, transfer credits, and more. You should familiarize yourself with these regulations when developing and following your 4-year course plan.
Weinberg College Rules and Policies
Northwestern University Undergraduate Catalog