Carleton’s curriculum—which includes the courses we offer, the graduation requirements, major requirements, minor requirements, and more—has been intentionally built to offer a broad and deep liberal arts experience.
General Advice
- There is no “right” schedule for your first term at Carleton. Every student follows a different path during their time at Carleton. For your first term, you are required to have a minimum of 18 credits, including one Argument & Inquiry seminar, in courses that are appropriate for you and your interests and abilities.
- Do not worry about courses you think you might “need” this term. There is no path at Carleton that is so strict or stringent that not getting into a specific course, or set of courses, in your first term will prove catastrophic. You should discuss your plans and interests your adviser during your one-on-one advising session during New Student Week. Your adviser can provide suggestions for how to plan out your academic choices over your first year and beyond.
- Do not worry about making progress in your major this term. We know you might be eager to declare a major! But you aren’t majoring in anything—yet! Carleton students don’t declare majors until ⅔ of the way through the sophomore year. However, if you have an idea of what you may want to declare, visit the academic departments’ websites to see if the department you are considering has suggested particular courses appropriate for your first year.
- About ⅓ of your time at Carleton will be spent working on a major, about ⅓ of your time will be spent on your Liberal Arts requirements, and about ⅓ of your time will be spent exploring the curriculum and taking courses for the pure joy of learning. There is no better time than now to stretch and dive into an unfamiliar course, topic, or academic discipline. Again, these are good topics to discuss with your adviser.
To help with your course selection, view the below suggestions and questions to get you started!
Check Your A&I Seminar!
After August 1st, you will be placed into an Argument and Inquiry seminar (A&I) by the Registrar’s Office. Once enrolled, your course schedule will be found in Workday. Click the Menu bar in the top left corner, click the “Academics & Registration” application, and then click on the “Registration Planning” tab at the top of the page. You’ll want to make a note of the course time so you choose additional courses that don’t conflict.
You may adjust your A&I seminar during online registration. First, identify an alternate A&I seminar with an opening. Then, drop your original A&I. Finally, then you can register for the alternate A&I. If you drop your A&I seminar without registering for another A&I, your original A&I seminar will be reinstated by the Registrar’s Office the next day. If the original A&I has since closed, you will be added to a different A&I. You may only take one A&I seminar.
Do you have any prior credits?
Carleton accepts up to 18 credits of any combination of pre-matriculation or post-matriculation credits. This can be done through Advanced Placement (AP) tests, International Baccalaureate exams, or from credits earned at another post-secondary institution before or after enrolling at Carleton.
Credits awarded through transfer credits or examination can be viewed in Workday. Check to make sure any credits you are anticipating have posted! If they serve as pre-requisite courses, it could impact your enrollment if they are not showing in Workday.
Are you planning to start work on your language requirement?
Please note that most—but not all—language courses start their sequence in the fall. If you don’t start your language sequence this fall, you may have to wait a whole year (or more) to get started. We strongly encourage students to begin or continue with a language course in their first term. You can learn more about languages at Carleton here.
Unsure of which math, science, or language course to take?
Placement tests administered by Carleton help ensure that you are placed into the appropriate level of a language course, or the correct course sequence for areas like math or chemistry. There are also tests for music, computer science, and art.
Interested in music lessons?
You can register for a music lesson in addition to your three regular courses. See the music department’s Information for First-Year Students section for more information.
Get a workout in or learn a new physical activity!
You’re engaging your mind, but what about your body? You can register for a physical education class in addition to your three regular courses. Four terms of PE are required during your time at Carleton.
Will you need academic accommodations?
The Office of Accessibility Resources promotes access and equity for all students at Carleton. They can introduce you to the wide range of academic accessibility resources available for Carleton students.
Do you have an interest in pursuing our pre-health curriculum?
If you are considering a career in the health professions, please visit the Pre-Health Program website for information and advice about getting started.
Have additional questions?
Check out this Academic FAQ with details about your four-year academic experience at Carleton. You can also contact the Office of the Provost at 507-222-4303, or email provost@carleton.edu
You may return to the New Student Advising and Registration 101 Journey in Workday.