Many colleges have a series of general education requirements. Wheaton’s Compass Curriculum and its embedded Mentored Academic Pathways (MAP) give you the freedom and flexibility to create your own unique academic journey. Whether you are a first-year or transfer student, building your first schedule is easy. You’ll work with faculty and staff advisors who will help you customize your academic schedule to align with your goals.
Building Your First Schedule
Prior to your arrival on campus, your Student Success Advisor will reach out via your Wheaton email. Together, you’ll discuss your personal and career interests, review course options, discuss AP or transfer credits, or any other questions you may have. Then, join us at Orientation to finalize your schedule and connect with our community.
New Students (Fall Term)
A typical full-time, first-semester course load at Wheaton College is four courses (16 credits). Your first semester will include a First-Year Experience (FYE) course and three other courses aligned with your academic interests and goals. Throughout the summer, your Student Success Advisors will reach out to discuss your academic options, connect you with campus offices/resources, and answer any questions. Of course, you are also welcome to contact our Advising and Career Services team at [email protected] anytime.
During Orientation MAP Day, you’ll review curriculum requirements, explore mentored academic pathways, and learn to use academic planning tools such as Academic Catalog, DegreeWorks, and the registration portal. You’ll also finalize your fall semester course schedule with the guidance of Faculty MAP Advisors, Student Success Advisors and Peer Advisors.
Please Note: If you are unable to attend our on-campus Orientation MAP Day, register for our Virtual Orientation Session. If you have follow-up questions after you participate, an Academic Advising team member will be happy to connect with you over the summer. On-campus and remote appointments are available in July and August!
The First-Year Experience (FYE) course is a foundational curricular component that combines the deep discussions, reading and writing of a traditional first-year seminar with cross-disciplinary discovery. It encourages students to consider complex problems and questions through multiple lenses right from the start. During Orientation MAP Day, you will engage in academic planning/advising workshops facilitated by MAP Advisors, Student Success Advisors and Peer Advisors to choose and register for an FYE section along with your other course selections.
If you are planning to major in any of the biological or chemical sciences or pursue a health profession, you will need to complete specific lab science courses. First-semester science labs include Chemical Principles (CHEM 153) and Introduction to Biological Sciences (BIO 114). Our individualized academic planning/advising workshops and course registration sessions at our upcoming Orientation MAP Day program will help you understand your academic requirements and options.
New Students (Winter Term)
If you are starting your Wheaton journey in January, building your first schedule is just as easy. Your Student Success Advisor will reach out prior to your arrival to answer any questions and direct you to campus resources. We also invite you to attend our comprehensive Winter Orientation. It’s a great way to meet other new students starting in the winter term and connect with your faculty, staff and peer academic advising network.
Transfer Students
The college journey is equal parts academic and personal growth. We are thrilled that your path led you to Wheaton. As a transfer student, you have access to all the same resources as first-year students. Your Student Success Advisor will reach out before your first semester to discuss transfer credits and connect you to campus resources to help with your transition. You’re also invited to attend Orientation to learn more about our Compass Curriculum and the academic pathways you can choose to finish your degree.
Your Unique Academic Journey
No matter where you are on your college journey, your experience is uniquely yours. As you navigate your personal College and Career Compass (pdf), here are some things to consider:
- What are your strengths?
- How might these help you in this first year?
- What issues do you care about most?
- Where do you want to have an impact?
- What values are important to you in your home, family and community?
- What are your hopes for this year?
- Are there any things you are concerned about going into your first year?
- What academic programs are you curious about?
(Even if you have already decided, choose at least three).