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A Pre-Orientation Guide to
Academic Advising
B.A. Majors
Office of Academic Services – Academic Advising Center
LaCava 298 – 781.891.2803
Congratulations!
Congratulations on your decision to pursue your college education at
Bentley University! The Undergraduate Academic Advising Center is
here to assist you in making the most of your academic experience
during your time at Bentley. Feel free to visit us in LaCava 298 if you
have questions about majors, pursuing a minor, studying abroad, or
anything else of an academic nature.
As a college student, you are responsible for navigating your education,
which includes knowing the requirements for your academic program.
As such, this Pre-Orientation Advising Guide is meant to answer
questions that you may have between the time you enroll and the time
you arrive on campus for Orientation. We look forward to meeting you
during your Orientation session, and it is our hope that this guide
helps you gain a better understanding of Bentley’s curriculum and
what to expect when you come to Orientation.
The Basics
• At Bentley, you will take classes during the Fall and Spring
semesters. The Fall semester runs from September – December, and
the Spring semester runs from January – May.
• Classes are typically 3 credit hours each. The majority of students will
enroll in 15 credit hours (5 classes) each semester.
• To be a full-time student, you must enroll in at least 12 credit hours
each semester.
• To graduate, you must accumulate 122 credit hours. Over four years,
this averages out to 15 credit hours each semester, except during two
semesters when you will enroll in 16 credit hours (those semesters in
which you are enrolled in First Year Seminar & your lab science)
• Most classes meet for 1 hour and 15 minutes, twice a week.
Bentley Curriculum
(or, what courses do I need to take to earn my degree?)
The Bentley curriculum is comprised of four areas:
• General Education
Provides students the opportunity to take courses in a variety of disciplines. These courses help
students become well-rounded professionals.
•
Business Minor (15 credits)
Provides students a solid foundation in business. Students gain a firm grounding in key areas of
business including accounting, business information systems, finance, management, marketing, law,
and statistics.
(A business minor is required for all Bachelor of Arts majors EXCEPT Liberal Studies)
•
Major Courses (24-30 credits)
The courses required to fulfill a particular major; majors require 8 -10 courses.
•
Modern Language Requirement
Students pursuing a B.A. must demonstrate intermediate competence in a modern language.
(Students pursuing an International Studies major who select French or Spanish must complete
at least one course at the 300-level)
•
Elective Courses
Provide students with choices to round out and broaden their education. Students choose courses of
interest in the areas of Business and Arts & Science
Bentley Curriculum
(or, what courses do I need to take to earn my degree?)
Course Abbreviations
EC – Economics
MA – Mathematics
EXP – Expository Writing
ML – Modern Language
FS – First Year Seminar
NASC – Natural Science with Lab
GB – General Business
NASE – Natural Science elective
GLS – Global Studies
PH – Philosophy
HI – History
PS – Psychology
IT – Information Technology
SO – Sociology
LIT – Literature
Bentley Curriculum
(or, what courses do I need to take to earn my degree?)
A Degree Requirement Summary (DRS) provides an overview of the courses you will take while at
Bentley.
Click on the following links to be taken to the DRS for that particular major.
History
Global Studies
Liberal Arts [Single or Interdisciplinary]
Media and Culture
Philosophy
Bentley Curriculum
(or, what courses do I need to take to earn my degree?)
General Education Requirements
Courses in RED – Required for first-year students
Other general education requirements are
commonly taken during the first-year
• The General Education requirements are meant to provide you with a broad background in a
variety of academic disciplines, helping you obtain a well-rounded education
•You will take most of your General Education courses during your first and second years
• During your first year at Bentley, you will want to make sure to complete the following
requirements: IT 101, EXP I, MA I, MA II and First Year Seminar
• The General Education Requirements may vary slightly depending on your major
Bentley Curriculum
(or, what courses do I need to take to earn my degree?)
Business Core Requirements
You will register for GB 110,112 & 212
during your first year.
• Student obtaining B.A. degrees in Global Studies, History, or Media and Culture will need to complete the
Business Studies Minor consisting of the above GB courses.
•Students obtaining a B.A. degree in Philosophy have their choice of the Business Studies Minor or another
business minor. It will be important for students to work closely with their Academic Adviser when opting
for a specific business minor.
•The B.A. in Liberal Studies does not require a business minor.
•Students take the General Business (GB) courses sequentially . . .
•GB110, 112, 212 – in your first year
•GB213, 214, 215 – in your second year
•GB310, 320, 410 – in junior and senior year
Bentley Curriculum
(or, what courses do I need to take to earn my degree?)
Major Requirements
To find out what courses are required for a particular
major, click on the following link:
Information on Majors and Minors
• A major consists of 8 or 10 required courses. Faculty members will serve as mentors and
provide information about internships, career options, and networking opportunities.
• Students pursuing a B.A. in Liberal Arts will work closely with a faculty member to
design their concentration. There are specific guidelines and regulations concerning the
development of your arts and sciences concentration or major. Be sure to consult an
academic adviser for more information.
Bentley Curriculum
(or, what courses do I need to take to earn my degree?)
Modern Language and Elective Requirements
• B.A. students are required to demonstrate intermediate competence in a Modern Language
•Electives provide you the opportunity to take courses of interest to you, outside of your major.
• If you are interested in pursuing a minor (a series of four courses in a particular discipline that
supplements your major), the courses for your minor will count toward your elective requirements
• The number of electives you will fulfill is dependent on your major. Please talk with an Academic
Adviser regarding the number of electives required for your particular major.
Exploring Majors!
• We recognize that while some of you may have an idea regarding what you want to major
in, many of you are not yet sure. That’s okay!
• However, understanding various majors and their requirements is a good way to start
thinking about a possible major, or exploring a major in which you are interested.
• The next page will provide you with instructions on how to access information about
majors and minors available at Bentley.
Majors Available at Bentley
Bachelor of Science:
Accountancy
Computer Information Systems
Corporate Finance and Accounting
Economics/Finance
Finance
Information Design and Corporate Communication
Information Systems Audit and Control
Management
Managerial Economics
Marketing
Mathematical Sciences
- Actuarial Concentration
Bachelor of Arts:
History
Global Studies
Liberal Arts
Media and Culture
Philosophy
Exploring Majors!
•
Click here to be taken to the Majors & Minors website. Spend a few minutes
reviewing the various majors and minors available to students at Bentley.
•
Next, click on the link for a major that is of interest to you. Review the various
requirements for the major.
•
Then, choose the link at the top of the page that says DRS. This link will take
you to the Degree Requirement Summary for that particular major. Spend some
time reviewing this document, as it summarizes all of the requirements you will
need to complete in order to graduate from Bentley.
•
Repeat this process for other majors in which you are interested.
•
TIP: Visit the Course Descriptions link to find specific information about each
course.
What is the LSM?
What is the LSM?
The Liberal Studies Major is an optional second major available to students
pursuing a business major and for those bachelor of arts students who have a
required business minor. The LSM allows you to leverage your required general
education and elective courses to provide added value to your education – no
additional courses necessary!
Why should I pursue the LSM?
Sharpen your competitive edge with prospective employers – show them that you
are not only well-versed in the latest business practices and state-of-the-art
technology, but that you can also think analytically and creatively.
What are some examples of Liberal Studies Majors that are offered?
A wide range of topics are offered – from Global Perspectives to Ethics & Social
Responsibility. To view the complete list of LSMs offered and for more
information, visit the following link: Liberal Studies Major Information
How do I find out more information or start planning for the LSM?
Sometime during your first year at Bentley, schedule an appointment with an
Academic Adviser in the Academic Advising Center (LaCava 298, 781.891.2803)
Frequently Asked Questions
•
Does Bentley accept Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credit?
Many students can accelerate their college program by earning advanced standing through AP and IB credit in
high school. Students who receive scores of 4 or 5 on any AP subject test may receive college credit. Credit is
awarded to students who receive a score of 5 or higher on any IB subject test, taken at the higher level. IB exams
taken at the standard level are not eligible for credit. All official test results should be submitted directly
to the Office of Undergraduate Admission.
•
What if I haven’t received my AP or IB scores, and do not know how these credits will transfer in?
DO NOT register for courses for which you may receive AP or IB credit. Otherwise, you risk taking a course you
may not need. For example, if you took AP English, do not register for EXP 101 until you know whether or not
you will receive credit for the course through AP.
•
When do I need to declare my major?
We require that you declare a major by February of your sophomore year. However, you can typically change
your major through the end of your sophomore year and still graduate on time. If you are thinking about
changing your major during your junior year, you should meet with an Academic Adviser to talk about your
degree progress and possible delays in graduation.
•
What if I cannot attend Orientation? How will I make my schedule?
If you cannot attend Orientation, the Registrar’s Office will put together a schedule for you. A hard
copy of this schedule will be distributed to you during First Week (several days prior to the
start of classes).
What should I expect at Orientation?
You will register for classes during Orientation. Academic Advisers will help you
choose classes and prepare for your first semester at Bentley.
•
On Day 1 of Orientation you will . . .
meet your Bentley student Orientation Leader, meet other new students in your group, and
attend various activities to help you connect with students and staff at Bentley University.
•
On Day 2 of Orientation you will . . .
participate in small group advising. During this session, you will meet with a professional
adviser who will provide you with an academic overview to better understand the Bentley
curriculum and you will create a schedule for your first semester.
•
On Day 3 of Orientation you will . . .
register for classes. Again, there will professional staff members and Orientation Leaders
available to help you with this process.
(specific information regarding Orientation will be forthcoming)
Planning Your Schedule
•
During your first year at Bentley, you will want to make sure to complete the following
requirements: IT 101, EXP I, MA I, MA II, and First Year Seminar. You are strongly
encouraged to complete GB 110, 112 & 212 as this will allow you the option to pursue a
minor in Business. You can find the course descriptions for these courses by visiting this
link.
•
Academic Advisers will help you plan for your first semester at Bentley.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER
• Most students will register for 16 credits – 15 credits plus the First Year Seminar (1 credit).
•
You will complete an online writing sample by June 8, 2011. Your placement in English
courses will be determined based on SAT scores, prior course work and the online writing
sample.
•
If you think you will receive AP, IB, or transfer credit for a course, DO NOT register for the
course. If you anticipate that you will bring in credits, talk to an Academic Adviser.
Academic Resources at Bentley
• Academic Advising Center (located in LaCava 298)
• Meet with an Academic Adviser
• Academic Advisers are available to help you plan your schedule, choose a major, and
assist you in planning your academic pursuits at Bentley.
• Find out information about tutoring and academic support services
• Visit the Undergraduate Academic Advising Center to find out about various workshops
that can help you become a better student and discover support services if you are
struggling.
• Meet with a Peer Adviser
• Peer Advisors are current Bentley students who can talk with you about majors, help
with course selection, and refer you to relevant student organizations and other
departmental resources.
•
Cronin Office of International Education (located in Adamian 161)
• The International Education staff can help you find education abroad opportunities that are of
interest to you.
•
Career Services (located in LaCava 270)
• The Career Services staff can help you find internships, perfect your resume, and assist you in
determining what career is right for you.
•
Faculty Members
• Professors are a great resource for information about your chosen career
field and the various career options available. They are also good resources
for networking with professionals in the field.
Academic Advising Workbook
The Undergraduate Academic Advising Center has
created an advising workbook especially for
Bentley students! The Academic Advising
Workbook is your guide to all things academic at
Bentley and includes information about majors,
minors, the curriculum, International Education,
and many useful planning tools.
You will receive a copy of the Academic Advising
Workbook when you arrive to campus in the fall,
but can get a sneak peek now by visiting this link!