Academic FAQs
Your fall course schedule will be determined based on the information you entered in the Academic Forms in the Summer Orientation Welcome Portal. Schedules will be provided to students during the college meetings at orientation. Students who do not attend the college meeting at orientation will receive their schedule after summer orientation. Please check your Niagara University student email for communications from your College.
First-semester freshmen typically take fifteen credits, or five classes. Total credit hours vary by major as some majors have required labs or four-credit hour courses. You will receive more detailed information when you receive your schedule.
Ideally, your official transcript should be submitted to the Admissions Office no later than July 1st. This includes AP scores, grades from other colleges, IB credit, CLEP scores and military transcripts.
NOTE: It is mandatory that NU receive your official transcript prior to the start of classes on August 28th.
- Information on transfer credit placement
Yes, please contact your advisor, Dean’s office, or the Academic Exploration Program via email or phone (or as directed at your summer orientation college meeting) to set up a meeting to discuss your schedule concerns.
You can change your major by completing the Change of Major Form in the New Student Portal or by contacting the Office of Admissions at 716.286.8700.
Foreign language is required for some majors, and is encouraged for all students, as it will satisfy a general education requirement for most majors. NU offers a wide variety of languages, but if you are interested in taking French or Spanish above the introductory 101 level, you must complete the Proficiency Placement Test. Results are immediately available and course enrollment will match your result.
A minimum of one math course is required for ALL majors, additional math courses are required for some majors.
Placement into math or writing courses is determined by your high school grades and scores on standardized exams (if applicable). Some students may be required to take a writing or math assessment in order to better determine their placement in regular or developmental math and WRT 100 or CRL 101.
The Academic Success Center provides free support to students, and houses Tutorial Services, Writing Center, Instructional Services, Academic Coaching, and Accessibility Services. Students can receive free tutoring for most 100-level courses and some 200-level courses. The Writing Center provides support for papers and projects. Skills specialists are available to help students improve their study skills, time management, college-level reading, note-taking, and more.
Please contact Accessibility Services by email or phone 716.286.8072.
The Academic Coaching Program provides incoming students with individualized mentoring and support. NU's academic coaches are full-time professionals committed to assist students in achieving their academic goals and success in college.
Students are automatically enrolled in the First Day Book Program, which includes all required course materials, with a few exceptions, such as lab coats, select school supplies, etc.
For more information, please visit the Honors Website.
Rising sophomores who have achieved a 3.5 overall GPA and completed 48 credit hours or less will be invited to apply to the Honors Program during the summer after their first year.
Please speak to your advisor about declaring a double major. Your second major can be added to your academic plan when you arrive in the fall.
After consultation with your major advisor, you can declare a minor in myNU. Typically, minors are 5-6 courses and you’ll work with your advisor to find space within your major and general education curriculum to fit these courses. Minors are not required for graduation, but are a nice addition to your resume!
- View the Listing of Minors (click on the ‘Minors’ tab at the top)