Might Have to Change My Major Because I Can't Complete It In 4 Semesters?

Transfer Students
1

Hi guys.

Since July, I have been set on transferring to the University of Richmond to major in International Studies with a Middle East concentration.

My current university doesn’t offer Arabic or any Middle East courses.

I found out today (two days before the application deadline) that I will transfer in as a junior, which means I will receive 4 semesters of aid. This would be okay, but the major requires 6 semesters of Arabic.

The admission counselor suggested I major in political science instead, but I have already finished my essays and everything. Is it okay to apply as an IS major even though I might change?

2

Yes, it is fairly easy to change your major at U of R. Would you be able to take Arabic in summer courses to catch up? There are ways to transfer in foreign language credit.

3

@guineagirl96‌ I have no Arabic knowledge, so my only option is to attend an intensive summer language institute.

Do you think I should change my essay? I really want to study the Middle East, but that won’t be possible according to an academic advisor.

4

I would keep your essay if that’s what you want to study. What I suggest is emailing the director of the arabic program at U of R and see what he has to say about possibilities for fulfilling the requirement. The academic advisors, depending on who you’re talking to, don’t necessarily know the inner workings of every department. http://mlc.richmond.edu/faculty/msulzerr/

Im also not seeing where six semesters of arabic is required, have you taken any other foreign languages?
http://internationalstudies.richmond.edu/program/middle-east.html
This has all the requirements on it, perhaps I missed it.

5

@guineagirl96‌ I emailed Dr. Sheila Carapico, so I’ll be sure to email Mr. Siler-Reicel too. Thanks for the link!

It says on the departmental website that students are required to take two 300 or 400 level units of a foreign language…

I took dual credit Spanish in high school, but it’s been two years since I graduated.

This is my fourth semester of college, so I should be a junior in the fall. My current college requires students to take two of everything - two science classes, two fine arts/humanities classes, etc. I did that so I would be able to graduate on time.

However, I’m hoping that a few of my courses don’t end up transferring so maybe I can be admitted as a second semester sophomore,

I wish I could indicate which courses I want to receive credit for…