Divisions, Majors, Minors, and Pre-Professional Programs

A major represents an area of concentration (eight to 12 courses) in one academic discipline. Some majors at College of the Ozarks also require a minor, which is a smaller area of concentration (six to seven courses). Every Bachelor degree candidate must complete a major. Students may also declare a minor or a second major. Students may not declare more than two majors or two minors. Students are expected to complete their program of study within eight semesters up to a maximum of ten semesters with approval by the Dean of the College. Consideration of the hours a transfer student has completed at the previous institution is made in determining the number of semesters the student may continue at C of O.

A major may require up to 16 courses (three to five credit-hours per course), no more than 12 of which may be in a single discipline. A minor may require no more than seven courses. Programs with 16 required courses are typically interdisciplinary with significant content from two or more disciplines. Because of state Department of Education or professional association requirements, the following programs may exceed the above guidelines: Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Dietetics, Engineering, and Nursing. 

Students must have a declared major on record in the office of the Dean of the College no later than the first semester of their junior year. Students may change their major or minor by completing the necessary form. After completion of the student’s graduation check, approval of the Dean of the College or Registrar is necessary.