Custom Degree Pathways

Exploratory Studies: Undeclared

Students who come to Chico State without a declared major are supported in our Exploratory Studies Program:

• A dedicated lounge space (MLIB 208) for exploratory studies students to study, socialize, and grab a snack
• Peer mentors to help guide the journey
• A dedicated professional advisor to support academic planning
• A specially designed General Education Course - UNIV 120 - to discover academic identity and support college success
• Social Events to get connected with other students
• Specialized workshops to match skills and interests with majors and careers

The Future Is Undeclared!

Credit for Prior Learning

Policy (from EM 23-033, Credit for Prior Learning)

Students may petition to have previous non-classroom experiences evaluated for possible academic credit, up to a maximum of 30 units. Awarded credit may be applied to a particular course, to a specific general education or other graduation requirement, or as elective credit.

In order to apply for credit earned through prior experience, the student must be a matriculated Chico State student, have completed in residence at least 15 units of credit toward a bachelor’s degree or 3 units toward a master’s degree, and be enrolled in the University for the semester in which credit is awarded. Students are responsible for any increase in fees associated with the additional units of credit.

The evaluation of prior experiential learning is conducted by faculty in the academic department in which credit is sought. Review should be done by faculty with specific relevant disciplinary expertise. In cases in which no single discipline comprises the credit area (e.g. writing, General Education Area 4, U.S. Diversity), the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Academic Success evaluates the application in consultation with chairs of at least two relevant academic departments.

Students may submit a variety of forms of evidence to demonstrate prior learning, including portfolios, professional licensure, interviews, or other appropriate means. Departments may request additional information before recommending credit be awarded. Collectively, the evidence presented must demonstrate a level of competence equivalent to that achieved by a passing grade in a course that would typically confer such credit.

Application for Credit for Prior Learning (PDF)

Special Major

The special major is available to returning students who left the University before completing their degree and whose major program was either discontinued or revised to an extent that it cannot reasonably be completed using the current major name. Normally, petitions to graduate with a discontinued major will only be considered in cases where the student lacks 12 or fewer units in the discontinued major for degree completion. Students may apply to the relevant academic department to develop a degree completion plan that most closely reflects the program they originally pursued, as defined in the catalog at the time of their prior enrollment. Degrees completed under the special major program are recorded on transcripts and diplomas as “Special Major: (Name of Major).” Students seeking to complete a special major should consult with Graduation Advising in the Office of the Registrar for a review of their record to ensure all graduation requirements are met. Special major proposal forms are available from the Office of Undergraduate Education and Academic Success.

Special Major Application (PDF)