Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I change my major if I decide to later? Absolutely. Go to the other department and write your new major on Line One, where it will take the place of Biology. Also, please let the Biology Department know if you are changing your major, and also call your advisor to let him/her know.

Can I add a double major and how is it done ? Yes. Go to the other department and write the new major on line two, Biology on line one (or vice-versa). As a Junior or Senior you will get priority over non-majors in your class only in the line one major, which should be your priority major. Use your 36 weight points on the line 2 major just as you would in any course in which you were not a major.

May I choose my advisor? Yes, you may request a certain advisor, but if the advisor already has too many advisees or obligations, you will be assigned a different advisor who is available.

Can I take a course at my local college during the summer instead of taking it at Emory? Yes, you can get permission to take the course from your advisor to count it toward your major, but if you also want to count it as hours to graduate, you must go through the College Office process.

What year do I put on the DOM form —I have Junior hours but I am in my second year now and plan to stay 2 more years? Put sophomore unless you plan to graduate early and make a notation that you have junior hours, since you may change your mind in the future.

If I take a course at another school in summer for my major, does it matter that the letter grade won't transfer, since all courses for major have to be for letter grade? No, Dean Preetha Ram's office authorizes transfer courses from other schools and sends a form introducing the student to the other school and to the student's major department.

How do I decide between the BA and the BS? Many students have already taken (or will be taking) the Chemistry (141, 142, and 221) and Math required for the BS degree because the medical schools require it, so the BS is the most common by far. However some medical or graduate school admissions committees seem to be more impressed by diversity in your background, and you will find different answers to this questions depending upon which faculty member you ask. Many medical or graduate schools also require additional Chemistry, Physics, and Math courses which we do not require for the Biology major.

What shall I take next year? Plan this with your advisor.