Planning Your Class Schedule
Your first semester at Stony Brook should be focused on exploring those courses which interest you, exploring the wide array of academic departments offered at the University, and exploring courses that satisfy DEC and major requirements.Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I take evening or weekend classes to complete my degree requirements?
• How and when will I register for my classes?
• How many classes should I take?
• What classes should I take during my first semester as a transfer student?
• What are DEC requirements and why does Stony Brook require them?
• What should I do to fulfill the Skill 3 language requirement?
• What if I am thinking about going to medical school after I graduate?
• What if I have no idea what I want to major in?
• When is the last day to change my class schedule?
• Can I withdraw from a class after the first two weeks of classes?
Can I take evening or weekend classes to complete my degree requirements?
Please note that Stony Brook’s undergraduate degree program is geared toward daytime students (part-time and full-time), with limited scheduling of evening classes. The University does not offer online or weekend undergraduate classes. The University offers courses Monday to Friday, which necessitates often taking classes three, four, or five days per week.
How and when will I register for my classes?
You will register for your classes at Orientation with the help of Orientation leaders, academic advisors, and faculty. During Orientation, you will be
introduced to Stony Brook’s online SOLAR (Student On-Line Access to Records) System. The SOLAR System allows you to enroll in courses; place yourself
onto wait lists for specific closed courses; confirm enrollment or course changes; and receive a complete schedule summary including class times, locations,
and instructors. The full listing of courses and course descriptions are online via Stony Brook’s SOLAR System at
www.stonybrook.edu/solarsystem. You will
need your new Stony Brook ID and birthdate to access the SOLAR System.
To begin planning your schedule, click here for the class schedule grid.
How many classes should I take?
Full-time students enroll in four or five classes each semester (an average of 12 to 16 credits). Full-time students must maintain a minimum of 12 credits.
What classes should I take during my first semester as a transfer student?
Begin to take one or two major courses and upper-division classes (classes at the 300 level and higher). Continue to fulfill your DEC
requirements that are not satisfied. Typically, students complete DECs A-G first and then DECs H-K when they reach junior standing.
What are DEC requirements and why does Stony Brook require them?
DEC stands for Stony Brook’s Diversified Education Curriculum. The DEC is a liberal arts foundation for your study at Stony Brook, and gives you exposure to many different fields and disciplines, including the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The DEC includes various categories from A through K (i.e., CHE 131-E means that Chemistry 131 is a DEC E class), which all need to be completed to graduate. Note that DEC requirements differ for students in the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, School of Journalism and the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences. DEC categories A and C require you to earn a C or better in each course, while the remaining DEC categories require a D or better in each course.
What should I do to fulfill the Skill 3 language requirement?
The Skill 3 language requirement is required for all students with a major in the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, the School of Journalism and the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences. Refer to the Degree Requirement section in the 2007-2009 Undergraduate Bulletin to see if you have fulfilled this requirement already,
click
here. You can fulfill this requirement by taking a
Challenge Exam, offered by the Academic and Pre-Professional Advising Center, or you can take a language class. You need to complete through level 101 or 112 with a C or better to satisfy the requirement.
What if I am thinking about going to medical school after I graduate?
Click here.
You should take chemistry and chemistry lab (a two-semester course), and calculus in your first year. The specific courses you take will depend upon the score you earn on the proctored math assessment. You are encouraged to attend one of the pre-health information sessions held during the academic year to learn more about applying to medical school. You should also attend information sessions held in the
Health Sciences Center to learn more about other opportunities in the health professions.
What if I have no idea what I want to major in?
Start exploring by taking at least one elective course each semester, one that might even fulfill a DEC requirement. You need to declare a major once you have earned 45 credits toward your degree. The
Career Center is a good resource to help explore your major and career options. You may also want to consider taking CAR 110, a course designed to help you select a major.
When is the last day to change my class schedule?
You have until the end of the tenth day of the semester to add and drop classes via the SOLAR System. Certain courses, such as writing, cannot be added after the first week of classes. You should first consult with an
academic advisor before making any changes to your schedule.
Can I withdraw from a class after the first two weeks of classes?
Yes, you have the option to withdraw from one or more classes until the ninth week of the semester, as long as you maintain 12 credits as a full-time student. You can withdraw from a class via the SOLAR System, but a W (withdrawal) will be noted on the transcript. The W carries no credit and is not factored into the GPA.