Thematic Sequence FAQ

Selecting and Declaring a Thematic Sequence

  • Where do I get advice about choosing a Thematic Sequence?
    Your academic advisor and the department contact person for each sequence are the best sources of information.
  • May I design my own sequence?
    Yes, see the Current Students page and download the "Self-Designed Thematic Sequence" document.
  • Should I declare a sequence as soon as possible?
    Normally, you would begin a sequence second semester of your sophomore year or first semester of your junior year, after you have completed most of your Foundation courses.
  • How do I declare a Thematic Sequence?
    You complete a "Change of Major" form available from the department in which the sequence is housed or in the Office of the Registrar.
  • What if I change my declared sequence?
    Simply submit a new "Change of Major" form and your prior declaration will be dropped automatically. Only one sequence will be listed on your academic record.
  • May I complete more than one Thematic Sequence?
    Only one sequence is required and only one will be recorded on your degree audit report (DARS).

Thematic Sequences and Department of Major/Minor

  • May I complete a sequence in the same department as my major?
    No, you must complete a sequence outside the department of your major.
  • May I take a sequence if it is made up of courses which include options from my department of major?
    Yes, but you must be able to complete the sequence without taking any courses from your department of major. For example, if your major is Botany and the options for the first courses in your sequence are BOT 131, BOT 171 or ZOO 121, you must take ZOO 121.
  • May I include cross-listed courses that involve contributions from my department of major (eg., BOT/MBI/ZOO 116)?
    Yes, cross-listed courses that are part of a sequence are outside of all majors and may be used to fulfill the requirement.
  • If I complete two majors, is it necessary for me to complete a Thematic Sequence?
    Students who complete a double major automatically fulfill the sequence requirement, as long as their majors are within two different academic departments.
  • If I complete a minor, will this satisfy my Thematic Sequence requirement?
    Yes, if you complete the minor with at least 6 hours at the 200-level or above, and at least 9 hours of the minor are outside of your department of major.

Other Considerations

  • May I complete Thematic Sequence courses on a credit/no-credit basis?
    Yes, but such a decision is irrevocable. Problems may arise if you change majors to the department in which the sequence was taken. If you earn a grade below a "C", you will not receive credit for a course taken credit/no-credit.
  • May I use Advanced Placement credit to complete a portion of the sequence?
    Yes.
  • May I use transfer credit to meet the sequence requirement?
    Yes, as long as the courses are comparable to courses in the sequence offered at Miami. Where this is not apparent, a petition must be filed.
  • Are all courses in a Thematic Sequence offered every semester?
    No, there are sequences in which courses are not available every semester. Please pay attention when you schedule, so you are not trying to complete a sequence course in a semester or a year when the course is not offered.
  • Must I take the component courses in three successive semesters?
    Ideally, yes. However, course availability and scheduling pressures may make it neccessary for students to take courses in a Thematic Sequence concurrently.
  • May I take the courses that fulfill my thematic sequence out of order?
    Please consult the department which houses the sequence if you wish to take courses out of order. This is not recommended practice, but no regulations preclude taking more than one of the component courses in the same semester or taking them out of order.
  • Will my Degree Audit Report reflect my progress toward completion of a sequence?
    Yes if you have declared the sequence. If you have not declared a sequence by the second semester of your sophomore year, your DAR will prompt you to do so.
  • May any aspect of the Thematic Sequence requirement be waived?
    Petitions may be submitted to the Liberal Education Office and will be reviewed.
  • May I complete a senior Capstone that is related to my sequence?
    Capstones may be completed in your major, in an area related to your Thematic Sequence, or in any area where you qualify.
Divisional Academic Advising Offices - visit the appropriate advising office for more information on declaring a Thematic Sequence:

    College of Arts and Science
    146 Upham Hall
    529-3031

    School of Engineering & Applied Science
   106 Benton
    529-0700

    Richard T. Farmer School of Business
   1022 Farmer School of Business Building
    529-1712

    School of Education, Health and Society
    202 McGuffey Hall
    529-6317

    School of Fine Arts
    104 Center for Performing Arts
    529-6010

    School of Interdisciplinary Studies (Western College Program)
    113 Peabody Hall
    529-2233

 

Current Thematic Sequences

Self-Designed Thematic Sequence

Requirements of the Miami Plan for Liberal Education