Letters & Sciences (LTSC) is the academic advising home for undergraduates who are deciding on a degree-granting major and/or completing the gateway requirements for a Limited Enrollment Program (LEP).
In LTSC we:
- Provide quality advising to assist students in making a smooth transition to a degree-granting major.
- Aid students in choosing classes to satisfy their General Education (Gen Ed) requirements.
- Assist students who are interested in applying to a Limited Enrollment Program (LEP).
- Promote involvement in outside the classroom learning experiences.
- Empower students to make informed decisions about majors and careers.
- Assist students with the development of a Four Semester Plan.
Letters & Sciences is not a degree-granting major. LTSC students must declare a degree-granting major by the time they reach 60 credits (this does not include AP/IB credits). For students who are not directly admitted to their LEP major of choice, LTSC assists them with completing the gateway requirements to be eligible to apply to that major.
LTSC also provides the opportunity for students to explore several fields of study before selecting a major. Students in LTSC are able to select courses that overlap with major and General Education requirements, which also allow them to explore different academic areas while fulfilling graduation requirements. If an undecided student discovers an interest in a non-LEP major, they can declare the major anytime during the semester.
Advising Overview
Our staff provides quality academic advising and support for more than 3,000 students who are deciding on degree-granting majors. All students within Letters & Sciences are assigned to academic advisors who monitor their progress, help them prepare for the future, and serve as a campus resource.
Dedicated advisors assist students in developing a Two- or Four-Semester Plan, in choosing courses to satisfy general education requirements, in making a smooth transition to a degree-granting major, and in applying to Limited Enrollment Programs (LEPs).
Students must satisfy mandatory advising requirements each semester they remain in LTSC in order to be cleared to register for the upcoming semester.
Mandatory advising requirements include ALL of the following:
- Attend at least one mandatory advising appointment with your assigned LTSC advisor
- Submit and get approval of your 2/4 Semester Plan
- Complete an exploration activity (if applicable)
Support Programs Offered by LTSC
FAQs
How can I best support my student’s academic journey?
- Provide emotional support and understanding during challenging academic times.
- Promote independence and self-advocacy.
- Remind them to complete LTSC Mandatory Advising Requirements early in the semester and contact their LTSC advisor with questions about academic policies or other issues.
- Encourage them to check their Terpmail (UMD Email) account regularly
- Remind them to record and be aware of academic and financial deadlines
- Encourage them to utilize the free tutoring resources offered on campus
How can my student change their major?
LTSC students interested in a non-LEP major may begin the process to declare a major at any time. LTSC students interested in an LEP major may apply to the LEP once they have met the gateway requirements. Advisors are available to help students understand the change of major process for their intended major.
My student cannot get into a course. Can their advisor get them into a course?
Advisors cannot get students into a course. However, advisors will make course recommendations, such as suggesting alternative courses, directing students to place themselves on waitlists/holdfiles, contacting the specific academic department, and/or recommending that they actively monitor class enrollments during Schedule Adjustment.
