How do I become a geography or international relations major?

• Fill out a "Change of Major/Declaration of Major" form (available from the Office of the Registrar). Typically, this is done after you have completed 60 credit hours of lower-division coursework. The form should be signed by the Chairperson of the International Relations Department (and, if you are changing your major, by the Chairperson of your old department as well). Once completed, return the form to the Registrar's Office.

How many credit hours does a major in geography or international relations require?

• In addition to one common prerequisite course (INR 2001), the undergraduate international relations major requires 30 credit hours of coursework (10 courses). In addition to two common prerequisite courses (GEO 2000 and GEO 2200), the undergraduate geography major requires 36 credit hours of coursework. More information about the specific requirements of these majors can be found on the main geography and international relations pages

I took an international relations course in the political science department at FIU. Will it satisfy any of the requirements for my international relations major?

• In general, political science courses offered at FIU (even if they have an INR prefix) do not satisfy requirements for the international relations major. Consult your advisor in the international relations department if you believe that unusual circumstances might constitute an exception to this rule.

I took geography (or international relations) courses at another university. Can I get credit for these courses toward my geography (or IR) major at FIU?

• FIU allows students to transfer up to 60 lower-division credits from other colleges or universities toward the 120 credit hour total necessary for a degree. In addition, the College of Arts and Sciences allows students to receive up to 30 credits of upper-division transfer credit, half of which may be applied to a student's major. Therefore, you may transfer upper-division credits for up to five (5) courses to satisfy requirements for your major. Keep in mind, however, that these credits must be approved by a faculty advisor. The courses you propose for transfer credit must closely match the actual requirements for a geography (or international relations) major. When you meet with your advisor to discuss this, be sure to bring a copy of the syllabus and other supporting material from each course for which you are seeking transfer credit.

I would like to take an independent study with Professor X. How do I register for it?

• You don't--not, at least, until you have consulted with Professor X first! Each professor in the department has slightly different requirements for offering an independent study. In general, however, most professors insist on the following: (1) the student must propose the independent study during the semester before the one in which the independent study is to be offered, (2) the student should already have taken a course with the professor in question, and should have received a grade of B or better, and (3) the professor must be convinced that the student is prepared for self-guided research on a well-focused topic of interest to both parties (the student and the professor). Keep in mind, in any case, that an independent study is offered solely at the professor's discretion (even if you meet the above requirements). Also, the department rarely approves more than one independent study to satisfy the specific requirements of the undergraduate geography and international relations majors.

I got a grade of "incomplete" in an international relations class. How long do I have to complete the course?

• From the time you receive a grade of "incomplete," you have two semesters to complete the course. After two semesters, the grade automatically becomes an "F." If you receive an incomplete, you should consult with your professor immediately to determine what coursework must be completed in order to receive a final grade.

I tried to register, but a "hold" prevented me from doing so. What do I do now?

• The International Relations Department doesn't place "holds" on undergraduate students. If a hold prevents your from registering, you should consult the Registrar's Office to determine the reason for the hold. Common reasons tor this problem include: (1) not having passed (or registered for) the CLAST test if you are an upper-division student who is not exempt; or (2) owing fees or fines to the university.

How does the FIU grade forgiveness policy work?

• Undergraduate students may repeat a course a total of three times in an attempt to improve their grade. You may retake the same course more than once or you may retake different courses. The limit of 3 times, however, is state-imposed and absolute. Keep in mind that you must get at least a "C" (not a "C-") in each course for your major. If you have had difficulty passing some courses for your major,, therefore, we advise you to hold your "forgiveness attempts" in reserve until it is clear that they will not be needed to complete your major.

I have a question about FIU requirements that doesn't specifically have to do with the International Relations Department. Who should I ask?

• To begin with, you may find it helpful to consult the University's Undergraduate Policy and Procedures Manual.
  
  
• If you have earned fewer than 60 credit hours toward your undergraduate degree, then you are not yet officially a geography or international relations major. You should go to the undergraduate advising center for assistance with questions, particularly those about FIU's lower division requirements.
  
  
• If you have earned more than 60 credit hours toward your undergraduate degree, then you should go to the College of Arts & Sciences Advising Center, located on the 4th floor of the DM building in DM 430. The College Advising Center will be able to assist you with questions regarding the CLAST test, the College language requirement, the Summer attendance requirement, and other general policies and requirements of the College and the University. You may call 305-348-2978 to make an appointment to speak with a College advisor.