First Year Advising and Registration Guide

Important Info for Class of 2027

This page should provide all of the necessary information and resources you need for registration this summer. Use this checklist to help you.

To Do

  • Test out your Student Center Log-in and Password
  • Take appropriate language placement tests (online) and check your results
  • Review the First-Year Advising and Registration Guide (this webpage)
  • Review Departmental Advice (at end of this page)
  • Review the Class Search feature in the Student Center to see available courses open to first year students. If you have any questions in regards to the Class Search, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 717-337-6240, or email the Registrar's Office at registrar@gettysburg.edu.
  • Select three additional courses and alternates using the Student Center
  • Be in touch with your Fall Course Planning Advisor starting June 12.
  • View the Registration Video Tutorial 
  • Set your alarm to remind you to register June 21 at 9 a.m. EST

Important Dates

  • June 14, by end of day - Fall Course Planning Advisor information sent to students via email.
  • June 21, 9:00 AM EST - Registration OPENS in the Student Center.
  • July 24, 11:59 PM EST - Registration CLOSES in the Student Center.
  • August 7, 12:01 AM EST - The Student Center re-opens for ALL students.

Fall Course Planning Advisors & First-Year Advisors

All students will be assigned a Fall Course Planning Advisor to assist you with Fall semester course selection based on the preferences you indicated in the First-Year Dashboard. Your advisor’s contact information will be sent to you via your Gettysburg College email address by end of day on June 12. You are responsible for reaching out to your Fall Course Planning Advisor. Before you contact the Fall Course Planning Advisor, be sure to read this page carefully. Many of the questions you might have are answered in the following pages.

Fall Course Planning Advisor's Role:

  • Helps you pick classes for the fall semester.
  • Interacts with you via Zoom, phone or email.
  • Only a small pool of faculty available during the summer to help first year students are Fall Course Planning Advisors.

After you are registered for courses for the fall semester, you will be assigned a First-Year Advisor. You will have the opportunity during Orientation to meet one-on-one with your First-Year Advisor to finalize your course choices for the fall semester. All First-Year Advisors are generalists, regardless of the subject area in which they teach. Your First-Year Advisor can help you understand our curricular requirements, make important choices about your first year, troubleshoot problems and issues, and point you in the right direction when you are ready to declare a major.

First-Year Advisor's Role:

  • Will meet with you during Orientation
  • Remains your Advisor until you declare a major
  • Can help with a variety of academic issues
  • All faculty are responsible for advising students
  • When advisor assignments are made they can be viewed in the Student Center

Planning Your First Semester of Classes

Your first step toward making the most of Gettysburg’s academic life is selecting courses for the fall semester. As you plan your first semester at Gettysburg, focus on laying out some preliminary goals and taking stock of your interests. Think about how you can build on your high school experience in areas where more advanced study is now a possibility as well as areas for exploration and skill building. It is important for you to be mindful of goals when selecting courses, but do not get stuck trying to make "perfect" choices. Select courses that engage your attention, excite your curiosity, and connect to what matters to you. Keep in mind that many courses open to First-Year students meet Gettysburg Curriculum requirements, so just by choosing courses that suit your interests, you will also begin to make good progress toward completing graduation requirements

  • Take the time NOW, before the online registration system opens, to review classes and Gettysburg curriculum requirements and create a plan prior to meeting with your Fall Course Planning Advisor.
  • Pay special attention to what classes are open to First-Year students.  When using the Class Search feature in Campus Experience, make sure to check "Open to First Year Students" in the Course Attribute drop down.
  • Note which curriculum requirements your First-Year Seminar will fulfill. All FYS courses will meet the FYS requirement, as well as a second curriculum requirement.
  • Prepare back-up courses in case you are not able to enroll in a class that you had planned.
  • Register for 4 full one-unit courses (First-Year Seminars count as one of those fource courses)  This is the normal course load.
  • In general, we do NOT recommend putting your name on a waitlist for a course or a particular section of a course that is full. Once you register for 4 courses, you can track courses you prefer to see if a space opens and then exchange courses if you choose to do so. Putting yourself on a wait list will take up one of the four course slots you have.
  • Review the Department Advice section of this page to see if your intended major program requires or strongly  encourages students to take specific courses in their first and second years. Departmental Advice also provides recommendations from faculty about which courses to take if you are interested in the subject but not anticipating majoring in the field.
  • Make good use of your Fall Course Planning Advisor to get your questions answered.

A Note To Parents

We appreciate that you may be interested in taking a very active role in your student’s college education.  Registering for classes can be both exciting and frustrating. We encourage you to allow your students to:

  • Make their own choices about courses
  • Do their own research about curriculum and major requirements, and
  • Contact the advisors themselves when they need assistance.

Empowering your students to manage these tasks on their own now will help them become a bit more self-sufficient when they are here on their own in the fall.

When 600+ students register at the same time, there are bound to be problems. When these challenges arise, your job is not to swoop in to fix them; rather, we encourage you to help your students manage their frustration so that they can solve the problems themselves. You can support your students by discussing the following common registration problems in advance and making contingency plans:

  • Oversleeping on the morning of Registration
  • Forgetting to press ENROLL
  • Not getting your first (or second, or third) choice of First-Year Seminar
  • Not getting a class at the time you want

The Center for Student Success and the Registrar’s Office are well-equipped to answer questions and help solve problems on the day of Registration. However, we prefer to speak directly to your students, so please encourage them to be self-sufficient.

Registering Using the Student Center

For instructions on how to register, view the Registration Video Tutorial  on the Registrar’s Office website or follow the steps below:

  1. Begin at gettysburg.edu. Click on the 3 lined menu icon in the upper right corner and select “Current Students” from the drop down.
  2. On the left-side panel, click on “Campus Experience”. Log in using your Gettysburg credentials – you should not use @gettysburg.edu for the User ID.
  3. Once you are logged in, click on “Class Information” on the right-side panel, followed by “Class Search”.
  4. In the “Term” dropdown, select “Fall 2023” and use the other dropdowns as you see fit:
    • Subject: Search by department
    • Course Attribute: Classes that are open to first-year students, and classes that meet your Gettysburg Curriculum requirements.
    • Course Attribute Value: Further narrowing the Gettysburg Curriculum requirements.
    • By simply clicking “Search” you will be able to see all the classes that have seats available.

To view the details of the course, click on the > symbol to the left of the section number.  Here you can see:

  • Course description
  • What Gettysburg Curriculum requirement (Course Attributes) the course fulfills, if any.
  • If there is a prerequisite course.
  • How many seats are open.
  • How many people are on the waitlist.
  • How many seats (if any) are reserved for your class year.

To enroll in a course, you will first need to add the course to your shopping cart.

  • In the section that you would like to enroll in, click on the three dots at the end of the row, then “Add to Cart”
  • If you have clicked the > button to view details, you can click “Add to Cart” in the details section, too.
  • Once you have added all of your courses to your shopping cart, click on “Enrollment” on the left-hand panel, followed by “Shopping Cart”.
    • Tip: Add all your classes to your shopping cart PRIOR to June 21st, so when you log in that morning to register, your classes are already in your cart.
  • Check the box by the course and hit “Enroll”.
    • Tip: Check off all of your first-choice classes and hit “Enroll”, and you’ll be added to them all at the same time.
    • Tip: Keep you back up courses in your shopping cart, so that you have them ready if needed.
    • Tip: If the enrollment period has already started, you can “Enroll” in a course directly from the search – you do not need to add it to your cart first.

Second Language Study

How many language courses are required?

Gettysburg College requires that all students take two sequential courses of a foreign language in the same language. This requirement holds regardless of whether you begin a new language at Gettysburg or if you place into a higher level of language through our language placement exam. For example, if a student takes the placement exam and places into French 201, that student will take French 201 and French 202. If a student starts a new language, that student will take two semesters of that language, such as Italian 101 and 102.

What languages are offered at Gettysburg?

Gettysburg College currently offers its students the following foreign languages on campus: ancient Greek, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, and Spanish. Many other languages are available to students through our study abroad programs and there are also a variety of non-credit bearing ways to study and/or engage in language learning at Gettysburg.

When do you recommend that students take a language at Gettysburg?

The faculty highly recommends that students begin foreign language study during their first semester. Most of our incoming first-year students will have studied languages in high school and this continuation gives students a greater opportunity to develop a global perspective as they concurrently increase their linguistic competence and cultural understanding of a particular language. Whether you continue a language you have already studied, or begin a new language, the sooner you start your language study, the more access you will have to interesting related opportunities including study abroad and special housing options. For some languages, such as Italian Studies, if you do not enroll in a section of a beginning level your first semester, your chances to enroll as a sophomore are drastically reduced.

How do I decide to continue a language that I have already studied or start a new one?

Personal aptitude, interest, and study-abroad desires usually serve as good guides for students to decide whether or not to continue a language that they have studied in the past. Some students attain a high degree of facility in a language, usually indicated by good grades in high school language classes, and they wish to perfect their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in that language at Gettysburg College. Many of these students will finally have the opportunity to study abroad in a country where the language that they have studied is spoken. Other students desire to study abroad in a certain country and have not had the opportunity to study the particular language or languages of that country. In some cases students have studied a particular language for years and have simply lost interest in continuing to study it. Many of these students are excited to start anew. Students should weigh their language learning options based on the above considerations, knowing that they are welcome to fulfill their language requirement by studying any language Gettysburg College offers, or another language through study abroad.

Are there any exemptions to language study?

International students with F-1 visa status from a country where English is not the native language may be exempt from the language requirement.  Please contact the Office of the Registrar (registar@gettysburg.edu) for additional information.

Does the College accept AP credit for a language?

If you earned a 4 or 5 on an AP language test, the College will give credit toward one language course. You will then need to take one further course in that language to fulfill the language requirement. Students with AP credit will also need to take the language placement exam to determine where they should best be placed for their remaining language course. Some language departments will also conduct an assessment interview on campus in addition to the placement exam. Please contact the individual language departments for further information.

Language Placement Exams

On the First-Year Dashboard, you will be able to provide information about your language skills and previous study so that we can assist you in making choices about your language study and provide you access to the appropriate placement tests.

In what form is the placement exam given?

  • Online placement exams are available for Chinese, Japanese, French, German, Italian, Latin, and Spanish.
  • For ancient Greek and Arabic, placement tests are offered during the on-campus orientation period in August.

How long will the online placement exam take?

Time limits vary depending on the language, typically ranging from 45 minutes to an hour and a half. When the designated time expires, the computer-generated exam process automatically stops. For placement exams taken on campus (Arabic, Chinese, or Japanese), students will have a period of an hour followed by a short oral interview. Students who have previously studied ancient Greek will have an assessment interview with a member of the Classics Department to determine placement.

NOTE: Students who will be seeking academic accommodation for learning disabilities should take the appropriate placement exams online and contact the Center for Student Success (student_success@gettysburg.edu or 717 337 6579). Individual adjustment regarding your placement will be made as appropriate.

When will I hear about language placement?

Results for Italian, French, and Spanish will be available on the Dashboard immediately after you complete the placement test. Latin, German, Japanese, and Chinese results will be available after the exams have been scored. Language placement results will be posted in the Student Center (see below) once they are entered. Students taking the online placement exams will also be notified via e-mail of their placement. For those students who take the placement exam on campus in August, results will be made available within twenty-four hours.

I know I want to start a new language at Gettysburg. What should I do?

You should take a required placement exam for any of the languages that the College offers that you studied for more than one year in high school, and then enroll in a first-level course for the new language that you desire to study. If you only studied Latin in high school, and you do not wish to continue to study it here, enroll in another first-year language course.

Below is list of contact information for the administrative assistants of each language; they will forward student questions to faculty members who will answer them:

First-Year Writing

Writing courses teach academic writing and are designed to increase a student’s critical capacities, sensitivity to language, and awareness that written communication is essential not just in college courses but after graduation as well.

  • Many First-Year Seminar courses also fulfill the First-Year Writing requirement. 
  • Students who are enrolled in a First-Year Seminar course that does not meet the First-Year writing requirement can meet that requirement by enrolling in a designated First-Year writing course in the spring or ENG113-Writing In and About the Native American Tradition in the fall.
  • Students may qualify for exemption from the First-Year writing requirement by achieving a 4 or 5 on the AP English Literature or Composition exam or a score of 35.00 on the SAT Writing/Language Test.

First-Year Seminars

First-Year Seminars offer the benefits of an experience often reserved for college seniors to students beginning their college career: classes that have a small enrollment, focus on a particular topic, and emphasize the active participation of students. These courses, offered only to students in their first semester at Gettysburg, provide an opportunity to work closely with a faculty member and a small cohort of peers to explore a topic that they all find interesting. In addition, First-Year Seminars are designed to employ and develop a variety of learning skills, such as writing, speaking, critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, information literacy, and the use of technology or instrumentation.

Students will rank their First-Year Seminar preferences on the First-Year Dashboard. You will be notified of your seminar placement prior to your course registration. If you have concerns that your seminar placement conflicts with your other course selections, please contact your Fall Course Planning Advisor or the Center for Student Success.

Notes on First-Year Seminars:

  • Unlike your other courses, you will register for a seminar by submitting a ranked list of your preferences through the First-Year Dashboard.  The course will automatically be added to your schedule.
  • First-Year Seminars are courses that have the same expectations in terms of workload as your other courses, and they count as one of the four courses you take in the fall semester.
  • All First-Year Seminars satisfy one or more of the Gettysburg Curriculum requirements. You can find which Curriculum requirement your FYS completes in the Student Center.
  • Some, but not all, seminars satisfy the First-Year Writing requirement. Students who do not complete the First-Year Writing requirement through their FYS can enroll in ENG 113: Writing in and About the Native American Tradition in the fall semester, or a designated course in the spring semester. .

International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit

Gettysburg College recognizes the quality of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in the admissions process. In addition, the College awards one course credit in each subject area for higher level examination scores of five or higher. For IB Transfer Credit Equivalencies, see the information on the Registrar’s webpage: https://www.gettysburg.edu/offices/registrar/ap-iba-level-exam-equivalencies.

Advanced Placement (AP) Credit

All entering students who submit a score of 4 or 5 on AP tests may receive one course credit for each test area toward the 32 course graduation requirement. Some AP courses have been deemed equivalent to courses we offer at Gettysburg. If you enroll in the equivalent course here, you will lose your AP credit; you cannot earn credit for the same course twice.

You may not know your AP test scores when you register for classes. If you took AP English and expect to earn a 4 or 5, it is okay to register under the assumption that you have been exempted from the First-Year Writing Requirement. If you find out later that you did not earn a 4 or 5, you can either change your fall semester schedule to add a First-Year Writing course OR wait until the spring to take that course. For all other AP credit, if you plan to take courses in that same subject, you should contact the Department for advice (see the end of this packet for contact information for each department).

Pleases review the Registrar’s webpage for the most common AP courses that our students have taken. However, we accept many more AP credits than those included on this list. For questions about AP courses not listed here, please contact the Registrar’s Office (registrar@gettysburg.edu).

Waitlists

Upperclass students have already scheduled their courses for next year, so you may find that some courses already have wait lists. Many of those courses will haves seats reserved for First-Year students. If you wind up on a wait list for a course you really want to take:

  1. First see if there is another section of the course open and consider adjusting your other courses if needed.
  2. If there is no open section of a wait-listed course you wish to enter, WE STRONGLY URGE that you find some other course that suits your interests and has open places and that you enroll in such a course instead of the wait-listed course (exceptions to this will be noted in the Departmental Advice).

There will be fewer possibilities as the summer progresses, so it is best to enroll in four courses now. The wait-lists allow us to track how many students need, or want, particular courses.

Special information regarding Biology wait-lists: Students planning on majoring in Biology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (BMB), or Health Sciences should enroll in the appropriate introductory Biology class in the fall OR join the wai-tlist for that class.

Departmental Advice

Our department chairs have provided the following information for First-Year students interested in pursuing courses in these areas. Pay close attention to the advice provided, and visit each department’s website for additional information.

In this section:

Africana Studies

Why take an Africana Studies course or become a major or minor? Africana Studies at Gettysburg College offers the opportunity to learn how to analyze problems from a variety of disciplines such as economics, history, sociology, linguistics, music, political science, and literature. Africana Studies focuses on African American, Caribbean, Latin American, and continental African experiences, institutions, and perspectives. It is broadly defined as the study of peoples of Africa and the African diaspora, and the purpose of that study is to participate in the process of improving life opportunities for people of African descent and to achieve social justice in the world. Interested students and prospective majors and minors can begin their exploration with AFS 130, 131, 132, or any 200-level AFS course. AFS alumni have gone on to graduate study at schools such as Columbia University in human rights, anthropology, and international affairs, while others are in the fields of education and law. For advising help, contact Prof. Scott Hancock (shancock@gettysburg.edu).

Anthropology

Those interested in learning more about Anthropology should take at least one of our introductory courses, Anth 103 or Anth 106, during the first year. These courses satisfy the Social Sciences requirement of the Multiple Inquiries goal. They are also Global Understanding courses. Both are required for the major. Taking at least one of these introductory courses makes it possible to enroll in any 200-level course in subsequent semesters since either Anth 103 or Anth 106 is a prerequisite for most courses at that level. The department offers some courses at the 200-level that do not have a pre-requisite and are open to first year students interested in the topic. Some 200-level anthropology courses are cross-listed with Asian Studies, Classics, French, Latin American Studies, and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Other anthropology courses may be used as electives for Africana Studies, Cinema and Media Studies, Civil War Era Studies, Classics, Environmental Studies, International and Global Studies, Middle East and Islamic Studies, Peace and Justice Studies, and Public History. For advising help, contact Andrea Switzer (aswitzer@gettysburg.edu).

Art & Art History

Students expecting to major or minor in studio art should take ARTS 141 in their first year. ARTS 141 is also open to students with general interest in studio art. There are sections of ARTS 141 in both the fall and spring semester and some enrollment spaces have been reserved for first year students. This course is a pre-requisite for upper-level studio art courses.

Students expecting to major or minor in art history should take ARTH 125 Survey of Western Art, ARTH 131 Introduction to Asian Art, ARTH 126 Introduction to Modern and Contemporary Art or FYS 122-1 Museum Staff Only: Behind the Scenes at the Museum in their first year. There are sections of ARTH 125 and ARTH 131 in both the fall and spring semester, and enrollment spaces have been reserved for first year students. These course satisfy pre-requisites for upper-level art history courses.

For information, please contact Leslie Casteel (lcasteel@gettysburg.edu) or call 717-337-6121.

Biology

Prospective Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB), and Health Science majors should be sure to enroll in Bio 111 (Introduction to Ecology and Evolution) in the fall, to be followed with BIO 112 (Form and Function) in the spring.  Both courses have weekly labs.  Chemistry 107 and 108 are also required for the Biology major, and many Biology students choose to enroll in both Bio 111 and Chem 107 in the fall of their First Year.  Taking Chem 107 is not, however, imperative, and students can delay taking Chemistry 107 until their sophomore year, if they desire.  Delaying Chemistry will, however, have implications for course scheduling during the junior and senior years, and may reduce students’ flexibility to do other things, like study abroad, during those years.  We encourage students to discuss this decision with their FY advisor or with someone in the Biology Department.

Students interested in the Neuroscience minor and students considering Medical or Veterinary School after graduation, regardless of your planned major, should also enroll in Bio 111.

Prospective Environmental Studies and Psychology majors might also consider taking BIO 111, though it’s not required for either major; see guidelines for those majors elsewhere.

If you want to take some Biology, but are NOT planning to major or minor in Biology or a related field, the following are the most appropriate courses; both fulfill one of the Gettysburg Curriculum Natural Science requirements:

  • Bio 101 (Basic Biology - Fall course) is geared towards non-science majors who do not intend to take Bio 112. It makes no assumption about your science background and is a stand-alone course. It has an every other week lab component.
  • Bio 102 (Biological Basis of Disease - Spring course) is geared towards non-science majors. It makes no assumption about your science background- it has no prerequisite. It has an "every other week" lab component.

For Advising Help: contact Prof. Kazuo Hiraizumi (hiraizum@gettysburg.edu) or visit the Prospective Student tab at the Biology Department web site.

Biochemistry/Molecular Biology

Students planning to major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology should take Biology 111 AND Chemistry 107 (any themed section) in the fall semester, followed by Biology 112 and Chemistry 108 (any themed section; it does NOT need to be the same theme as your Chemistry 107 section) in the spring semester. Since Mathematics through 112 is required for the BMB major, students are strongly encouraged to complete Math 111-112 (or their equivalent) by the end of their first year. While it is possible to complete the 18-course BMB major if one chooses to begin biology, chemistry, or math in the sophomore year, this may present challenges in junior and senior year scheduling, and may prevent a BMB major from being able to study abroad. For advising questions or help, contact Prof. Shelli Frey (sfrey@gettysburg.edu), Chair of the BMB Program. 

Chemistry

General Chemistry (Chemistry 107 and Chemistry 108) is required or recommended for students studying Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB), Chemistry, Environmental Studies (BS degree), and Health Sciences (BS degree). Chemistry and BMB majors should taking Chemistry 107 in their first semester. We strongly recommend that Biology majors take Chemistry 107 in their first semester, too, especially if they are interested in molecular biology or any molecular-level research. If you are considering attending professional school in a medical field (medical, dental, optometry, veterinary, nursing, physician assistant, physical therapy, or pharmacy school), you will need to take at least a year of chemistry, including Chemistry 107 and 108. Students planning on attending medical, dental, or veterinary school directly after college (with no gap year) must take Chemistry 107 in their first semester.

If you plan on taking Chemistry 107 during your first semester at Gettysburg College, you MUST take the Chemistry Placement Test. If you do not plan to enroll in it during your first semester, you do not need to complete it at this time. Only students who take Chemistry 107 at Gettysburg College must take the placement test. The placement test can be accessed through the First-Year Dashboard. If the Dashboard has closed, please contact Lea Czar (lczar@gettysburg.edu) to get access to the test.

The Chemistry Placement Test—a 40-question, 60-minute, multiple-choice test—allows us to place you in a section of Chemistry 107 that is appropriate for your background. We offer two levels of Chemistry 107: Chemistry 107 sections A–D and Chemistry 107-I. Chemistry 107-I is an “intensive” section with its own labs and discussion sections designed to provide extra support for students with limited chemistry and quantitative problem-solving experience in high school. Other Chemistry 107 sections are for students with stronger chemistry and quantitative problem-solving backgrounds. All Chemistry 107 sections prepare students to be successful STEM majors. You will be informed of your placement test results by your Gettysburg College email a few days before registration. We will let you know whether you should register for Chemistry 107-I or one of the other Chemistry 107 sections.

The Chemistry major builds upon itself, and therefore certain courses need to be taken in a specific order. Students planning a major in Chemistry should take Chemistry 107 (any themed section) or Chemistry 107-I and Mathematics 111 or a higher-level mathematics course during the fall semester of their first year. During the spring semester students should register for Chemistry 108 (any themed section; it does NOT need to be the same theme as your Chemistry 107 section) or Chemistry 108-I and Math 112 or a higher-level mathematics course. Chemistry majors must ultimately take mathematics through Math 112 (for the BA degree) or Math 211 (for the BS degree) and a year of calculus-based physics in preparation for Physical Chemistry. Physics courses are often taken during the sophomore year along with Chemistry 203 and 204 (Organic Chemistry). If you have a question about the Chemistry major or minor, please see the Department website or contact the Chair, Prof. Don Jameson (djameson@gettysburg.edu).

Students who are interested in taking a chemistry class to fulfill the Natural Science with a Lab Multiple Inquiries requirement should also take the Chemistry Placement Test, which will place you into either Chemistry 107 or Chemistry 107-I. While all sections of Chemistry 107 cover the fundamentals of the discipline (such as exploring the atom, molecules, chemical bonds, the properties and theories of matter, and chemical reactions), each section approaches the topics through a different theme such as art, consumer products, medicine, or the environment.

Cinema & Media Studies

Cinema, television and other media, arguably the most ubiquitous and globalized cultural forms in our world today, are often not well understood and frequently understudied. Gettysburg College offers a program in Cinema and Media Studies that will provide a broad liberal arts perspective on a powerful part of students’ lives today. This program offers both a major and minor in Cinema and Media Studies that include approaches from both Cinema Studies and paradigms for studying popular culture commonly known as Cultural Studies. Students will understand these media as not merely artistic forms, but also as cultural, economic and socio-political entities. Students interested in a major or a minor are advised to take CIMS 101 (offered every semester) as early as possible. Students can take CIMS 220 (Video Production) early on as well, also offered every semester. Students may contact Prof. James Udden, Chair of CIMS at judden@gettysburg.edu, or Administrative Assistant, Carol Coon at ccoon@gettysburg.edu.

Civil War Era Studies

There is no better place to learn about the American Civil War than Gettysburg College. CWES 205 offers a sweeping exploration of the Civil War Era. Students will investigate the coming and consequences of the Civil War while also studying the military dimension of the conflict through immersive experiences on the Gettysburg battlefield. CWES 205 brings an interdisciplinary approach to the classroom. Students will watch films, read popular literature, examine wartime photographs and illustrations, and explore the psychological dimensions of warfare. CWES 205 may count towards the History major. Prospective minors in Civil War Era Studies should plan to take this course as soon as their schedule allows. Also an offer for incoming students is a Civil War-related First-Year Seminar, FYS 184-4, Civil War Memory from 1865 to the Age of BLM. For advising during the summer, please contact Dr. Peter S. Carmichael at pcarmich@gettysburg.edu.

Classical Studies

Classical Studies is a multi-disciplinary field that includes History, Archaeology, and Literature as well as ancient Greek and Latin language studies. At Gettysburg, while the study of Latin and Greek are not required for the Classical Studies major and minor, any Latin and Greek courses starting at elementary level 102 count toward the Classical Studies major; and both 101 and 102 count for the Classical Studies minor. Students can also minor in Latin. Any student interested in exploring Classical Studies or thinking about a major or minor should enroll in one or two 100 or 200-level CLA, Latin, or Greek courses during their first year. ANTH 106 also counts for the CLA major. Note: 200-level CLA courses have no pre-requisites and are open to any student. Some CLA courses are cross-listed with Anthropology, History, or Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and also count toward majors and minors in those fields. Classical Studies courses meet the Humanities Requirement, and some also meet the Conceptualizing Diversity or Global Understanding requirements. Students who wish to begin study of Latin or Greek or continue their high school studies should see the information under the Greek and Latin headings below. For advising help, please email Prof. Ben Luley, Chair.

Computer Science

First-year prospective majors in Computer Science should schedule CS 111-112, and Math 111 during the first year. It is possible to begin the CS major at any point during the first three semesters, although a later start will limit course choices and increase scheduling constraints.

CS111, "Computer Science I", is the first course in the Computer Science sequence for major/minor. The course assumes no prior background and introduces the fundamental principles of programming, algorithmic-thinking, and problem solving using a high-level programming language (currently Java). Students with Advanced Placement Computer Science A exam scores of 4 or 5 will receive credit for CS 111 and place into CS 112. Students without such AP scores may still place out of CS 111 with demonstrated proficiency in CS 111 topics based on formal instruction in Java and permission of a CS faculty member.

CS 107, "Introduction to Scientific Computation", will be of interest to prospective majors in Mathematics or the Natural Sciences. Such students are strongly encouraged to take CS 107 rather than CS 103. Please note that CS 107 does not count towards CS major/minor requirements.

CS 103 is a lab-based, survey course of Computer Science for non-majors including a historical survey of technology and the use of computers, computer applications, software systems design, programming with scripts, computer hardware and digital logic design, and implications of computing. Students with AP Computer Science Principles exam scores of 4 or 5 will receive credit for CS103. Please note that CS 103 does not count towards CS major/minor requirements.

To learn more about the Computer Science major, please consult any CS faculty member (717-337-6630), the CS chair, Prof. Sunny Kim (skim@gettysburg.edu, 717-337-6631), or read our Department website.

East Asian Studies—Japanese And Chinese Tracks

Students who major or minor in East Asian Studies must specialize in either Japan or China, and they should consider taking either AS 150 Japanese Culture and Society or AS 151 Chinese Culture and Society in their first or second year. We expect that all majors will study abroad in either Japan or China during their college career. 

The East Asian Studies Department offers two distinct minor tracks for each language: Culture Track and Language Track. The Culture Track focuses on the study of culture. The Language Track requires a more intensive study of Japanese or Chinese, with an emphasis on language proficiency.  

For the requirements of the EAS major and minor, please consult our Department webpage

Placement Test and Language Classes 

All students who have previously studied Japanese or Chinese and wish to continue the language must take our online placement exam. After the placement exam, a faculty member from the department will contact the exam takers to determine the level of language proficiency. 

Those who have never taken Japanese or Chinese before and would like to start at Gettysburg College must register for Japanese 101 or Chinese 101, which meet five days a week.  

Questions?

A variety of courses related to East Asia are also available in other departments including History, Political Science, Religious Studies, and Art History. Please contact Prof. Jing Li (jli@gettysburg.edu) for questions about Chinese language and China-related courses or Prof. Yoko Nishimura (ynishimu@gettysburg.edu) for questions about Japanese language and Japan-related courses. 

Economics

Students who major in economics have two degree options: they may choose the Economics major for the Bachelor of Arts degree or the Mathematical Economics major for the Bachelor of Science degree. We strongly encourage students who wish to pursue graduate study in Economics to choose the Bachelor of Science degree option.

Prospective majors in Economics should take Economics 103 and Economics 104 in the first year, in either order. Students looking primarily to understand nation-level issues of growth, employment, and prices should take Economics 104 (macroeconomics); students looking primarily to understand individual-level decision-making, economic incentives and the role of the marketplace in society should take Economics 103 (microeconomics). These courses meet the social sciences multiple inquiries requirement, and are prerequisites for 200 level courses in regional economic issues (e.g. Asia, Latin America, Africa) that meet some of the diversity curriculum goals.

Students with AP or transfer credit in Introductory Microeconomics receive credit for Economics 103 and so should first choose Economics 104, and similarly students with AP or transfer credit in Introductory Macroeconomics should first choose Economics 103. Students are also encouraged to take Econ 241 (Statistics) as early as possible. In addition, majors are required to demonstrate achievement in Mathematics by taking Math 111 or Math 105-106. It is important to satisfy this Math requirement early since it is a prerequisite for admission to some sophomore courses in the department. The Economics Department strongly recommends Math 111. Those prospective majors who need more preparation in mathematics may add the Math 111 Supplement (Math 110 – Calculus I Companion). For advising help, contact Prof. Linus Nyiwul (lnyiwul@gettysburg.edu) or Sue Holz (sholz@gettysburg.edu).

Educational Studies

The Educational Studies Program at Gettysburg College facilitates student inquiry into the nature of education from social, cultural, philosophical, historical, and psychological perspectives and encourages students to pursue collaborative, creative solutions to educational problems framed by careful reflection on the nature of education and teaching, broadly conceived. This statement reflects several core values of the program:

We believe that being located within the context of a liberal arts college positions us to provide students with opportunities to learn about education and teaching with uncommon depth and breadth;

We believe that disciplined knowledge of an academic field of study provides a foundation for exploration of the world around us and is essential to effective teaching;

We believe that the ability to conduct, interpret, analyze, and criticize educational research and claims associated with it is not only essential to effective teaching but also a key responsibility of all citizens in a democracy;

We believe that the size and structure of our program enables us to meet the individual needs of students and focus on the development of each student’s leadership potential, positioning them to enact change when they leave Gettysburg;

We believe that collaboration with partners in the Center for Public Service and the Center for Global Education, supported by engagement in the local community, enhances the learning experiences we provide by helping students see how education and cultural interaction intersect to bring about social change.

Educational Studies Minor

Add the Educational Studies Minor to any field of study. This non-certificate program will introduce you to our educational system and why it functions the way it does. You’ll explore education as a social and cultural phenomenon through historical, psychological, and philosophical lenses.

You’ll be well prepared to pursue teaching in graduate school or through alternative licensure programs, or to explore other opportunities in the field of education.

We graduate 20-25 Educational Studies minors each year – some of our most recent alumni updates include:

Class of 2022

Matt Fellini – Research Assistant at Eisenhower School for National Security & Resource Strategy

Molly O’Gara – Language & Culture Assistant at RVF International

Zeb Kinney – Youth Leader at Hamptons Christian Fellowship

Chloe Gonyea – Occupational Therapy Graduate Student at New York University

Class of 2021

Caroline McKinlay – Elementary Teacher at Uncommon Schools

Caroline Fernandes – Chemistry Graduate Student at University of Pittsburgh

Avery Bennett – Administrative Partner at Lehigh Valley Health Network

Tamiyah Miller – Teacher at Kipp Charter Academy in Washington, D.C.

Maddigan Devey – Faculty Fellow at Franklin Road Academy

Class of 2020

Taylor Bialkowski – Academic Coach at Sylvan Learning Center

Mattelyn Wadley – Teacher with Teach for America

Courtney Carbone – Lower School Associate Teacher at The Brunswick School

Bethany Wiczalkowski – College and Career Advisor with Pennsylvania College Advising Corp

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out via email to Divonna Stebick, Director of the Educational Studies Program, or Mrs. Cindy Mueller (cmueller@gettysburg.edu), the program’s Administrative Assistant, at 717.337.6550 in June or July.

English -

Literature and Writing Courses for Incoming Students

This guide includes a list at the end of first-year seminars that fulfill the first-year writing requirement and count toward the English major.  If you have questions, email the English Department Chair, Kathryn Rhett at krhett@gettysburg.edu.  Good luck with scheduling your first semester!

Literature Courses

200-level English literature courses are introductory courses, open to incoming, first-year students. Students do not need to have fulfilled the first-year writing requirement to take these courses. All 200-level literature courses fulfill the Multiple Inquiries Humanities requirement. Brief descriptions are included for new courses.

  • ENG 215 Literature & Politics in Early Modern England, Tu/Th 1:10 - 2:25 pm with Professor Christopher D'Addario.  Fulfills Humanities requirement..
  • ENG 225 Race and Empire in 18th Century British Literature, Tu/Th 10:00 - 11:15 am with Professor Joanne Myers. Fulfills Humanities & Conceptualizing Diversity requirements.
  • ENG 230 Transnational Writing in the Americas, 1850-1917: Unsettled Imperial Dreams, Tu-Th 2:35 - 3:50 pm with Professor Matthew Harrington - This course examines the transnational dimensions of literature written in the Americas during a pivotal period of the long nineteenth century. Imperial dreams shaped the nineteenth century world - not least the expansion of slavery to create a new global empire around the Gulf of Mexico, an idealized hub of exchange linking Atlantic and Pacific, Amazon and Mississippi. Fulfills Humanities requirement.
  • ENG 242 - Curiouser and Curiouser: Children's Literature and the Invention of the Modern Child, Mo/Wd 8:30 - 9:45 am with Professor Jesse Cordes Selbin.  Fulfills Humanities requirement.
  • ENG 250 Graphic Novels and American Identifies, Mo/We 8:30 - 9:45 am with Professor Melissa Forbes. - With an emphasis on works by women, LGBQT writers, and writers of color, we will explore how contemporary graphic literature provides new expressions of and possibilities for complex American identities. Fulfills Humanities requirement.
  • ENG 255 Narratives of Development: The Global Bildungsroman, Tu/Th 10:00 - 11:15 am with Professor Sushmita Sircar. Fulfills Humanities & Global Understanding requirements.
  • ENG 267, Ethnic American Literature of the US, Tu?Th 10:00 - 11:15 am with Professor Aristides Dimitriou. Fulfills Humanities & Conceptualizing Diversity Requirements.
  • ENG 268 Empire, Tu/Th 1:10 - 2:25 pm with Professor Sushmita Sircar. Fulfills Humanities & Global Understanding requirements.

Writing Courses

100-level writing courses fulfill the first-year writing requirement.  English 111 and 113 also count for the English major.  Some first-year seminars also fulfill the first-year writing requirement, and count as electives for English department majors; see list below.

  • ENG 111 Writing Through Literature, Wed 1:10-3:40 pm with Professor Stefanie Sobelle. Fulfills First-Year writing.
  • ENG 113, Writing In and About the Native American Tradition, Tu/Th 1:10 - 2:25 pm with Professor Stephanie Sellers. Fulfills First-Year writing, Global Understanding, & Conceptualizing Diversity requirements.
  • ENG 200, Writing Across Media, Mo/Wed 11:00 am - 12:15 pm with Professor Melissa Forbes. - WAM is a survey course introducing students to multimodal literacies.  Students will develop criticalvocabularies for and then practice composing in different media, including graffiti, podcasts, and comics. Fulfills Humanities requirement.
  • ENG 203, Journalistic Writing,  Tu/Th 1:10 - 2:25 pm with Professor Thomas Barstow.  Prerequisite: ENG 101 or equivalent. Fulfills Humanities requirement.
  • ENG 205, Introduction to Creative Writing. Various sections.  Fulfills the Arts Requirement.

First Year Seminars - meet the First-Year writing requirement

  • FYS 108-1 Policy Change through Agency & Activism             
  • FYS 110-1 Business Communications & Applied Ethics*          
  • FYS 117-3 Poor Like Us: The Economics of Poverty and Inequality                 
  • FYS 123-4 Alienation, Revolution, and In-Between: The Hidden Costs of Endless Labor**
  • FYS 126-5 Out of Context**
  • FYS 130-1 Women’s Health & Sexuality                      
  • FYS 133-2 Latin American Women’s Narratives**
  • FYS 140-1 Why Go to College?**
  • FYS 142-1 Shake, Rattle & Roll: Rock Films & American Culture                   
  • FYS 148-1 Imagining Climate Change: Science Fiction & Environmental Justice**    
  • FYS 150 Death and the Meaning of Life                      
  • FYS 151-1 The Lyric Voice**
  • FYS 152-4 Journalists and Media: Heroes and Villains Through the Cinema                
  • FYS 152-5 Building Tinseltown: Inside the Studio System & the Golden Age of Hollywood  
  • FYS 157-2 Staying Human on a Planet in Transition: The Way Forward on Climate Change
  • FYS 181-3 Whales’ Tales: Reckoning with the World’s Largest Creatures**
  • FYS 185-1 Ghosts of Gettysburg             
  • FYS 193-3 Science Fiction Beyond Genre: What It Means to be Human**
  • FYS 198-2 Tryin’ to Find a Way Back Home: Literature of Homelessness in America**        

*counts for writing minor

**counts for all English majors and minors

For advising help, contact Kathryn Rhett, Department Chair (krhett@gettysburg.edu).

Environmental Studies

Prospective majors and minors should take ES 196 as soon as possible, preferably in the first year. Note that ES 121 and most other 100-level ES courses are designed for non-majors and typically do not count toward the ES major. Students interested in the Bachelors of Science degree should take two semesters of a basic natural science in their first year (Bio 111-112, or Chem 107-108, or Phys 103-104 or 109-110. (Note: Phy 111 and Phy 112 is recommended for Physics double majors only). Students interested in the Bachelor of Arts degree should take courses that satisfy their Informed Citizenship requirements. For more information, read the full major/minor requirements on the Department webpage. For advising help, please contact Prof. Salma Monani (smonani@gettysburg.edu).

French

All students who have previously studied French and wish to continue the language MUST take a placement test and register at the level where they placed. Students who are unable to sign up for a course but really would like to take it should place themselves on the wait list. We should know by August if we are able to accommodate students in that situation. Placement in French 300 is only reflective of a good level in French language and does not suggest knowledge of theoretical concepts. These will be taught in subsequent French classes (305, 310 etc.). It is thus not unusual for First-Year students to be placed in FR300 and do very well. Prospective French majors should have completed French 300 by their Sophomore year to ensure smooth planning for study abroad. Those who have never taken French before and would like to start at Gettysburg College must register in French 101 which meets five days a week. Any questions should be directed to Ms. Robin Oliver (roliver@gettysburg.edu).

German Studies

The German Studies Major consists of eleven courses, and the German Studies Minor consists of six courses. Majors are strongly encouraged to spend one semester studying in Germany or Austria. Prospective majors may enter with any level language ability, including students who have never previously studied German. All students pursuing a major in German Studies must complete or take the equivalent of two advanced language courses (301/302). A language placement test is required of all students who have previously taken German courses. GER 101, Elementary German, meets four days per week and is well suited to beginners and those with minimal prior knowledge. Depending on placement, prospective majors or minors with significant prior language experience should begin with GER 201 (Intermediate) or 301 (Advanced) in the fall. Students interested in German might also consider enrolling in GER 240 “Intro to German Studies: Methods and Theories” (Fall 2023), GER 231 “German Film, Gender, and Culture before the Nazis” (Spring 2024) or GER 277 “German Eco-Fiction from Fairy Tale to Fukushima” (Spring 2024, all offered in English). Please contact the Department Chair, Prof. Kerry Wallach (kwallach@gettysburg.edu), with any questions. For more information, please consult the German Studies webpage.

Greek

Upper level Greek courses are sometimes offered as independent studies. Students who have studied ancient Greek previously should consult with the Chair about appropriate placement. There is no online Placement Test for Greek. For advising help or to discuss placement, contact the Classics Department Administrative Assistant, Kari Greenwalt, kgreenwa@gettysburg.edu

Health Sciences

Prospective Health Sciences BA or BS majors should take Bio 111 (Introduction to Ecology and Evolution) in the fall and Bio 112 (Form and Function) in the spring. These courses are pre-requisites for sophomore-level HS core courses in anatomy and physiology.

Prospective Health Sciences BS majors, particularly students interested in going to medical school, may also consider taking Chem 107 in the fall and Chem 108 in the spring. We encourage students to discuss the decision to take chemistry in their first year with their FY advisor or with a Health Sciences professor. If you plan on taking Chem 107 during your first semester at Gettysburg College, you must take the chemistry placement test (see chemistry department information).

Prospective Health Sciences BA students may consider taking HS 120 Public Health in the fall or spring.

Students should take other courses needed to satisfy the requirements of the Gettysburg Curriculum. Students can contact the Chair of the Heath Sciences Department, Prof. Amy Dailey (adailey@gettysburg.edu) with questions. For more information, see the Department's webpage.

History

All 100 and 200- level courses have no pre-requisites, fulfill the Humanities requirement for the Multiple Inquiries-Humanities Goal, and are open to FY students. Many of these courses also fulfill the Global Understanding, Conceptualizing Diversity, or other Gettysburg Curriculum requirements. History majors may count one AP History credit as a 100-level elective toward the major, but regardless of any AP credits received, all History majors must have one of the History Department’s 100-level courses. Students who are claiming an AP credit for U.S. History should not take History 231: U.S. to 1877 or History 232: U.S. since 1865. Prospective majors should take one 100-level and one 200-level course during their first year. FY students can take 300-level courses only with permission of the instructor.

For advising help, please email Prof. Dina Lowy, Chair.

Interdisciplinary Studies

Courses listed in the College Catalogue under the category of Interdisciplinary Studies involve subject matter and methods of study from more than one discipline or department. Some courses with an IDS indicator address the Integrative Thinking Goal through the interdisciplinary courses option, please refer to the Registrar’s page for details. 200-level courses without prerequisites are appropriate for First Year students. Students may create their own major through the individualized major program, which is administered by the Committee on Interdisciplinary Studies; students who wish to pursue an individualized major should plan to be in touch with a member of the IDS committee sometime in the first or second year. For advising help contact our Administrative Assistant, Christine Hopkinson, chopkins@gettysburg.edu, or Professor Vernon Cisney, Chair of Interdisciplinary Studies, vcisney@gettysburg.edu. Students are also encouraged to consult the Department's website for more information about Gettysburg’s interdisciplinary programs.

International & Global Studies

Interested in international affairs and global issues? This multi-disciplinary, partially self-designed major might be for you! Prospective International & Global Studies majors should consider taking the four foundation courses: Anthropology 103, Economics 104, History 103 or 110, and Political Science 103 or 104. These may be taken in any order and ideally should be completed by the end of the second year. Students should be aware they must complete an application for the major in consultation with a faculty member appointed by the Chair. For more information on the major, contact the Chair of International & Global Studies, Prof. William Bowman wbowman@gettysburg.edu or IGS Administrative Assistant, Christine Hopkinson, chopkins@gettysburg.edu.

Students are also encouraged to consult the Department's website for more information about Gettysburg’s International & Global Studies program.

Italian Studies

Italian Studies offers a dual track Major and Minor: Italian Language and Italian Studies.

The Italian Language Major consists of nine (9) courses which includes 101, 102, 201, 202, and then five (5) courses at the 300/400 level taught in Italian. The Italian Studies Major consists of ten (10) courses: 201, 202, four (4) courses at the 300/400 level taught in Italian and four (4) 200 topics courses taught in English. Students who pursue a major in either track must spend a semester of study in Italy.

The Italian Language Minor consists of six (6) courses which includes 101, 102, 201, 202, and two (2) courses at the 300/400 level taught in Italian. The Italian Studies Minor consists of six (6) courses which includes 201, 202, two (2) courses at the 300/400 level taught in Italian and two (2) 200 level topics courses taught in English. While study abroad is not required for students interested in a minor in either of the two tracks, we highly encourage students to study in Italy for a semester. Please plan on enrolling in an Italian language course your first semester to begin to complete the language requirement and to ensure the possibility of taking more language courses in future semesters to complete a Major or Minor in one of the two tracks. Chances to study in a beginning level Italian course diminish significantly after the first year with priority given to incoming first year students.

If you wish to study Italian, but are unable to register for a section matching your language placement results, you can contact the Department Chair, Prof. Lidia Anchisi (hanchisi@gettysburg.edu). For more information on our Italian Studies Majors and Minors, please consult the information on the Department webpage.

Latin

Beginning Latin 101 is appropriate for students who have never studied Latin in high school and is offered in the SPRING. No placement test is required for students who have not studied Latin in high school. Students who studied Latin in high school and wish to continue their study should take the online Placement Exam. Students will be notified by email about what course level is most suitable for them. In the Fall, we are offering Latin 102; in the Spring, Latin 101, and Latin 203/303 Petronius. Latin courses meet the second language requirement. Latin 102 and higher level courses count toward the Classical Studies major; and Latin 101-102 count toward the Classical Studies minor or the Latin minor. To integrate a study abroad program into their course work, students are advised to complete at least Latin 101-102 by the end of their second year. For advising help or to discuss placement, contact the Classics Department Administrative Assistant, Kari Greenwalt kgreenwa@gettysburg.edu.

Latin American, Caribbean, And Latino Studies

First-year students wishing to pursue the combined Latin American, Caribbean, Latino Studies/Spanish major which consist of 12 credits (4 Latin American courses, 4 Spanish courses, and 4 LAS/Spanish electives taken abroad), should take the Spanish placement test and sign up for the appropriate level Spanish-language course their first semester. If the student places in Spanish 202/301, you can also enroll in Spanish 202 or Spanish 301 in the fall or spring semester. If the student is a Spanish heritage learner/ speaker, there is a new Spanish 302 Composition and Conversation, designed for heritage learners, offered in the fall only. Sign up for LAS 147: Introduction to Latin American: Cultural Studies (offered in the fall only) or LAS 140: Introduction to Latin America: Social Sciences focus (offered in the Spring). Both of these courses fulfill the required introduction to Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino Studies for majors and are strongly recommended for minors. The LACLS minor consist of 6 course that have a Latin American focus. Students should contemplate studying abroad in Latin America on a college-affiliated program (required for majors) second semester sophomore year or during their junior year. For advising help, contact the Chair, Prof. Verónica Calvillo, vcalvill@gettysburg.edu or the program’s Administrative Assistant, Robin Oliver, roliver@gettysburg.edu.

Management

The Department of Management offers a major in Business, Organizations, and Management and a minor in Business.

Business, Organizations, and Management major:

Prospective majors in Business, Organizations, and Management should take Econ 103 (fall) and MGT 155 (spring) in their first year. The earliest a student may take MGT 155 is the spring semester of their first year because of the Econ 103 prerequisite. Students considering Business, Organizations, and Management as a major should complete Econ 103, MGT 155, MGT 235, and MGT 270 by the end of their sophomore year. MGT 235 and MGT 270 can be scheduled either semester of the sophomore year. For advising help contact Prof. Joseph Radzevick (jradzevi@gettysburg.edu).

Business minor:

Prospective minors in Business should take Economics 103 in their first year. For advising help, contact Prof. Bennett Bruce (bbruce@gettysburg.edu).

Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics does not have a placement exam. Rather, we believe that students should self-place themselves into the class that best fits their background and interests with help from their advisor and faculty in our department. Students considering a mathematics course should refer to the Mathematics Course Section Guidelines on the Department webpage to determine the appropriate selection or consult with a member of the department at 717-337-6630 or email Professor Beth Campbell Hetrick (bcampbel@gettysburg.edu). Please note that Calculus I (Math 111) is intended for students who have not previously taken any Calculus. In general, students who have taken calculus should place themselves into Calculus II or into a 200-level math course (see calculus selection chart below). Students who place themselves into Calculus II and are considering a major in Mathematics, Physics, or Computer Science should enroll in the Honors section if possible.

In majors that require first-semester calculus, completion of a higher-level calculus course also satisfies that requirement. Accordingly, students should not place themselves in an inappropriately low-level course merely to satisfy the stated requirements of another major. Incoming students may confirm with departmental chairs in other majors that their math plans satisfy those majors’ requirements.

The best math course in which to start depends on your goals, motivation, and background. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to discuss your individual situation with a math faculty member.

Step 1 (Goals): What are your goals in taking a math course at Gettysburg College?

If your goal is further study in mathematics, computer science, economics, or the sciences, you should take:

  • Calculus (Math 111, 111H, 112, 112H, or 211; see selection chart); or
  • Linear Algebra (Math 212, see selection chart); or
  • Differential Equations (Math 225, see selection chart); or
  • Abstract Mathematics I (Math 215, see selection chart); or
  • Introduction to Research in Mathematics (Math 201, see selection chart).

If you are interested in data science, you should take:

  • Any of the courses listed above; or
  • Applied Statistics (Math 107).

If your goal is to satisfy the College’s Qualitative, Inductive, and Deductive Reasoning (QIDR) requirement, you should take:

  • Any of the courses listed above; or
  • Mathematical Ideas (Math 103); or
  • Courses in other departments (such as certain courses in Computer Science, Economics, Health Sciences, Philosophy, Political Science, etc.) See Registrar’s website for eligible courses.

(Note: Gettysburg College DOES NOT HAVE a math requirement.)

Step 2 (Aptitude and Motivation):

These are only guidelines to help you decide where it is best for you to start; you may want to keep the following points in mind.

  1. Your motivation (drive and determination) is a very important factor in your success no matter which course you select.  Many students are more motivated to work (and will attain higher grades) in a course where the material is new to them as opposed to a course where they have already seen much of the material.
  2. Good study habits and the ability to handle challenges go a long way toward filling occasional gaps in knowledge.  If you are unsure about the strength of your background, you should consider your study habits and whether you are diligent in seeking out help.

Step 3 (Calculus Selection): This step only applies to students who wish to take calculus or higher-level math courses. If you do not plan on further study in mathematics or in a field that relies on calculus (such as economics or the sciences), courses such as Math 103, Math 107, or First-Year Seminars that satisfy the Quantitative, Inductive, and Deductive Reasoning requirement (QIDR) might be more useful and fulfilling.

When choosing a calculus course, keep in mind that it is easier to move down than it is to move up. When choosing between two calculus courses, the department’s general recommendation is to take the higher course, because you will have the opportunity to move down to a lower-level course through the sixth week of classes. If you start in a lower course, you will not be able to move up to a higher course after the second week of classes.

Calculus I with Companion Course

When Calculus I is the right choice given your interests and goals, occasional gaps in knowledge can be addressed with extra effort and seeking help at appropriate times. However, if you feel that your math background has considerable gaps, then we recommend taking Math 110 (Calculus I Companion) and Math 111 (Calculus I) together. Taking these courses in the same semester gives you the opportunity to meet your goals for taking Calculus I while also providing the support to fill in those background knowledge gaps in Math 110. Math 110 is also a good choice if you want extra time and opportunity to practice skills necessary to succeed in Math 111. Math 110 is open to everyone who enrolls in Math 111 and thinks taking this companion course could help them succeed with the calculus material. 

Note: Math 110 is a half-credit course and so it would not count as one of the four courses that make up a full-time course load.

Calculus Placement Chart
Highest Level Background with B or BetterStarting Course
Algebra II Note: If you have completed Algebra II, and want/need to take calculus, but you do not have a B or better in any of the courses listed in this column, you should register for Math 111 as well as the half-credit course Math 110: Calculus 1 Companion Course.

Math 111 (Calculus I) AND Math 110 (Calculus I Companion)

Note: Students enrolling in Math 110 must be enrolled in Math 111 in the same semester.
Precalculus (also taught under titles such as Math Analysis, or Functions, or College Algebra/Trig), including the topics: • Functions, graphs, and shifting/stretching Polynomial and rational functions • Exponential and logarithmic functions • Trigonometric functions and identities

Calculus I (Math 111)

Note: A score of 4 or 5 on AP Calculus AB exam gives credit for Math 111. If you take Math 111, you will lose this credit.
Calculus: full year course in high school (not necessarily AP), including the following topics: • Limits and continuity • Derivatives • Increase/decrease, max/min, and concavity • Antiderivatives • Definite integrals • Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

Calculus II (Math 112)

Note: A score of 4 or 5 on AP Calculus BC exam gives credit for Math112. If you take Math 112, you will lose this credit.
Calculus + Highly Motivated: If you earned a 4 or 5 on the AB Calculus test or If you took a year of calculus, are highly motivated, and have a Math SAT score of 650 or higher. Honors Calculus II (Math 112H)
AP Calculus BC course, including all Calculus topics listed above plus: • Integration techniques • Applications of integration • Infinite sequences and series Multivariable Calculus (Math 211), Linear Algebra (Math 212), Differential Equations (Math 225), Abstract Mathematics I (Math 215), or Int. Research in Math. (Math 201).

Music/Sunderman Conservatory of Music

The Sunderman Conservatory offers opportunities for all students, regardless of major. If you are not a music major or minor, please see below, Music Information for All Incoming Students, to learn about courses and ensembles for the upcoming year.

Please note: An audition is required for admission into the Conservatory as a music major or music minor. If you are interested in majoring or minoring in music and have not already auditioned, please contact Dr. Amanda Heim, Coordinator for Recruitment and Outreach (aheim@gettysburg.edu) for information on auditioning in August.

 Information for Incoming First-Year Music Majors and Minors (Class of 2027)

The Sunderman Conservatory of Music offers three music major programs, including the Bachelor of Arts in Music, the Bachelor of Music, and the Bachelor of Music Education, as well as a minor in music. Advising and course registration for music majors (all programs) and minors is very specific and dependent on each student’s individual degree program. Because of the multi-faceted needs of 1st Year music majors and minors, it is very important that students follow the advising information we provide on our website, linked below.

 Incoming music majors (including all degree programs) and music minors must refer to the New Student Orientation page on the Sunderman Conservatory website for 1st year fall advising information.

 For additional summer advising help, contact Conservatory Director Dr. James Day (jday@gettysburg.edu) or Administrative Assistant Shelley Stoner in the Conservatory office (mstoner@gettysburg.edu).

 Applied (Private) Lessons

Students should not pre-register for applied (private) lessons. Students register for applied music courses (private lessons) in Voice, Piano, Organ, Guitar, Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, or Strings at the first meeting with your studio teacher in the fall semester.

 For all students except those in the Bachelor of Music program: applied (private) lessons are 0.25 credits and count neither toward nor against the number of courses a student may (or must) register for to earn full-time status. In other words, applied lessons do not count as your fourth course, nor will enrolling in applied lessons prevent you from taking four courses. For students in the Bachelor of Music program, applied (private) lessons count as the fourth course; these students should only pre-register for three courses during summer registration.

Music Ensembles

The Conservatory offers a number of music ensembles, including choirs, orchestra, wind bands, marching band, jazz ensemble, and more. All ensembles in the Sunderman Conservatory are open to students from all majors. Auditions for ensembles are scheduled by ensemble directors at the beginning of the fall semester. For information on ensemble auditions, please check the ensemble pages on the Conservatory website.

 Students should not pre-register for ensembles; ensemble course registration will take place in the fall once ensemble auditions are complete and rosters are finalized. Music ensembles are 0.25 credits and count neither toward nor against the number of courses a student may (or must) register for to earn full-time status. In other words, a music ensemble cannot count as your fourth course, nor will enrolling in one or more ensembles prevent you from taking four courses.

Music majors and minors have specific ensemble requirements and should review the ensemble participation requirements found on the Sunderman Conservatory website (see Current Students>Music Performance>Ensemble Participation Requirement).

Music Information for All Incoming Students

The Sunderman Conservatory of Music offers several courses that fulfill requirements of the Gettysburg Curriculum for students who are undecided or in majors outside of music, such as MUS_CLAS 102 World Music and MUS_CLAS 105 Intro to Contemporary Music.

In addition, all ensembles in the Sunderman Conservatory are open to students from all majors (see ensembles information, above). For more information, visit the Sunderman Conservatory website. For additional summer advising help, contact Conservatory Director Dr. James Day (jday@gettysburg.edu) or Administrative Assistant Shelley Stoner in the Conservatory office (mstoner@gettysburg.edu).

Peace And Justice Studies

Do you care deeply about the world and want to make a difference? Are you interested in exploring the causes and nature of violence, conflict and war, and models of peace building, healing, and conflict resolution and transformation? Then this may be the program for you! Out of about 40 minor programs at the college, Peace and Justice Studies (PJS) is the 3rd largest, and our students are some of the most active on campus. We are the only minor that requires students to create, implement and assess a project before graduating; this way, students get to put theory into practice. We offer about 9 core courses such as Introduction to Peace and Justice, Philosophical Perspectives on Justice, Education for Social Change, Philosophy of Peace and Nonviolence. The other 5 courses to complete the minor can be chosen from a list of over 100 courses and students often transfer courses from their study abroad programs. We have hundreds of alumni all over the world, doing amazing work in policy making, international affairs, immigration services, education, and law, just to name a few. For more information, please visit the Department website and/or contact the Director, Dr. Hakim Williams, at hwilliam@gettysburg.edu. Come and become the kind of leader that our world needs!

Philosophy

All introductory (100-level) courses are open to first-year students. All students are encouraged to consider a Philosophy course early in their college career as an opportunity to develop skills in reasoning and argument, explore a new field, and expand intellectual perspective. Completion of a 100-level course or a First-Year Seminar taught by a philosopher entitles a student to enroll in any Philosophy course at any level. Any student completing an introductory level course should feel encouraged to explore all other course offerings in the department. Prospective majors in philosophy should enroll in an introductory-level course in their first year, although students may begin the program in their sophomore year. For advising help, contact Prof. Gary Mullen (gmullen@gettysburg.edu).

Physics and Dual-Degree Engineering

Students planning to major in Physics should take PHY 111 and MATH 111 followed by PHY 112 and MATH 112 (or a higher level math sequence) in their first year.

All dual-degree engineering students must take Physics 111, 112, 211 or Physics 109, 110 (depending on engineering field this is likely the preferred option for non-physics majors); Mathematics 111, 112, 211, (plus 212 and 225 for many engineering fields); Chemistry 107; and Computer Science 107 or 111 (depends on engineering field).

Students interested in the Dual-Degree Engineering Program should attend the dual-degree advising session and make an appointment to discuss their plans with Dr. Yoshihiro Sato (ysato@gettysburg.edu), the dual-degree advisor. There are fifteen engineering majors that students can pursue across our four affiliate programs, so prospective dual-degree students are highly encouraged to make an appointment with Dr. Sato and their academic advisor to ensure they are enrolled in the correct sequence of courses that will transfer to their intended engineering major. As with all students, prospective dual-degree students must enroll in a First Year Seminar, complete the first-year writing requirement, and complete a second language along with the other general Gettysburg College curricular requirements.

Intro Physics courses:

  • Physics 103/104: For Biology, Environmental Studies, Health Science majors, algebra-based sequence; sophomore status required; does not count toward the Physics major/minor.
  • Physics 109/110: For Chemistry and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology majors, calculus-based sequence; sophomore status required. Depending on the path, this sequence does count toward the Physics major/minor.
  • Physics 111/112/211: For Physics majors/minors and most dual-degree Engineering students; this is a three-semester calculus-based sequence starting in the first year.

Political Science

Any student may enroll in Political Science 101,102,103 or 104. Prospective majors must take three of these introductory courses which are intended to introduce the student to the major subfields of political science and prepare the groundwork for their concentration in two of those subfields. They may be taken in any order, but should be completed by the end of the sophomore year. POL 215, Methods in Political Science, should also be completed by the end of the sophomore year. For advising help contact Prof. Caroline Hartzell (chartzel@gettysburg.edu) or Valerie Andrews (vandrews@gettysburg.edu).

Premedical Students

Students planning to attend medical school should complete the following courses by the end of junior or senior year, depending on when they plan to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

  • Biology 111 and 112
  • Chemistry 107 and 108
  • Chemistry 203 and 204
  • Physics 103 and 104 (or Physics 109 and 110 if majoring in Chemistry or BMB, or Physics 111 and 112 if majoring in Physics)
  • Biology 211 and 212 (Note: Chemistry 333 and 334 may substitute for Biology 212)
  • Psychology 101
  • Sociology 101 or 102 or 103

First-year students should take Biology 111 the first semester. Students with strong science backgrounds typically also take Chemistry 107 the first semester.

Completing these courses by the end of the junior year will prepare students to take the MCAT in the spring of the junior year and apply to medical school the summer between the junior and senior year. If accepted, the student would then attend medical school immediately after graduating from Gettysburg College (no gap year). Completing these courses by the end of the senior year will prepare students to take the MCAT in the spring of the senior year and apply to medical school the summer after senior year. If accepted, the student would then attend medical school one year after graduating from Gettysburg College (gap year). Careful planning is needed to ensure students complete the courses needed for medical school. While medical schools require that students take specific courses to gain admission, they do not require any particular major.

*Some medical schools may require Biochemistry as well as other courses not necessarily listed here, such as Math and/or English. It is important that students review required courses and pre-requisites for particular schools in the years prior to applying to medical school.

For advising help, contact Katy Mattson, Health Professions Advisor (kemattso@gettysburg.edu).

Psychology

Psychology 101 is an appropriate starting place for students interested in Psychology. Students who have received a 4 or 5 on the Psychology Advanced Placement Exam may register for 200-level psychology electives in the fall. If you have taken the AP exam and believe you have done well, but have not yet received your score, please contact Amanda Whitcomb (awhitcom@gettysburg.edu) before it’s time to register for courses. We can arrange permission for you to enroll temporarily in a 200-level elective until your scores arrive.

Prospective majors may elect to take Psychology 101 in either the fall or spring. New first-year students, with AP, IB, or transfer credit for Psychology 101 may not take Psychology 205 until they are declared majors in psychology. We strongly encourage students to wait until the sophomore year to take Psychology 205. Although the College grants course credit for AP Statistics if students receive a 4 or a 5 on the AP Statistics exam, psychology majors must still take Psychology 205 as an additional course.

In addition to psychology courses, psychology majors must take two natural science courses with laboratories. Appropriate courses for the fall include Biology 101 or 111 (for those considering a major or minor in biology), Chemistry 107, Physics 103, and Astronomy 101. Prospective psychology majors are not required to take a natural science course in the first semester, but they may find these courses easier to schedule as first-year students than later in their career. Please note that the Gettysburg curriculum requires students to take one natural science course with a laboratory and one natural science course that may or may not have a laboratory. Psychology majors take both of their natural science courses with laboratories. Natural science courses without laboratories fulfill the Gettysburg curriculum requirement but they do not meet the requirement for the psychology major.

For advising help, contact Prof. Daniel McCall (dmccall@gettysburg.edu).

Public Policy

Public Policy is a dual major, meaning that it must be taken alongside another major. Public Policy students examine how institutions, individuals, entities, and social forces define and respond to public problems. Students generally begin taking courses specific to the Public Policy major in the second semester of their first year or during their sophomore year. But it is a good idea to take some or all of the foundational courses as soon as possible. Students must take either POL 101 (American Government), POL 103 (Introduction to International Relations), or POL 104 (Introduction to Comparative Politics). Students who score a 4 or 5 on the AP American Government Exam do not have to take an introductory POL course. Public Policy students also must take ECON 103 (Microeconomics) and ECON 104 (Macroeconomics) at some point. You should take PP 221 (Introduction to Public Policy) as soon as possible, but it cannot be taken until after you take the introductory POL class or document your AP score. If PP 221 is full, you may consider putting yourself on the waiting list because spaces often become available. For advising help, contact Dr. Anne Douds (adouds@gettysburg.edu).¿

Religious Studies

The Department of Religious Studies offers courses that explore religious and spiritual traditions around the world and across time. Our approaches are non-sectarian, and they are grounded in the historical, analytical, and cross-cultural perspectives of the academic study of religion. Our courses explore a wide variety of religious and spiritual expression from all parts of the world, from ancient texts to modern religious controversies. We offer survey courses in Religions of the Americas, Islamic traditions, South Asian traditions, and East Asian traditions, and we also offer courses organized around particular themes. In our classes, we examine many different kinds of sources: religious and philosophical texts, historical documents, autobiographies, poetry, fiction, theoretical studies, ethnographic materials, material and visual objects, the archeological record, and so on. In our courses, students engage in descriptive analysis, interpretation, and inter-culture awareness as they encounter different ways of perceiving the world. Students develop skills in close textual analysis, discussion, presentation, and writing.

REL 101, Introduction to Religion, introduces students to the academic study of religion and explores religious and spiritual traditions from around the globe from a comparative perspective. It is not a prerequisite for our 200-level courses. First-year students should note that most of our 200-level courses are actually open to first-year students.

All courses in the department fulfill the Humanities requirement, and many others fulfill the Global Understanding or Conceptualizing Diversity requirements. See the Department's webpage for more information. For summer advising help, contact the chair, Prof. Deborah Sommer, at dsommer@gettysburg.edu.

ROTC

As a first-step to enroll in the ROTC program, please complete the Central PA Consortium form and return to the Office of the Registrar at Gettysburg College. You may scan the completed form and return to the Registrar via email (breese@gettysburg.edu); fax to 717-337-6245; or mail to: Gettysburg College, Office of the Registrar, Box 419, 300 N. Washington St., Gettysburg, PA. 17325.

  • Once the Consortium Exchange Form is complete, the Registrar will send the form to Dickinson College and they will begin the process to enroll you in Military Science (MISC) courses at Dickinson College.
  • ROTC students may earn up to 4.00 units/credit at Gettysburg College via the ROTC program; with credit earned for MISC 102, 202, 302, and 401.
  • See the Military Science curriculum website for details on the curriculum.
  • You must be enrolled as a full-time student at Gettysburg College (3.00 units/courses) to earn credit for 102, 202, 302, or 401. In other words, you cannot enroll in two courses at GC and count MISC 102 from Dickinson College as your 3rd course for a semester.
  • The meeting times and locations will be determined as we approach the beginning of the fall semester. We typically work with the folks at Dickinson to identify a time that works for our Gettysburg College students, then develop a schedule with courses/training exercises at both Gettysburg College and Dickinson College.

For further information about the ROTC program and expectations, etc., contact Erik Rodney at Dickinson College (rodneye@dickinson.edu).

Sociology

Sociology 101 (or SOC 102 or SOC 103, which are equivalent to 101) is appropriate for any student interested in exploring this discipline and meets the Social Science requirement for the Multiple Inquiries Goal. Students interested in majoring in Sociology should take Soc 101 (or 102 or 103) during the first year since it is a prerequisite for almost all other Sociology courses. Sociology majors planning to study abroad during the junior year ideally should complete Sociology 101 (or 102 or 103), and at least two 200 level Sociology courses (one of which should be either SOC 296 or SOC 298 or Soc 299) by the end of the sophomore year. For advising help, contact Prof. Craig Lair (clair@gettysburg.edu).

Spanish

Placement in Spanish is based on a combination of students’ placement test scores and the number of years that they have taken Spanish in high school. A Spanish placement test is required of all students enrolling in Spanish, except for those who have never studied Spanish. Students will receive their placement-level after completing the online test and should register according to their placement level.

The Spanish Major consists of a minimum of 9 courses, beginning with Spanish 301 or Spanish 302. Prospective majors should take Spanish 301 or Spanish 302 in the fall, or as soon as possible, pending placement at that level. Students who are heritage learners of Spanish placed at 302 or 301 level should enroll in Spanish 302 (only available in the fall), a section specifically designed for heritage learners. Students who begin at a lower level (201-202) can still schedule the remaining coursework for the major or minor program without difficulty, but should consult with the Department of Spanish for advising. Students who have taken AP Spanish and have scored a 4 or 5 should request their scores to be sent to the college. Students who have taken Spanish as college credit through their high school should still take the placement exam to ensure proper placement and transfer of credits, and request college transcripts to be send to Gettysburg College as well. Any questions should be directed to the Spanish department chair, Prof. Alvaro Kaempfer, akaempfe@gettysburg.edu or Administrative Assistant Robin Oliver, roliver@gettysburg.edu.

Theatre Arts

Students interested in exploring the Theatre Arts program are encouraged to enroll in one of the following theatre courses during the first semester:

  • Theatre Arts 105, Introduction to the Theatre
  • Theatre Arts 120, Fundamentals of Acting
  • Theatre Arts 163, Introduction to the Dance

And there are two theatre-related First Year Seminars to consider:

  • FYS 119-3 The Great American Musical
  • FYS 120-2 Shop Class as Soul Craft

All students interested in acting in campus productions are encouraged to attend auditions for the fall musical production and/or short plays which will be directed by the students in the Senior Capstone Class and the Fundamentals of Directing class. Auditions for our fall musical, The Prom, will take place during the first week of classes. Instructions for the auditions will be sent out via email to interested students and posted in the basement of Kline Theatre (Brua Hall). First-years are often cast in fall productions. There are also opportunities to work for the department in the scene shop, costume shop, or administrative office.

There will be an ice-cream social sponsored by the campus theatre group, The Owl and Nightingale Players. it will take place in the afternoon on the Sunday of Orientation. For more information about classes, auditions, or events, please contact Carol Coon, Academic Office Administrator, (ccoon@gettysburg.edu).

Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies is an interdisciplinary program which examines historically marginalized genders and sexualities from the perspective of critical gender studies. The Program has a special focus on women and on intersections of gender, sexuality, race, class, ethnicity, age, and ability. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, multiple perspectives, and the diversity of human experience. Students learn a number of methods for examining and strategies for modifying the conditions that affect all of our lives.

The Program has several sexuality studies courses that may be of interest to students as they make their course selections. In addition to regular course offerings, students may take Program-approved cross-listed and affiliated courses (offered by other departments) which count toward the major and minor.

Prospective majors and minors in WGS are strongly encouraged to talk with a WGS advisor as early as possible in their academic career. Because there is a preferred sequence of courses, all required courses require careful planning. Students are strongly encouraged to take WGS 120 (Intro) in the first or second year, WGS 300 or WGS 310 (Theories) (Fall) and WGS 290 (Practicum) (Spring) in the third year, and WGS 340 (Methods) (Fall) and WGS 400 (Capstone) (Spring) in the senior year. *WGS 300 (Feminist Theories) and WGS 310 (Queer Theories) are offered alternating years in the Fall. Students planning to study abroad are encouraged to do so in their sophomore year or in the spring of their junior year.

Our 200-level courses do not have pre-requisites and work towards an array of Gettysburg College Curriculum goals, notably the Interdisciplinary, Conceptualizing Diversity, Global Understanding, Humanities, and Social Science requirements. For advising assistance over the summer, please contact Nathalie Lebon, Program Chair, (nlebon@gettysburg.edu) or Lin Myers, Academic Office Administrator (lkmyers@gettysburg.edu).