"The best inheritance is a college education. A degree cannot be lost or taken away."
- a wise parent
Academics
Will my child have trouble registering for classes?
For convenience, UNT conducts registration on the web. The site my.unt.edu contains step-by-step instructions, including payment deadlines. Freshmen register for classes during freshman orientation when academic advisers and orientation leaders are available to help them. Most students find that registering for classes is easier than expected because they simply follow the prompts. For an online version of the schedule of classes, visit www.unt.edu/catsched.
What are the most popular majors at UNT?
Majors in business, education, music, art, biology and public service are the most popular. The College of Engineering has degrees in computer and electrical engineering as well as construction, manufacturing and mechanical engineering technology. View the list of all 93 undergraduate majors.
What are the core courses required for all students?
The academic core includes 6 hours in English composition and rhetoric, 3 hours in humanities, 6 hours in U.S. history, 6 hours in political science, 8 hours in natural sciences, 3 hours in mathematics, 3 hours in wellness, 3 hours in visual and performing arts, 3 hours in social and behavioral sciences, 3 hours in communication and 3 hours in cross-cultural, diversity and global studies. For details, view the University Core Curriculum requirements.
What if my child hasn't chosen a major yet?
Many first-year students are uncertain about a major. Many students who declare their major upon admission to college change it several times before they graduate. Your child may be like other high-achieving students who have come to college without declaring a major because they have many interests and are not ready to select just one. UNT Counseling and Testing Services can help students choose a major and identify a career in which they can be successful. Or, students can take Career Development, UCRS 2100, a one-semester course that helps them learn about majors and careers.
Is UNT accredited?
Yes. The university is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools [1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Ga. 30033-4097, telephone (404) 679-4500 (inquiries should relate only to the accreditation status of the institution)] to award bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. These accreditations assure that UNT adheres to the highest professional standards.
Will my daughter need her own computer or will she have access to a computer on campus?
UNT has 14 general-access computer labs, including one that is open 24 hours a day and five that have Macintosh computers as well as PCs. Many of the general-access labs offer statistical analysis packages, including SAS, SPSS and S-Plus, and all offer computer-based training programs. Of course, students can bring their own computers or laptops to college. All residence halls are wired for Internet access, and wireless access is available in 60 buildings.
How large will my child's classes be?
Although class sizes vary (especially for freshmen), UNT has a 19:1 student-faculty ratio. You can expect some core courses and introductory classes to be larger. However, junior- and senior-level classes in your child's major tend to be smaller.
What if college is difficult for my child academically?
Many students are challenged by the rigors of college classes or need to learn how to manage their time for the independent learning required. UNT offers many resources to help students succeed in their college classes. The Learning Center provides tools for academic success including tutoring, reading labs, study skills labs, speed-reading courses and an extensive academic resource library. The center is located in Suite 323 of the University Union.
Will my child's classes be taught by professors or by teaching assistants?
UNT prefers to have full-time faculty teaching every class, but this is not always possible. Some of your child's classes could be taught by doctoral or post-doctoral students under the direction of a professor, but this practice is less common at UNT than at many other large universities. UNT has 844 full-time faculty members and 379 part-time faculty members, including regular faculty teaching reduced loads in order to write or conduct research.
Are the professors approachable?
Professors are usually available after class and during office hours to help students. Many faculty members mentor students, sponsor student organizations, invite students to participate in their research projects, participate in panel discussions on current issues and get involved with campus matters of importance to students.