First Year Advising and Registration Guide

This page should provide all of the necessary information and resources you need to prepare for registration. You can use this checklist below to help you.

• Complete your non-native language placement tests through the Dashboard and check your results. If you need to take the Chemistry and Calculus placement tests, be sure to do that as well.
• Be sure you can log into Campus Experience, so that you can view and register your courses. Review the Class Search feature in the Campus Experience to see available courses open to first year students. If you have any questions regarding the Class Search, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 717-337-6240, or registrar@gettysburg.edu.
• You should view the helpful Registration Video tutorial to learn about how to navigate Campus Experience.
• Review the First Year Advising and Registration Guide (FYARG; this webpage).
• Identify your First-Year Seminar placement, and which requirement(s) it meets
• Review Departmental Advice (at the end of this page) for any intended majors or areas of interest.
• Select three additional courses and alternates using Campus Experience.
• Be in touch with your Summer Advisor between July 6-14, 2026.
• Attend the GETTing College Ready sessions, or watch the recordings, relating to Course Registration.
• Set your alarm to remind you to register July 15 at your assigned time (EST).

We appreciate your taking an active role in your students’ 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 more self-sufficient when they are on campus in the fall, and when they register for their spring semester classes. We encourage you to help your students manage their frustration so they can solve the problems themselves. You can show support 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 top choice of First-Year Seminar
• Not getting a class at your preferred time you

Our staff in the Center for Student Success and the Registrar’s Office are ready to answer your student’s questions and help solve problems on the day of Registration. Please help your student practice their self-advocacy skills and ask them to contact us directly.

All students will be assigned to a Summer Faculty Advisor to assist you with course selection based on the preferences you indicate in the First-Year Dashboard.

• The advisor's contact information will be sent via email to your Gettysburg College email address the week of June 29^th.
• Students are responsible for reaching out to the Summer Advisor.
• Students should review the First Year Advising and Registration Guide prior to meeting with the summer advisor.
• Students should come to the meeting with a few classes they have found interest in through exploring Campus Experience.

Summer Faculty Advisor’s Role:

• Assists with course planning for the fall semester
• Interacts with incoming students during the summer via Teams, phone and/or email

First-year faculty advisors

Following course registration, every student will be assigned a First-year Faculty Advisor based on academic interests and the fall course schedule. Faculty Advisors will be assigned in early August, and students will meet them during Orientation. Advisor assignments can be viewed on Capus Experience and Navigate, once finalized.

First-Year Faculty Advisor’s Role:

• Help students finalize the fall schedule during Orientation
• Remains the advisor until a major is declared
• Can help with a variety of academic areas, including questions and concerns
• Provides support in the transition to college and encourages academic exploration

As you plan your first semester at Gettysburg, focus on laying out some preliminary goals and taking stock of your interests. 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. By choosing courses that suit your interests you will also begin to make good progress toward completing requirements:

• Take the time NOW, before the online registration system opens, to review classes and Gettysburg Curriculum requirements to create a plan prior to meeting with your advisor.

• Note which curriculum requirements your First-Year Seminar (FYS) will fulfill. All FYS courses will meet the FYS requirement, and many will meet a second curriculum requirement. Pay close attention to which First-Year critical skill your FYS satisfies—First-Year Writing or First-Year Data and Society. If your FYS satisfies neither of these requirements, consider how you will fulfill them in your first year and speak with your summer advisor or a class advisor in the Center for Student Success if you have questions.

• With very rare exceptions, 100-level courses are available and appropriate for first-year students, and students are encouraged to explore. There are also some interesting options for first-year students at the 200-level that departments have designated as appropriate options for incoming students. Don’t be afraid to consider 200-level courses or talk about them with your advisor.

• 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. The FYS counts as one of the four courses, and you will be automatically enrolled, so you will need to select 3 additional courses.

• 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 waitlist will take up one of the four course spots. Please see the waitlist section of this page for information regarding BIO 111 and CHEM 107 waitlist suggestions.

• 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.
• Discuss your questions with your Faculty Advisor to get your questions answered

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 2026” 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, but what courses meet specific 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
• Gettysburg Curriculum requirement (Course Attributes) the course fulfills, if any
• Any prerequisite courses
• Number of open seats
• Number of students on the waitlist
• How many seats (if any) are reserved for your class year.

To enroll in a course, 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 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 July 15^th, so when you log in that morning to register, your classes are already in your cart.

• Check the box for the course and hit “Enroll”.
• Tip: Check off all your first-choice classes and hit “Enroll”, and you’ll be added to them all at the same time.
• Tip: Keep your back-up courses in your shopping cart, so that you have them ready if needed. Just be careful that you do not check off one of your backup courses during your initial enrollment selection
• 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.

How many language courses are required?

Gettysburg College requires that all students take two sequential courses of non-native language in the same language.

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 2 semesters of that language, such as Italian 101 and 102.

What languages are offered at Gettysburg?

Gettysburg College currently offers its students the following 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. Keep in mind that you need two consecutive classes in the same language to complete the requirement.

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

The faculty highly recommends that students begin non-native language study during their first semester.

• Students who plan to continue studying a language they studied prior to coming to Gettysburg should plan to fulfill their two-semester language requirement sooner rather than later, preferably in their first year at Gettysburg.
• Students who place into an intermediate or advanced (200- or 300-level) language course tend to be better positioned to succeed if they take those language courses in their first year of college.
• 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 guides for students to decide whether to continue a language they have studied in the past. Some students wish to perfect their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in that language at Gettysburg College. Many of these students will finally have the chance to study abroad in a country where their language is spoken. 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 the language study requirement?

International students with F-1 visa status from a country where English is not the native language may be exempt from the language requirement. If you are an international student eligible for this exemption, you may indicate this in the First-Year Dashboard. You may also contact the Office of the Registrar (registrar@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 may grant credit toward one language course. (Please note that AP credit is not accepted for German). 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. Contact information for each department is listed at the bottom of this section.

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 with 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 students who have previously studied Arabic or Greek, please contact the department chair to arrange a time to take the placement test once you have arrived on campus. These tests should take approximately 1 hour and may include an interview.

NOTE: Students who are seeking academic accommodation should still take the appropriate placement exams online and contact the Center for Student Success (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 Campus Experience 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.

To view your placement in the Student Center:

1. Log into Campus Experience:

• From the main Gettysburg website, click on the 3-line menu icon in the upper right corner, followed by “Current Students” in the dropdown that appears. On the left side navigation, click “Campus Experience”

2. Enter your Gettysburg login information (note: do NOT include @ gettysburg.edu in your username), and click “Sign In”
3. Once you have logged in, click on “Student/Faculty Center”. You will be brought to a screen of tiles.
4. Click on the “Student Center” tile.
5. There is a heading that reads “Other Academic Information” with a dropdown menu – in the dropdown menu, select “Lang. Placement Exam” and hit the >> icon.
6. Your placement test results will be available on this screen once your test has been graded and entered into the system.

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:

• Ancient Greek and Latin: Kari Greenwalt [kgreenwa@gettysburg.edu; 717.337.6565]

• Arabic: Lin Myers [lkmyers@gettysburg.edu;717.337.6788 ]

• Chinese and Japanese: Kathy Ambrose [kambrose@gettysburg.edu; 717.337.6750]

• Spanish, French, German, and Italian: Robin Oliver [roliver@gettysburg.edu; 717.337.6850]

First-Year Seminars (FYS): FYS 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. All students must take a FYS in their first semester at Gettysburg. A list of the Fall 2026 FYS offerings can be found here.

First-Year Critical Skills: In addition to the FYS requirement, all students also complete First-Year Writing (FYW) and First-Year Data & Society (FYDS) requirements in their first year. FYW and FYDS requirements can be completed in either semester.

Some, but not all, FYS also satisfy the First-Year Writing (FYW) or First-Year Data & Society (FYDS) requirement. FYS-DS courses meet the First-Year Data & Society requirement, and FYS-W courses meet the First-Year Writing requirement.

Students who do not complete the FYW or FYDS requirement through their FYS take another course that meets each of these requirements.

Notes on First-Year Seminars:

• Students will rank their First-Year Seminar preferences on the First-Year Dashboard. You will be notified of your seminar placement prior to your summer course registration. If you have concerns that your seminar placement conflicts with your other course selections, please contact your faculty advisor or the Center for Student Success.
• Unlike your other courses, you will register for a seminar by submitting a ranked list of your preferences through the New Student Dashboard. The FYS 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.
• For questions about FYS, FYW, or FYDS, contact William O’Hara, Director of the Gettysburg Seminars and Skills program, at wohara@gettysburg.edu

• Gettysburg College may award one course credit in each subject area for higher level examination scores of 5 or higher. For IB Transfer Credit equivalencies, please click here. For IB courses not listed, please contact the Registrar’s Office.
• Some IB courses have been deemed equivalent to courses we offer at Gettysburg. If you enroll in the equivalent course here, you will cancel your IB credit; you cannot earn credit for the same course twice.
• You may not know your IB test scores when you register for classes. If you took an IB exam and expect to receive the necessary score to earn credit, it is okay to register under that assumption. If you find out later that you did not earn a qualifying score, you can adjust your schedule. 
• If you are hoping to use your IB exam score as a pre-requisite for a course, but you do not have the score yet, you will need to contact the academic department directly for the next steps.

• All entering students who submit a score of 4 or 5 on AP tests may receive one course unit towards 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 cancel 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 have already taken an AP exam and expect to earn a 4 or 5, it is okay to register under the assumption that you will earn credit. If you find out later that you did not earn a 4 or 5, you can adjust your schedule accordingly.
• If you are hoping to use your AP exam score as a pre-requisite for a course, but you do not have the score yet, you will need to directly contact the academic department for the next steps. You can find contact information in the “Departmental Advice” section below.
• Please review the Registrar’s website for the most common AP courses that our students have taken by clicking here. For questions about AP courses not listed here, please contact the Registrar’s Office.
• First-Year Writing or First-Year Data & Society requirements cannot be fulfilled through AP or IB courses. They must be completed either through a First-Year Seminar (FYS) carrying the appropriate attribute, or through other designated courses approved for each category. AP credit may count toward graduation or fulfill other curricular areas.

 College courses taken through dual enrollment or transfer

• First Year Writing (FYW): Courses like College Writing 101 or Writing Through Literature from a regionally accredited college may satisfy the FYW requirement. These are usually coded as ENG 101 or ENG 111. Please send your official transcript to the Registrar’s office. If the student can confirm that they received a C- or higher, this will satisfy the First-Year Writing requirement.
• First Year Data & Society (FY-D&S): Courses from a regionally accredited college that explore how data are generated, analyzed, and communicated, and how society both informs those processes and is affected by them, can request review of the relevant course syllabus for potential FYDS credit. No courses are pre-approved for this requirement. Please send your official transcript and contact the office of the Registrar at registrar@gettysburg.edu to request such a review.

Courses must be at least 3 credits (0.80 Gettysburg units) to meet a First-Year requirement.

All transfer courses continue to be reviewed individually. Questions? Please contact the Office of the Registrar.

If you have AP, IB, or A-Level scores to report, or have completed dual enrollment classes during high school, send the scores and/or transcript directly to Gettysburg from the testing agency/school. Some helpful tips on making those requests can be found below. 

If you have additional questions, please contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@gettysburg.edu. 

AP Scores:

• Please make your request through the CollegeBoard website to have your official score report sent to Gettysburg College.

IB Scores:

• Please contact International Baccalaureate to have your official score report sent to Gettysburg College.

A-Level Exams:

• Students typically complete the requests through Cambridge or Pearson. 
• Send the official certificate directly from Cambridge or Pearson.
• Copies cannot be accepted from your high school.

Dual Enrollment Credits

• Students are responsible for requesting official transcript(s) from your previous institution(s).
• Please request the college or university to send an electronic copy to registrar@gettysburg.edu, or they may mail a hard copy to the following address:
  
  Gettysburg College 
  300 N. Washington Street 
  Registrar’s Office - Box 419 
  Gettysburg, PA 17325. 
  
  
• Grades earned in dual enrollment classes that are reported on your high school transcript cannot be evaluated – the transcript must come directly from the college or university.

Upper class students have already scheduled their courses for next year, so you may find that some courses already have waitlists. Some of those courses will have seats reserved for first-year students. If you are on a waitlist, please see the tips below.

• First see if there is another section of the course open and consider adjusting your other courses if needed.
• If there is no open section of a waitlisted 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 waitlisted course (exceptions to this will be noted in the Departmental Advice).
• Note that signing up for a lab section that is full will mean that you are also waitlisted for the lecture, even if the lecture still has open seats. In other words, you may be able to find an open lab section that fits your schedule and be able to enroll in the lecture section of your choice.
• There will be fewer possibilities as the summer progresses, so it is best to enroll in four courses now. The waitlists allow us to track how many students need, or want, particular courses.

Special information regarding Biology waitlists: Students planning on majoring in Biology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (BMB), or Health Sciences should enroll in the appropriate BIO 111 class in the fall OR join the waitlist for that class.

Special information regarding Chemistry waitlists: If you need to enroll in Chemistry 107 or 107-I and it is already full, please stay on the waitlist for Chemistry 107.

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.

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 people of African descent, with a goal of participating in the process of improving life opportunities for people of African descent as a part of working toward a more just world. 

Common first-year courses 

• AFS 130 Introduction to African-American Studies 
• AFS 131 Introduction to African Studies,
• AFS132 Introduction Caribbean Studies 
• Any 200-level AFS course 

Ancient Greek and Roman Studies is a multi-disciplinary department covering literature, archaeology, history, philosophy, art history, and ancient languages. Latin and Greek are not required for the major or minor, but all language courses at the 102 level and above count toward the Ancient Greek and Roman Studies major; both 101 and 102 count toward the minor. 

Before you register 

• Students wishing to begin studying Latin should register for LAT 101 in the spring semester; students wishing to begin ancient Greek should register for GRK 101 in the fall semester.
• Students wishing to continue Latin should take the Latin Placement test on Moodle; students wishing to continue ancient Greek should contact the department chair for placement.
• Students can also pursue a standalone minor in ancient Greek or Latin. 

Common first-year courses 

• One or two 100- or 200-level CLA, LAT, or GRK courses 
• ANTH 106 Introduction to Archaeology (also counts for AGRS major and minor) 

200-level CLA courses have no prerequisites and are open to all students. Some are cross-listed with Anthropology, History, or Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Classical Studies courses meet the Humanities Requirement; some also meet Identities and Cultures or Race, Power, and Equity requirements. 

Before you register 

• Either ANTH 103 or ANTH 106 is a prerequisite for most 200-level courses, so completing one in your first year opens up a wide range of options for subsequent semesters. 
• Some 200-level courses are cross-listed with Asian Studies, Classics, French, Latin American Studies, and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. 

Common first-year courses 

• ANTH 103 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology 
• ANTH 106 Introductory Archaeology 

Both courses satisfy the Social Sciences requirement of the Multiple Inquiries goal. Take at least one during your first year. 

Art History offers two tracks: a standard track and an Art History and Museum Studies track. Consider which path fits your interests before registering. 

Common first-year courses 

Required: all Art History tracks (spaces reserved for first-year students) 

• ARTH 125 Survey of Western Art 
• ARTH 131 Introduction to Asian Art 
• ARTH 126 Introduction to Modern and Contemporary Art 

Recommended: Art History and Museum Studies track 

• ARTH 215 Introduction to Museum Studies 

Before you register 

• A chemistry placement exam (part of the First-Year Dashboard) is required to enroll in CHEM 107. If the Dashboard has closed, contact Prof. Greg Hershey Suryn for access. 
• It is possible to begin biology, chemistry, or math in your sophomore year, but this requires more careful planning and may limit study abroad options. 

Recommended first-year courses 

Fall 

• BIO 111 Introductory Biology for Life Sciences 
• CHEM 107 (or 107-I) Chemical Structure and Bonding
• MATH 111 Calculus I 

Spring 

• BIO 112 Form and Function in Living Organisms 
• CHEM 108 (or 108-I) Chemical Reactivity 
• MATH 112 Calculus II 

CHEM 108 does not need to be the same theme as your CHEM 107 section. Math through MATH 112 is required for the BMB major — completing it by the end of first year is strongly encouraged. 

Before you register 

• BIO 111 is strongly recommended for students interested in the Neuroscience minor or planning to apply to medical or veterinary school. Taking CHEM 107 alongside BIO 111 in the fall is common and encouraged, though not required. Delaying Chemistry to sophomore year is possible, though it may affect scheduling flexibility in junior and senior years and could limit options like study abroad. 
• Prospective Environmental Studies and Psychology majors may also consider BIO 111, though it is not required for either major — see those department guides for details. 
• Discuss the Chemistry timing decision with your FY advisor or someone in the Biology Department. 

Common first-year courses 

Required — Biology, BMB, and Health Sciences majors 

• BIO 111 Introductory Biology for Life Sciences (fall) 
• BIO 112 Form and Function in Living Organisms (spring; includes weekly lab) 
   
  BIO 111 is offered in three theme-based sections: Cancer Biology, Predator Biology, and Molecules to Ecosystems. All sections fulfill the First-Year Data & Society requirement. 

Also recommended — Biology majors 

• CHEM 107 General Chemistry I (fall; requires placement exam; required for the Biology major; may be delayed to sophomore year if needed) 
• CHEM 108 General Chemistry II (spring) 
    

For students NOT majoring or minoring in Biology (choose one; both fulfill the Natural Science requirement) 

• BIO 101 Basic Biology (fall; for non-science majors; stand-alone course with no prerequisites; every-other-week lab; does not lead to BIO 112) 
• BIO 102 Biological Basis of Disease: (spring; for non-science majors; no prerequisites; every-other-week lab) 

Before you register 

• The Chemistry Placement Exam is required to enroll in CHEM 107. Access it through the First-Year Dashboard. If the Dashboard has closed, contact Prof. Greg Hershey Suryn for access. 
• 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. All Chemistry 107 sections prepare students to be successful in STEM majors.
• Placement results will be sent to your Gettysburg College email a few days before registration, indicating whether to enroll in CHEM 107-I or a standard section. 
• CHEM 107/107-I is strongly recommended for prospective Biology, BMB, Chemistry, Environmental Studies (BS), and Health Sciences (BS) majors, as well as students interested in molecular biology or research. 
• Please note that most health professional programs (medical, dental, optometry, veterinary, nursing, physician assistant, physical therapy, pharmacy, etc.) require at least one full year of chemistry. 
• Students planning to attend medical, dental, or veterinary school directly after college (no gap year) ought to take CHEM 107 in their first semester. 

Recommended first-year courses 

Fall 

• CHEM 107 (or 107-I) Chemical Structure and Bonding 
• MATH 111 Calculus I (or higher) 

Spring 

• CHEM 108 (or 108-I) Chemical Reactivity 
• MATH 112 Calculus II (or higher) 

CHEM 107-I is an intensive section with an extra discussion period, designed for students with limited chemistry or quantitative problem-solving experience in high school. All sections prepare students equally well for STEM majors. 

The Cinema and Media Studies program offers both a major and a minor, examining film, television, and other media as cultural, economic, and socio-political forms — not just artistic ones. 

Common first-year courses 

• CIMS 101 Introduction to Cinema and Media Studies (fall and spring); take as early as possible 

• CIMS 220 Video Production (fall and spring) 

Common first-year courses 

Required for prospective minors 

• CWES 205 Intro to the American Civil War Era; also counts toward the History major. Take as soon as your schedule allows 

Optional: counts as a minor elective 

• FYS 121-W Soldiers' Tales (First-Year Seminar; fulfills First-Year Writing requirement) 

Communication Studies explores the power of storytelling and the ways messages influence individuals, institutions, and society. Both the major and minor develop skills in media analysis, digital content creation, public speaking, and more – engaging theory and practice in equal measure. 

Common first-year courses 

Core: start here 

• COMM 141 Introduction to Communication Studies 

Most program courses have no prerequisites. Majors take three core courses, three analysis courses, and three praxis courses. 

Cross-listed courses from other departments also count toward the major 

Africana Studies · Cinema and Media Studies · English · Environmental Science · German Studies · History · Music · Philosophy · Sociology · Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies 

Before you register 

• It is possible to begin the CS major in any of the first three semesters, though a later start will limit course choices and increase scheduling constraints. 
• Students without AP CS credit may still place out of CS 111 by demonstrating proficiency in Java on a placement test and/or obtaining permission from a CS faculty member. 

Common first-year courses 

Required for prospective majors 

• CS 111 Computer Science I (assumes no prior programming experience) 
• CS 112 Computer Science II 
• MATH 111 Calculus I 

Students with AP Computer Science A scores of 4 or 5 receive credit for CS 111 and place directly into CS 112. 

Recommended — prospective math or natural science majors 

• CS 107 Introduction to Scientific Computation: Does not count toward CS major/minor requirements 

Before you register 

• Students with prior Japanese or Chinese study must take the online placement exam before registering for a language course. Access it through the First-Year Dashboard. If the Dashboard has closed, contact Prof. Jing Li (Chinese) or Prof. Eleanor Hogan (Japanese) for access. 
• Borderline scores will receive a follow-up email; an interview may be held during Orientation Week to finalize placement. 
• All East Asian Studies majors are expected to study abroad in Japan or China at some point during their college career. 

Common first-year courses 

Culture and society (recommended FOr all students) 

• AS 111 Chinese Culture and Society 
• FY-W 113 Warriors, Enchantresses, and Beasts (also fulfills First-Year Writing requirement) 
• FY-W 149 Japanese Pop Culture Goes Global (also fulfills First-Year Writing requirement) 

Majors and minors specialize in either Japan or China and should take the relevant course in their first or second year. 

Language (no prior experience required) 

• JPN 101 Elementary Japanese (meets 3 days/week) 
• CHN 101 Beginning Chinese (meets 3 days/week) 

The Economics department offers a BA in Economics and a BS in Mathematical Economics. Students planning graduate study in Economics are strongly encouraged to pursue the BS degree. 

Before you register 

• AP/transfer credit in Microeconomics counts as ECON 103: start with ECON 104 
• AP/transfer credit in Macroeconomics counts as ECON 104: start with ECON 103. 
  (AP Macroeconomics does not satisfy the First-Year Data and Society requirement.) 
• Students receive credit for ECON 103 cannot also receive credit for ECON 105 

Common first-year courses 

Required: prospective majors (take both, in any order) 

• ECON 103 Principles of Microeconomics 
• ECON 104 Principles of Macroeconomics 

Both courses meet the Social Sciences Multiple Inquiries requirement and are prerequisites for 200-level regional economics courses. 

Also recommended — take as early as possible 

• ECON 241 Introductory Economics and Business Statistics 
• MATH 111 Calculus I (required for the major; prerequisite for some sophomore courses) 

The Office of Teacher Education and Certification (OTEC) offers an Educational Studies minor and PA Department of Education-approved Teacher Certification programs in Biology, English, Mathematics, Music, and Social Studies (all grades 7-12, except Music which is PreK-12). The minor complements any major and provides foundational knowledge for careers in education, policy, and nonprofit work. 

Common first-year courses 

• EDUC 115 Intro to Educational Studies required for teacher certification; recommended for Educational Studies minor 

The English department offers BA degrees in English and English with a Writing Concentration — strong preparation for careers in publishing, editing, digital media, consulting, and education. All 100- and 200-level English courses fulfill the College's Humanities or Arts requirements. 

Before you register

• Prospective majors should take a 100- or 200-level literature course or a 200-level writing course in the fall semester (spring at the latest), regardless of AP credit. 
• Literature-based First-Year Writing classes (select FYS-W courses, ENG 111 and 113) count toward English majors and minors. 
• Students interested in creative writing should enroll in ENG 205. 

Common first-year courses

Literature 

• ENG 121 Intro to Shakespeare on Screen
• ENG 131 On The Case: Intro Mystery & Detective Literature 
• ENG 215 Literature, War, and Politics in Early Modern England 
• ENG 216 The Thief with a Heart of Gold: The Fact & Fiction of Robin Hood and the Myth of the Outlaw Hero 
• ENG 242 Curiouser and Curiouser: Children’s Literature and the Invention of the Modern Child 
• ENG 245 Arcs of Injustice: Race and Power in American Literature 
• ENG 255 Coming of Age: The Global Bildungsroman 

Writing 

• ENG 200 Writing across Media 
• ENG 205 Introduction to Creative Writing 

The Environmental Studies department offers a BA degree in Environmental Studies and a BS degree in Environmental Science.

Common first-year courses 

Required: majors (ba AND bs) and minors 

• ES 196 Environmental Science and Society: take as early as possible, preferably in the first year 
• Note: ES 121 is designed for non-majors and does not count toward the ES majors. 

Recommended FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE BS DEGREE STUDENTS (TWO SEMESTERS OF SCIENCE IN FIRST YEAR) 

• BIO 111 Intro Biology for Life Sciences/BIO 112 Form and Function in Living Organisms 
  OR
• CHEM 107 Chemical Structure and Bonding/CHEM 108 Chemical Reactivity 
  OR
• DS 256 Data Science Programming/DS 325 Applied Data Science 
  OR
• Physics: 
  PHY 111/112 is recommended only for students planning to double-major in Physics.
  PHY 109/110 (Calculus-based physics; open to SO, JR, and SR students only)
  PHY 103/104 (Elementary Physics; open to SO, JR, and SR students only) 

The Finance major is available as a BA or a BS degree. Students planning graduate study in Economics are strongly encouraged to pursue the BS. 

Common first-year courses 

Required: both degree tracks (take in first year, any order) 

• ECON 103 Principles of Microeconomics 
• ECON 104 Principles of Macroeconomics 
• MATH 111 Calculus I 

Complete by end of sophomore year 

• MGT 155 Accounting for Management Decisions
• MGT 235 Statistical Methods OR ECON 241 Introductory Economics and Business Statistics 
• ECON 267 Principles of Corporate Finance/MGT 267 Finance 

Before you register 

• Students with prior French study must take the online placement test located on the First-Year Dashboard before registering and should enroll in the level indicated by their results. 
• Students with no prior French experience should enroll in FREN 101. 
• Placement into a 300-level course indicates strong proficiency; it is not uncommon for first-year students to begin at this level and succeed. 

Common first-year courses 

Fall semester offerings 

• FREN 101 French for Beginners I 
• FREN 201 Intermediate French I 
• 300-level courses (for students with strong prior background) 

Spring semester offerings 

• FREN 102 French for Beginners II 
• FREN 202 Intermediate French II 

Students who place into FREN 102 or FREN 202 will begin their language study in the spring semester. 

The German Studies major consists of ten courses; the minor consists of six. Majors are strongly encouraged to spend a semester in Germany or Austria. Students of all language levels are welcome, including those who have never studied German. 

Before you register 

• Students with prior German study must complete a language placement test located on the First-Year Dashboard before registering. Please contact Prof. Kerry Wallach if you have difficulty accessing the placement test. 

Common first-year courses 

Language — based on placement 

• GER 101 Elementary German (meets 4 days/week — ideal for beginners) 
• GER 201 Intermediate German 
• Advanced 300-level German courses (for students with strong prior background) 

Also available — taught in English (Fall 2026) 

• GER/CIMS 260 Media Violence 
• GER 265 Antisemitism and Jewish Responses in Literature and Film 

Before you register 

• There is no online placement test for Greek. Students with prior ancient Greek study should contact the department to discuss appropriate placement. 

Common first-year courses 

• GRK 101 Ancient and New Testament Greek I 
• GRK 102 Ancient & New Testament Greek II 

These courses meet the second language requirement and prepare students to read ancient Greek literature. GRK 102 counts toward the Ancient Greek and Roman Studies major; GRK 101-102 count toward the AGRS minor or the Greek minor. 

The Health Sciences Department offers a BS degree (most popular and best for most clinical health professions careers) and a BA degree (great option for many non-clinical health professions careers). Students interested in public health careers should also explore our new major in Public Health Policy. 

Before you register 

• BIO 111 and BIO 112 should be taken in your first year. They are prerequisites for sophomore-level HS core courses in anatomy and physiology. 
• If you are considering medical school or physician assistant programs, consider taking CHEM 107 in the fall (placement exam required) and CHEM 108 in the spring. 
• For other health professions, discuss whether to take chemistry with your FY advisor or a Health Sciences professor before registering. 

Common first-year courses 

Required: BA and BS students 

• BIO 111 Introductory Biology for Life Sciences (fall) 
• BIO 112 Form and Function in Living Organisms (spring) 

Recommended — BS students 

• CHEM 107 Chemical Structure and Bonding (fall) 
• CHEM 108 Chemical Reactivity (spring) 

Recommended — BA students 

• HS 120 Public Health 

Before you register 

• One AP History credit may count toward the History major or minor as a 100-level elective. 
• Regardless of AP credits, all majors must take at least one of the department's 100-level courses. 
• Students with AP credit in US History should not enroll in HIST 231 or HIST 232. 
• First-year students may take 300-level courses only after completing two History courses and with instructor permission. 

Common first-year courses 

Recommended 

• Any 100-level or 200-level History course 

These courses fulfill the Modes of Inquiry-Humanities goal in the core curriculum. Many also fulfill Perspective and Social Change components. 

Suggested first-year path for prospective majors 

• One 100-level History course + one 200-level History course 

Interdisciplinary Studies courses explore content and methods at the intersections of multiple disciplines. Students can also design their own major through the Individualized Major program, culminating in a specialized senior capstone project. 

Common first-year courses 

• Any 200-level IDS course without prerequisites 

Students interested in an Individualized Major should plan to consult an IDS committee member in their first or second year. 

A multi-disciplinary, partially self-designed major for students interested in international affairs and global issues. Students must complete an application for the major in consultation with a faculty member appointed by the Chair. 

Common first-year courses 

Four foundation courses (complete by end of second year, any order) 

• ANTH 103 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology 
• ECON 104 Principles of Macroeconomics 
• HIST 103 Europe, Africa and Asia 1750-1900 OR HIST 110 The Twentieth Century World 
• POL 103 Introduction to International Relations OR POL 104 Introduction to Comparative Politics  

Before you register 

• Take the online placement test on the First-Year Dashboard if you have prior Italian study. 
• If unable to register for a section matching your placement, contact Prof. Alan Perry. 
• Priority for beginning Italian language courses is given to first-year students. Your chances to start at the introductory level decrease significantly after year one. 

Common first-year courses 

• Italian language course appropriate to your placement level 

Enrolling in Italian your first semester is strongly recommended to keep major and minor options open in later years. 

Before you register 

• No placement test is required for students who have not studied Latin in high school — begin with LAT 101 in the spring. 
• Students with high school Latin experience must take the online placement exam, which can be accessed on Moodle. Results will be sent to students via their Gettysburg email. 

Common first-year courses 

Fall semester 

• LAT 102 Beginning Latin II 

Spring semester 

• LAT 101 Beginning Latin I 
• LAT 203/204 Latin Prose Topics 

Latin courses meet the second language requirement. LAT 102 and higher count toward the AGRS major; LAT 101-102 and higher count toward the Ancient Greek & Roman Studies minor or Latin minor. 

LACLS offers a major (12 courses: 4 Latin American courses, 4 Spanish courses, and 4 LAS/Spanish electives) and a minor (6 courses with a Latin American focus). Study abroad in Latin America is required for majors. 

Before you register 

• Students pursuing the combined LACLS/Spanish major must take the Spanish placement test (located on the First-Year Dashboard) and register for the appropriate level course in their first semester. 

• Plan to study abroad in Latin America in the second semester of sophomore year or during junior year. 

Common first-year courses 

Spanish language — based on placement 

• SPAN 202 Intermediate Spanish OR SPAN 301 Spanish Composition, Conversation, and Culture (offered fall and spring) 

• SPAN 302 Composition, Conversation and Culture for Heritage Learners of Spanish (fall only) 

Required introduction to LACLS (choose one; also strongly recommended for minors) 

• For the major or the minor, students must take any introductory course from LAS 140, 145, or 147, depending on course offerings per academic year. 

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

Common first-year courses 

Business, Organizations, and Management majors 

• ECON 103 Principles of Microeconomics: take in fall of first year if possible 
• MGT 155 Accounting for Management Decisions: Requires ECON 103; take in spring of first year if possible 

Plan to complete ECON 103, MGT 155, MGT 235, and MGT 270 by the end of your sophomore year. Note: MGT 235 is restricted to second- and third-year students. 

Business minors 

• ECON 103 Principles of Microeconomics: Take in the first year 

A few things to keep in mind: your drive and determination matter more than your starting level. It is easier to move down to a lower course (through week 6) than to move up (only possible through week 2). When in doubt, choose the higher-level course. 

Before you register 

• If your last math course in HS was Algebra II: consider taking MATH 110 and MATH 111 together. 
• If you completed Precalculus with strong results: Start in MATH 111. 
• Between two calculus options: take the higher one; you can move down through week 6, but moving up is only possible through week 2. 

Common first-year courses 

• MATH 103 Mathematical Ideas: great for students in music, humanities, and social sciences; satisfies the Formal Science requirement 
• MATH 111 Calculus I: right starting point for most prospective math majors/minors (may take alongside MATH 110 if needed) 
• MATH 112 Calculus II 
• MATH 207 Applied Statistics: Suitable for students interested in data science 
• MATH 211 Multivariable Calculus 

The Middle East and Islamic Studies (MEIS) program at Gettysburg College offers students a wide range of opportunities to pursue their interests in one of the most critical parts of the world: home to our oldest civilizations, the cradle of three great monotheistic religions, and a vital and dynamic focus of current events. 

Common first-year courses

• ARB 101 Elementary Arabic 
• ARB 102 Elementary Arabic 
• IDS 278 Introduction to Arab Culture 
• CIMS 284 Arab Film 

The Sunderman Conservatory welcomes students from all majors. If you are not planning to major or minor in music, see the "All Students" section below for ensemble and lesson opportunities. 

Audition required: An audition is required for admission as a music major or minor. If you have not yet auditioned, contact Dr. Amanda Heim, Coordinator for Recruitment and Outreach, for information on auditioning in August. 

For music majors and minors: before you register 

• The Conservatory offers three degree programs: Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Music Education, plus a music minor. Registration is highly individualized, so please review the following information carefully. 
• First-year advising information is found entirely on the New Student Orientation section of the Conservatory website. All incoming music majors and minors must consult this section of our website before registering. 
• Do not pre-register for applied (private) lessons. Lesson registration takes place at your first meeting with your studio teacher in the fall. Applied Lessons are available in the following areas: Voice, Piano, Organ, Guitar, Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, and Strings. 
• Do not pre-register for ensembles. Ensemble auditions are held at the start of fall semester; the Conservatory Office will submit your registration after ensemble auditions are complete and rosters are finalized. 
• Applied lessons and ensembles are each 0.25 credits and do not count toward or against your full-time course load, with one exception: Bachelor of Music students should pre-register for only three courses, as applied lessons count as their fourth course. 
• Music majors and minors have specific ensemble requirements. Review them on the Conservatory website under Current Students > Music Performance > Ensemble Participation Requirements. 

For all students: ensembles and lessons 

• All Conservatory ensembles (choirs, orchestra, wind bands, marching band, jazz ensemble, and more) are open to students of any major. Auditions are held at the start of the fall semester. 
• Applied (private) lessons are also available to non-music majors on a space-available basis. There is a fee of $275 per semester. Contact the Conservatory Office for details. 
• Participating in the same ensemble or private lessons for four semesters fulfills the Multiple Inquiries-Arts curriculum requirement. 

Peace and Justice Studies (PJS) is one of the largest minor programs at the college. Students explore the causes of violence and conflict, and models of peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and transformation. The minor uniquely requires students to create, implement, and assess a real-world project before graduating. 

Common first-year courses 

• Any of the approximately 9 PJS core courses, including Introduction to Peace and Justice, Philosophical Perspectives on Justice, Education for Social Change, and Philosophy of Peace and Nonviolence 

The remaining 5 courses for the minor can be chosen from a list of over 100 approved courses, including courses taken abroad. 

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 their intellectual perspective. 

Common first-year courses (no required courses) 

• Any 100-level PHIL course 

Completing a 100-level course or a First-Year Seminar taught by a philosopher opens enrollment to any Philosophy course at any level. 

The Physics Department offers majors toward the BA and BS degrees. Many students are interested in engineering disciplines at affiliate schools through our Dual-Degree Engineering program. 

Before you register: Dual-degree seeking students 

• Attend the dual-degree advising session and make an appointment with Dr. Yoshihiro Sato, the dual-degree advisor, to confirm you are on the correct course sequence for your intended engineering field. Check the Dual-Degree Engineering for reference. 
• Fifteen engineering majors are available across four affiliate programs — early advising is essential. 

Which intro Physics course is right for you? 

PHY 111/112/211: three-semester calculus-based sequence 

• For Physics majors/minors and most dual-degree Engineering students. This is a three-semester calculus-based sequence starting in the first year. 

PHY 109/110: two-semester calculus-based sequence 

• For Chemistry and BMB majors. SO/JR/SR status required. Counts toward the Physics major/minor depending on path. 

PHY 103/104: two-semester algebra-based sequence 

• For Biology, Environmental Studies, and Health Sciences majors. SO/JR/SR status required. Does not count toward the Physics major/minor. 

Recommended first-year sequences 

Physics majors 

Fall 

• PHY 111 Physics for Physics Majors I 
• MATH 111 Calculus I (or higher)

Spring 

• PHY 112 Physics for Physics Majors II 
• MATH 112 Calculus II (or higher) 

Dual-degree Engineering students 

• PHY 111 Physics for Physics Majors I, 112 Physics for Physics Majors II, 211 Physics for Physics Majors III or PHY 109 Introductory Physics I, 110 Introductory Physics II (depending on engineering field) 
• MATH 111 Calculus I, 112 Calculus II, 211 Multivariable Calculus (plus MATH 212 Linear Algebra and 225 Differential Equations for many engineering fields) 
• CHEM 107 Chemical Structure & Bonding
• CS 107 Introduction to Scientific Com or CS 111 Computer Science I (depending on engineering field) 

Dual-degree students must also enroll in a First-Year Seminar, complete first-year writing and data requirements, pursue a Gettysburg major, and fulfill the second language and other general curriculum requirements. 

Common first-year courses 

Any student may enroll in 

• POL 101 Introduction to American Government 
• POL 102 Introduction to Political Thought
• POL 103 Introduction to International Relations 
• POL 104 Introduction to Comparative Politics: Also satisfies the First-Year Data & Society requirement 

Prospective majors must take three of these four courses (in any order) by the end of sophomore year. POL 215 (Statistical Methods) should also be completed by the end of sophomore year. 

The Pre-Law Advising team helps students navigate course selection, identify experiential and networking opportunities, discuss career paths, decide how to study for the LSAT, and apply to law school. The College offers many law-related courses in several different departments, and Pre-Law Advising can help you decide what to take throughout your college career. To get started, we recommend POL 101 (American History and PP 221 *Introduction to Public Policy). Pre-Law Advising also encourages students to consider becoming involved in student organizations like Pre-Law Club, the Criminal Justice Collective, and Mock Trial., through which students can take advanatge of opportunities outside the classroom, such as job shadowing, internships, externships, and alumni panels. Students might also consider registering in Engage for Pre-Law Advising so that they will receive the monthly newsletter and notification of events. Finally, students might consider co-curricular experiences through the Center for Public Service and the EI related to law and advocacy.

Common first-year courses 

• POL 101 American Government 
• PP 221 Introduction to Public Policy 

Required courses  

• None – The Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) recommends that students pursue majors consistent with their interests rather than try to pursue a specific pre-law curriculum. Any major can support a pre-law path.

Other notes?. 

Other recommended first and second 

Other recommended courses for first year or two:
HIST 232, U.S. Since 1865
PHIL 211, Logic 

Contact Pre-Law AdvisorS Anne S. Douds, Tiffany Kurzawa, or Kim Landauer for more information. See the Guide to Pre-Law Studies for more details. 

Medical schools do not require a specific major, but they do require completion of certain courses. Planning early is essential — when you complete these courses determines when you can take the MCAT and apply. 

First-year recommended start 

• Take BIO 111 in your first semester. Students with strong science backgrounds should also consider CHEM 107 in the fall. 
• Completing all required courses by the end of junior year allows you to take the MCAT in spring of junior year and apply the following summer (no gap year). Completing them by senior year means applying after graduation (one-year gap year). 

Required courses (complete by end of JUNIOR OR SENIOR year) 

• BIO 111 Introductory Biology for Life Sciences, 112 Form & Function in Living Organisms 
• CHEM 107 Chemical Structure and Bonding (placement exam required), 108 Chemical Reactivity
• CHEM 203 Organic Chemistry I, 204 Organic Chemistry II
   
• PHYS 103 Elementary Physics I, 104 Elementary Physics II (starting SO year) 
  OR 
• PHY 109 Introductory Physics I/110 Introductory Physics II (Chemistry/BMB majors) or PHY 111 Physics for Physics Majors I/112 Physics for Physics Majors II (Physics majors) 
   
• BIO 211 Genetics, 212 Cell Biology (CHEM 333 Biochemistry I and/or 334 Biochemistry II may substitute for BIO 212) 
• PSYCH 101 Introduction to Psychology 
• SOC 103 Introduction to Sociology 

Some medical schools also require Biochemistry or other courses (Math, English). Review requirements for specific schools well before applying with the Health Professions advising team. 

The Psychology department offers a BA and a BS degree, plus a minor in Neuroscience. 

Before you register 

• Students with AP Psychology scores of 4 or 5 may enroll in 200-level electives in the fall. If your score hasn't arrived yet, contact Ms. Emily Benson for temporary permission. 
• First-year students with AP/IB/transfer credit for PSYCH 101 may not take PSYC 205 until they have declared the major. Wait until sophomore year to take PSYC 205. 
• AP Statistics credit does not replace the PSYC 205 requirement. Psychology majors must still take it as an additional course. 

Common first-year courses 

All prospective majors 

• PSYCH 101 Introduction to Psychology — take in fall or spring 

BS degree — natural science courses (first year recommended) 

• BIO 111 Intro Biology for Life Sciences (fall), BIO 112 Form and Function in Living Organisms — (spring) 
• CHEM 107 Chemical Structure & Bonding, or ASTR 101 Solar System Astronomy also appropriate in the fall 

Taking science courses in the first year is recommended but not Required: BS students may delay until sophomore year. 

Public Policy students study how communities and societies define and respond to complex social problems. You can begin taking Public Policy courses right away, before declaring any major. 

Common first-year courses 

Take as soon as possible 

• PP 221 Introduction to Public Policy (If PP 221 is full, join the waitlist. Spaces frequently open up.) 
• ECON 103 Principles of Microeconomics 
• One of: POL 101 Intro to American Government, POL 103 Intro to International Relations, or POL 104 Intro to Comparative Politics

Recommended if interested in economic policy 

• ECON 104 Principles of Macroeconomics — complete in first or second year 

The Public Health Policy program offers a BA degree for students interested in the intersection of health and policy. 

Common first-year courses 

Required: major 

• PHP 120 Public Health (spring); also satisfies First-Year Data & Society requirement 
• PHP 221 Introduction to Public Policy — fall and spring 

Required: introductory biology (choose one) 

• BIO 111 Introductory Biology for Life Sciences (fall); recommended if also considering Health Sciences or another STEM field 
• BIO 102 Biological Basis of Disease (spring) 

Religious Studies explores religious and spiritual traditions around the world through historical, analytical, and cross-cultural perspectives. All courses fulfill the Humanities requirement; many also fulfill Global Understanding or Conceptualizing Diversity requirements. 

Common first-year courses 

• REL 101 Introduction to Religion: Comparative global survey; not a prerequisite for 200-level courses 
• Most 200-level REL courses are open to first-year students 

Before you register 

• Complete the Central PA Consortium Exchange Form and return it to the Office of the Registrar at registrar@gettysburg.edu (or fax to 717-337-6245, or mail to: Gettysburg College, Office of the Registrar, Box 419, 300 N. Washington St., Gettysburg, PA 17325). 
• Also email ROTC program coordinator Erik Rodney at Dickinson College to notify him you are enrolling. Once the form is processed, Dickinson will begin enrollment in Military Science (MISC) courses. 
• ROTC students may earn up to 4.00 units of credit via the program (MISC 102, 202, 302, and 401). 
• You must be enrolled as a full-time student at Gettysburg (3.00 courses) to earn MISC credit — a MISC course at Dickinson cannot count as one of your three Gettysburg courses. 
• Course meeting times and locations are determined closer to the start of the fall semester in coordination with Dickinson College. 

Sociology offers rigorous methodological and theoretical training for understanding social change, social inequalities, and the social foundations of human behavior. In addition to a general sociology major track, the department offers four specialized tracks: Communities & Social Work; Economic & Consumer Behavior; Global & Transnational Sociology; and Sociology of Education. 

Before you register 

• AP scores of 4 or 5 in Sociology may earn credit for SOC 101, 102, or 103. This credit is lost if you then take an introductory sociology course at Gettysburg. 
• Students with dual enrollment or transfer credit for an intro sociology course should forward official transcripts to the Registrar in order to enroll in a 200-level elective.
• Some 200-level electives have no 100-level prerequisite. Students may enroll in these courses, but must still complete a 100-level course before taking additional courses toward the major or minor. Instructors may also grant special permission to waive prerequisites. 
• Sociology does not accept online courses for credit. 

Common first-year courses 

Prospective majors and minors: take in first year 

• SOC 103 Introduction to Sociology: Meets the MI-Social Sciences curricular requirement 

Also available: These courses meet both the First-Year Seminar and First-Year Data & Society requirements (But do not count toward the Sociology major or minor) 

• FYS-DS 140 Is that True? What People Know-How They Know
• FYS-DS 141 Numbers 
• FYS-DS 142 Data & Learning: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly 
   

300-level methods or theory courses have prerequisites and should be delayed until sophomore year 

Before you register 

• A placement test located on the First-Year Dashboard is required for all students with prior Spanish experience. Students with no prior experience should contact either Prof. Oechler or Prof. Pérez to get permission to enroll in SPAN 101. 
• Students with AP Spanish scores of 4 or 5 should request official scores be sent to the College. 
• Students with college-level Spanish credit completed as dual enrollment from high school or direct enrollment during high school should still take the placement test and request college transcripts be sent to Gettysburg. Contact Prof. Calvillo for more information on transferring dual-enrollment or direct-enrollment college-level credits. 

Common first-year courses 

Prospective majors — take in fall (or as soon as possible) 

• SPAN 301 Span Composition, Conversation, and Culture 
• SPAN 302 Composition, Conversation and Culture for Heritage Learners of Spanish who place at 301/302 level (fall only) 

Students who begin at SPAN 201-202 can still complete the major or minor without difficulty but should consult the department for advising. 

The major in Studio Art is designed to be flexible for students with interests in more than one field of study and makes for a particularly rich aspect of a double major. The program allows students to develop practical skills but also express their individual creativity in various mediums, including drawing, ceramics, photography, sculpture, painting, printmaking and digital art.

Common first-year courses 

Required for prospective majors/minors 

• ARTS 141 Introduction to Drawing: Prerequisite course for all upper-level studio art courses; also open to students with a general interest in studio art. 

Also available to first-year students 

• ARTS 160 Introduction to Digital Media (fall and spring) 

Common first-year courses 

• THA 105 Introduction to Theatre Arts 
• THA 120 Fundamentals of Acting 
• THA 163 Introduction to the Dance 
• THA 212 Fundamentals of Directing 
• THA 215 Fundamentals of Stage Design 

First-year students are encouraged to audition for the fall production — auditions take place in the first week of classes. First-years are often cast. Look for audition details via email and posted at Kline Theatre (Brua Hall). There are also opportunities in the scene shop, costume shop, lighting, and administrative office. 

WGS is an interdisciplinary program exploring the experiences of historically marginalized groups through critical gender studies, focusing on women and LGBTQIA+ communities and the intersections of gender, sexuality, race, class, ethnicity, and more. WGS pairs well with many other majors and is a popular choice for double-majors. 

Before you register 

• Students considering a WGS major or minor are encouraged to meet with a WGS advisor to plan their coursework. 

Common first-year courses 

• WGS 120 Introduction to Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies: recommended in first or second year 
• Select First-Year Seminars also count as WGS electives 
• 200-level WGS courses have no prerequisites and fulfill several Gettysburg curriculum requirements 

A suggested sequence: WGS 120 in year one or two → SYS 208 or an elective in year two → WGS 300 (or approved alternative) in year three → WGS 400 Senior Seminar in year four.