In the first year, every student will take classes that will count toward their general education courses, as well as classes that will begin their major. Most students will take five full-credit courses (3 or 4 credits) in their first semester, including at least two general education or elective courses. 

In addition, all first-year students take a 1-credit First-Year Experience (FYE) course to ease the transition to college. This course meets once a week throughout the fall semester. Some students may also choose to add one or two 1-credit courses. Decisions on course load should be made in consultation with an academic advisor. 

Fall Course Selection Recommendations

The following fall semester course selections are recommendations. With approval of an advisor, you may choose to alter your course selections based on your high school background, personal skills, AP, IB, or other credits or specific recommendations from your academic advisor. In most cases, the Stonehill curriculum allows for variations in your first-year course choices.