Change of Major Process - The Path to NSM

This Pathway outlines the process to transfer to an NSM major and places you on the road to complete key course requirements and prerequisites.

1. Take the Math Placement Exam for Calculus I.

Why do we care about this?
Fewer than 2% of students who do not successfully complete Calculus I in their first 30 hours actually graduate with an NSM degree.

How do I register to take the online exam? Is there a way to prepare for it beforehand?
First, create an account for the Center for Academic Support and Assessment (CASA) at www.casa.uh.edu. Next, visit www.uh.edu/nsm/math-placement for FAQs including registration and preparation instructions.

I didn’t get the required score to take Calculus I. What now?
If you scored 65–79 on the online Calculus placement exam, you have placed into Pre-Calculus. Keep in mind that you’ll need to complete Pre-Calculus and Calculus I in your first year to remain on track to change your major. If you don’t place into Pre-Calculus, it’s time to reevaluate if a major in NSM is truly the right fit for you. If you still love the subject matter, explore related majors in Education, Technology, and Liberal Arts & Social Sciences.

2. Visit University Career Services to connect with a career counselor.

How can they help me?
Career counselors can help identify various paths to meet your career goals. Career assessment tools are used to match your interest areas with your skills and abilities. Their comprehensive services start with career counseling, conclude with job placement, and include everything in between! Visit www.uh.edu/ucs/students/meet-with-a-counselor to meet with a career counselor.

3. Attend a Change of Major Information Session hosted by NSM.

Who facilitates these sessions?
Change of major sessions are conducted by NSM academic advisors who advise for your selected major.

What information will I receive at a change of major session?
Academic advisors review the requirements for change of major in detail. This includes a personalized advising document outlining any missing requirements, target GPA, and a determination if a change of major is feasible in the immediate future.

When are the sessions, and how do I sign up?
Schedule a “Changing Major to [intended major]” appointment via Navigate to secure your spot for the next available session. Please call 713-743-2626 if you run into any issues or have questions.

4. Keep those grades up!

I’m nervous about making the grades I need to change my major. Where can I go for help?
UH has a variety of tutoring services on campus. These include SEP, CASA, and LAUNCH.

5. Requirements met? Change my major!

Hooray! I meet the requirements to change to NSM now! What’s next?
Email the NSM advisor of your selected major that you are ready to change your major! The advisor will verify that you attended a change of major information session, confirm your eligibility and initiate the process for you.

First Semester Key Courses for Your Future NSM Major

Visit the UH Academic Maps for sample outlines of degree requirements designed to be completed in four years. Completion timelines may vary.

I don’t meet change of major requirements. What other related majors are offered at UH?
We encourage you to explore options across campus, such as Health, Nutrition, Economics, Exercise Science, Psychology, Biotechnology, Engineering Technology, and Computer Information Systems. Contact an advisor for your major of interest directly to get more information.

Change of Major Requirements

Students currently enrolled at UH and seeking a change of major into or within the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics must have:

1. A minimum cumulative UH GPA of at least 2.50.
2. A mathematics and science GPA of at least 2.50 based on all math and science courses taken at UH that are applicable to NSM degrees (Excluded courses listed below).
3. Students seeking a major in the Departments of Biology & Biochemistry, Chemistry, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, or Physics or a Mathematical Biology major, you must have completed a minimum of 3 semester hours of mathematics at UH (Calculus I or equivalent or higher) and 3 semester hours of science at UH.
4. Students seeking majors in the Departments of Computer Science or Mathematics must have completed a minimum of 6 semester hours in mathematics at UH (Calculus I or equivalent or higher).

* Students seeking a first bachelor’s degree with more than 30 hours credit may not change to NSM unspecified.