General Education at GustavusThe Junior Option

This summer 2024, all first year and sophomore students will be moved to the new curriculum and new major requirements. Juniors (defined as students who started attending college in Fall 2021, not counting PSEO, CIS, and AP/IB courses) will also be moved to the new general education curriculum and the new version of your major unless you choose to stay on the old curriculum using the Junior Option. If you want to move to the new general education curriculum and the new major requirements, you do not have to do anything.

  • Sticking with the familiar: For some juniors, staying on the current curriculum might be the best fit. We get it – you've planned your academic journey, and we don't want to disrupt your graduation plans.
  • Exploring the new: Most juniors might find the new curriculum more appealing, offering exciting opportunities. The choice is yours!
  • How to decide: Check out our detailed guide to the Junior Option or this at-a-glance Junior option handout.

The Junior Option FAQs

Q: How do I stay on the current curriculum and/or current major requirements?
A: Use the Junior Option Form. We encourage you to indicate that you want to stay on the current general education and/or major requirements by May 15, 2024 so that when we convert degree audits this summer to the new system, your audit is converted correctly. You can, however, change your mind about your Junior Option decision.

Q: What if I am a junior but did not start college in Fall 2021?
A: If you did not begin college in Fall 2021, but consider yourself a junior and want to stay on the current curriculum, please fill-out the Junior Option Form, including the questions about why you want to take the Junior Option.

Q: What if I have a special circumstance and want to make an appeal related to the new curriculum?
A: If you have another appeal related to the new curriculum (e.g. you are a senior and want to transition to the new curriculum; you have a question about credits etc.) you may appeal to the Provost’s Office using the New Curriculum Appeals Form. We have two deadlines for appeals related to the new curriculum:
 1. May 1, 2024 (responses by June 1, 2024)
 2. August 1, 2024 (responses by September 1, 2024)

Q: What if I am taking the Junior Option but haven't finished my WELBG, THEOL, WRITL and/or J-term requirements?
A: Check out the Academic Changes FAQ for answers to these questions and more.

The Junior Option at a Glance