Q. How do I register for classes? 
A.  You must have a signed Class Request Card from an academic advisor before you can register for classes.  After you speak with an academic advisor to discuss your course selection, the advisor will sign a Class Request Card for you.  For more information about your first registration at Fuller, click here to read the document “What you absolutely, positively need to know about your first Registration at Fuller. . .”

Q. How can I arrange to speak with an advisor?  
A.   You may speak to an academic advisor by phone, email, or in person.  Call (626) 584-5425 or email sot-advising@dept.fuller.edu to schedule an appointment.  We recommend that you make an appointment to speak with an advisor several weeks before your first quarter at Fuller.  This will allow you plenty of time to discuss your degree program with an advisor one-on-one, make long-term plans for completing your degree, and ask any questions you may have as you begin your academic career at Fuller. 

Q. What if I don’t speak with an advisor before New Student Orientation?
A.   Although we recommend making an appointment earlier, you may wait until New Student Orientation to discuss your first quarter course selection with an advisor.  Advisors will be available during the “Academic Advising Session” portion of New Student Orientation.  At that time advisors will only be able to offer a brief overview of your degree and to approve your first quarter class selections.   Please prepare for your meeting with an advisor by listing courses that fit your degree program, interests, and time availability.  You will find the course offerings listed by quarter here.

Q. When are advisors available during New Student Orientation?
A.   The time and location for next quarter’s New Student Academic Advising Session should be listed on the New Student Orientation schedule on the New Student Orientation webpage.  Due to the varying number of new students accepted each quarter, the format for this Academic Advising Session varies from quarter to quarter.

Q. Will I have an assigned advisor when I arrive?
A.  No, you will meet with any one of our six professional advisors the first time.  You will be assigned an advisor for the following quarters.

Q. How many classes should I take my first quarter?
A.  Practically speaking, each unit of coursework represents one hour of class-time and two hours of homework/preparation per week.  A four-unit class will require approximately twelve hours of academic work per week (not including time for commuting or other additional time demands).  Taken conscientiously, twelve-units of coursework is the equivalent of a full-time job – that’s why twelve-units officially makes you a “full-time” student.  You may find that graduate-level work requires more time and attention than your previous academic experiences.  Adjusting to new circumstances takes some time and some trial-and-error; it is best to error on the side of caution when determining your course-load for your first quarter at Fuller.

Q. What classes should I take my first quarter?
A.  There is no one “right” schedule of classes for your first quarter here at Fuller.  Here are a few ideas to keep in mind as you consider the possibilities:

(1) Since returning students register earlier than new students, some of the classes you would like to take your first quarter may already be full.  These courses are called “closed” classes. 

(2) It is wise to choose a balanced schedule of classes.  A graduate-level degree in theological studies demands proficiency in a variety of subjects.  Different kinds of classes come with distinctly different demands upon your energy and intellect.  Try to avoid taking two classes that fall into the same category in the same quarter (for example, two biblical studies courses).  Incorporating variety into your schedule will help keep you engaged and energized during your first quarter.