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Advising and Career Development Center

A group of students standing at a graduation ceremony.

Looking for Major Advising Sheets?

Advising Sheets

 

Majors and Advising

Below you will find each Department within the College of Health and Human Services at Fresno State, as well as information about who provides major advising, change of major processes, permission codes, and more:

Quick Navigation:

Click below to be taken to your major of choice:

 

Types of Advisors

The Advising and Career Development Center provides comprehensive advising on major and general degree requirements for most students in the College of Health and Human Services. Every ACDC counselors is trained on each CHHS major meaning students can meet with a counselor of their choice, and ACDC counselors can also provide referrals to other appropriate offices when necessary. In addition to ACDC students may meet with other advisors, such as:

  • Faculty Advisors who supplement the major advising ACDC provides by answering questions related to career opportunities, internships (required or voluntary), research, or graduate programs. Faculty generally also retain the sole ability to give permission to add courses that are fully enrolled.
  • Special Program Advisors who assist students typically in a special program (e.g. EOP, CAMP, etc.) or other organization (e.g. Athletics, ROTC, SSD) and can assist students with academic related challenges or support. These advisors should not be providing guidance on major requirements and will refer you to our office when appropriate.



Communicative Sciences & Deaf Studies

Two students standing in front of the library wearing ASL club shirts and one is signing.

The Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Studies provides students with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in speech-language pathology, audiology, deaf education, and interpreting. The department offers both undergraduate and graduate programs focused on understanding communication disorders, language development, and working with individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

Students gain hands-on experience through clinical work, community engagement, and collaborations with Fresno State’s Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic.

For more information, students can visit the Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Studies in PHS 252 or explore the website: 

CSDS Department Website     Advising Sheets
Advising Information:

Major Advising:

The Advising and Career Development Center is the primary advisor for all CSDS options. Contact us for the following:

  • Major and Degree Requirements
  • General Education
  • Registration Holds (Freshmen, Transfer, Mandatory, etc.)
  • Registrar Forms (Third Attempts, Excess Unit, etc.)

Students may contact faculty within the department for information on the field, internships, or research opportunities.

Permission Codes:

Students should contact faculty directly or the Department of Communicative Sciences and Deaf Studies for course permission codes. ACDC does not provide permission codes.

All Options:

Students should contact the Advising and Career Development Center to begin the process of changing their major into all CSDS options.

Please note: Deaf Education and Sign Language Interpreting may require an evaluation of profiency in American Sign Language prior to approval for a change of major.

Minors: ACDC can assist with the adding of minors and certificates offered by the RA department.



Kinesiology 

A group of students sitting at a table with a kinesiology table cloth in front of a sports field

The Department of Kinesiology provides students with a deep understanding of human movement, physical activity, and sports science. Through its diverse programs, students can gain the knowledge and hands-on experience needed for careers in fitness, rehabilitation, sports management, physical education, and athletic training.

Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, research opportunities, and community-based internships to enhance their learning experience.

For more information, visit the Department of Kinesiology in South Gym 109 or explore the website:

KINES Department Website     Advising Sheets

Advising Information:

Degrees Offered:

The Department of Kinesiology offers three bachelors degrees:

Minor(s) Offered:

Major Advising:

Exercise Science & Physical Education: The Advising and Career Development Center is the primary advisor..Contact us for the following:

  • Major and Degree Requirements
  • General Education
  • Registration Holds (Freshmen, Transfer, Mandatory, etc.)
  • Registrar Forms (Third Attempts**, Excess Unit, etc.)

Sports Administration: Contact Dr. John McMillen for advising on degree requirements, holds, and forms.

Students may contact faculty within the department for information on the field, internships, or research opportunities.

**Please note: The Department of Kinesiology does not allow Third Attemps for major courses. Contact ACDC to review the process for alternative options.

Permission Codes:

Students should contact faculty directly or the Department of Kinesiology for course permission codes. ACDC does not provide permission codes.

All Options:

Students should contact the Advising and Career Development Center to begin the process of changing their major into all Kinesiology options.

Note: Change of majors into Exercise Science major requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA and the completion of the anatomy/physiology sequence for higher-unit students. First-time students will begin as Pre-Health majors for Exercise Science

Minors: ACDC can assist with the adding of minors and certificates offered by the RA department.

 

 

Nursing

A group of students sitting at a commencement ceremony. A "Nursing" stole is prominently displayed on the first student's gown.

The School of Nursing prepares students for careers in professional nursing, advanced practice, and healthcare leadership through high-quality education, hands-on clinical training, and community engagement. Students learn to provide compassionate, evidence-based care while addressing the healthcare needs of diverse populations.

The Fresno State School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and is known for its commitment to preparing highly skilled nurses who serve Central California and beyond.

For more information, students can visit the School of Nursing in McLane Hall, Room 189, or explore the website: 

SON Department Website     Advising Sheets

Advising Information:

Degrees Offered:

The School of Nursing offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree through mulitple programs:

Questions regarding post-baccalareuate nursing programs (MSN and DNP) should be addressed directly to the School of Nursing.

Major Advising:

The Advising and Career Development Center is the primary advisor for students accepted into the Pre-Health pathway for nursing (i.e. non-admitted, prospective BSN students). Contact us for the following:

  • Nursing Admissions
  • Major and Degree Requirements
  • General Education
  • Registration Holds (Freshmen, Transfer, Mandatory, etc.)
  • Registrar Forms (Third Attempts, Excess Unit, etc.)

For Admitted Students (those enrolled a nursing cohort) ACDC can verify completion of degree requirements for graduation. However, question regarding nursing coursework (e.g. materials, labs, clinicals, etc.) should be addressed to School of Nursing faculty. 

Permission Codes:

Students should contact the School of Nursing for course errors and permission codes. Permission codes for nursing pre-requisite courses (e.g. Chemistry, Microbiology) should be directed to instructors for those courses. ACDC does not provide permission codes.

PLEASE NOTE:

Newly admitted students or sophomore-standing students who have followed the BSN pre-requisite sequence can be changed to Pre-Health to pursue the nursing track, pending pre-requisite GPA and at ACDC Counselor discretion. Majoring in Pre-Health is required for continuing students interested in applying for the BSN program. Students should contact the Advising and Career Development Center to determine eligiblity or alternative options to pursue nursing.

Students who transfer into Fresno State are not eligible to change into Pre-Health and must apply as a "2nd Bachelor" applicant.

No student may directly change their major into the Nursing pathway and must be offered admission during an application cycle.

 

 

Physical Therapy

A student stretching forward on a table with her foot in the air while a PT student assists her

The Department of Physical Therapy exclusively offers doctoral degrees in Physical Therapy and is not advised on by the Advising and Career Development Center. Students should visit their website for information on program requirements and pre-requisites, as well as contact information for admission questions and workshops.

  Physical Therapy Website  

 

 

Pre-Health Program

The College of Health and Human Services Pre-Health Program provides support to First Time Freshman students exploring careers in health and human services professions with academic advising and career exploration.  The Pre-Health Program allows students interested in Nursing, Kinesiology-Exercise Science, Health Science-Community Health, Social Work, and Comunicative Sciences- Speech Language Pathology to explore these majors and career pathways. The Pre-Health Program, a three-semester program is for first time freshmen and will blend in all lower division general education. Students in the Pre-Health Program will enroll in HHS 18A: Career Pathways in Health and Human Services in their first semester and HHS 18B: Career Exploration in Health and Human Services in their second semester to assist in the exploration process.

During the second semester, an academic counselor will work with students to identify a major appropriate to their career path based on their career exploration. Please select the link below for more information on Pre-Health:

  Pre-Health Program  

 

 

Public Health

A student sitting in a grass field holding a medical instrument to his ears

The Department of Public Health at Fresno State provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to promote community health, prevent diseases, and improve overall well-being through education, research, and policy advocacy. The program prepares students for careers in public health, healthcare administration, epidemiology, environmental health, and health education. The Department of Public Health at Fresno State is committed to training future public health leaders who will improve community health and reduce health inequalities.

For more information, students can visit the Department of Public Health in McLane Hall, Room 184, or explore the website: 

PH Department Website     Advising Sheets

Advising Information:

Degrees Offered:

The Department of Public Health offers five three bachelor degrees:

Minor(s) Offered:

Major Advising:

The Advising and Career Development Center is the primary advisor for all PH options. Contact us for the following:

  • Major and Degree Requirements
  • General Education
  • Registration Holds (Freshmen, Transfer, Mandatory, etc.)
  • Registrar Forms (Third Attempts, Excess Unit, etc.)

Students may contact faculty within the department for information on the field, internships, or research opportunities.

Permission Codes:

Students should contact faculty directly or the Department of Public Health for course permission codes. ACDC does not provide permission codes.

All Options:

Students should contact the Advising and Career Development Center to begin the process of changing their major into all PH options.

  • All PH major options require a 2.7 cumulative GPA prior to approval of a major change
  • The Public Health option requires a supplement application for major changes

Minors: ACDC can assist with the adding of minors and certificates offered by the PH department.

 

 

Recreation Administration

A low shot image of students gathering at the ropes course on the Fresno State campus

The Department of Recreation Administration prepares students for careers in parks and recreation, event planning, tourism, outdoor recreation, and nonprofit leadership. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, leadership development, and community engagement, helping students gain the skills necessary to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through recreation and leisure services.

The Department of Recreation Administration at Fresno State equips students with the leadership, planning, and management skills needed to create engaging and impactful recreation experiences.

For more information, students can visit the Department of Recreation Administration in McLane Hall, Room 194, or explore the website: 

RA Department Website     Advising Sheets

Advising Information:

Major Advising:

The Advising and Career Development Center is the primary advisor for all CSDS options. Contact us for the following:

  • Major and Degree Requirements
  • General Education
  • Registration Holds (Freshmen, Transfer, Mandatory, etc.)
  • Registrar Forms (Third Attempts, Excess Unit, etc.)

Students may contact faculty within the department for information on the field, internships, or research opportunities.

Internship and Externship Requirements:

Students should contact their faculty advisor to discuss requirements and completion of internship (e.g. RA 184I) courses.

Permission Codes:

Students should contact the Department of Recreation Administration for course permission codes. ACDC does not provide permission codes.

All Options:

Students should contact the Advising and Career Development Center to begin the process of changing their major into all RA options.

Minors: ACDC can assist with the adding of minors and certificates offered by the RA department.

 

 

Social Work

A group of students at Woodward Park walking while holding a "Social Work Student Association" banner

The Department of Social Work prepares students to become compassionate and skilled professionals dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. The program focuses on social justice, advocacy, and hands-on field experience to equip students for careers in social services, mental health, healthcare, and community work.

The Department of Social Work at Fresno State is committed to training ethical, culturally competent social workers who make a meaningful impact in diverse communities.

For more information, students can visit the Department of Social Work in McLane Hall, Room 219, or explore the website: 

SWRK Department Website     Advising Sheets

Advising Information:

Degrees Offered:

The Department of Communicative Sciences and Deaf Studies offers one bachelors degree:

Minor(s) Offered:

Major Advising:

The Advising and Career Development Center is the primary advisor for the SWRK major. Contact us for the following:

  • Major and Degree Requirements
  • General Education
  • Registration Holds (Freshmen, Transfer, Mandatory, etc.)
  • Registrar Forms (Third Attempts, Excess Unit, etc.)

Internship/Fieldwork Requirement:

Students should contact the BASW Field Placement coordinator regarding eligibility, placement, and completion of the SWRK 181I and 182I courses.

Permission Codes:

Students should contact the Department of Communicative Sciences and Deaf Studies for course permission codes. ACDC does not provide permission codes.

Students should contact the Advising and Career Development Center to begin the process of changing their major into the Social Work program. First-time students interested in Social Work should begin in the Pre-Health major.

Please note: For continuing/transfer students change of majors into Social Work require completion of all program pre-requisites and available space within the major. The Social Work program is a cohorted program and begins in Fall semesters only. 

 

 

Related Programs 

Commonly Used Websites

While not within the College of Health and Human Services, students commonly take advantage of services from the following as well:

 
Professional Websites

Use the following to find information on graduate programs in CHHS-related fields: