At NC State, we make things happen. We are passionate about ideas, and even more passionate about the implementation of those ideas. Our curriculum, across all fields of study, is uniquely designed to take ideas that could change the world, and actually allow them to change the world. We're developing new strategies for saving the environment. Finding new ways to safeguard our food supply. Creating new strategies for educating tomorrow's children. Students at NC State are not only preparing for the future with world-renowned programs and faculty - they are actually part of something bigger. We call it Innovation in Action.

The structure of our academic offerings will help push your student to the place they need to be. Because students begin working from within their major right away or are closely advised within the structure of First Year College, every choice they make will work to tap into their inner academic powerhouse. At NC State, they will find both the curriculum and advising resources that will help create a stronger, more marketable, more intelligent version of your student..

NC State provides a high-quality education in the humanities and social sciences, design, education, life sciences, management, natural resources, physical and mathematical sciences, textiles and veterinary medicine. Bachelor’s degrees are offered in 102 fields, master’s degrees in 108 fields and doctoral degrees in 60 fields, as well as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.

At NC State, there are a variety of ways for you to meet all of your academic needs:

Small Class Environment
Although North Carolina State University is a large school, many classes are offered in a small class environment. Student to faculty ratio is 15 to 1 and average class size is 35. For large courses, students are required to take a lab or a problem solving section. In a small class, students not only receive individual attention but also give professors the opportunity to know students and engage them in class discussions and other activities. “I appreciate the evening classes and the high caliber faculty…I like the atmosphere at State…it is a large school, but friendly. I like the small class sizes in the grad program.” Jennifer Chase from Technical Communication program.

Pre-Professional Programs
Many graduates of NC State go on to professional schools (law, medical, dental, veterinary and optometry schools). Our many Pre-Professional Programs can jump start you on that path. The percentage of NC State students admitted to professional schools is typically at or above the national average. .

Interdisciplinary Studies Program
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences allows you to develop your own plan of study through the Interdisciplinary Studies Program. For example, you might combine courses in language, literature, history, economics, sociology and political science for a degree in Latin American studies.

Dual Degree
You may also pursue a Dual Degree. These majors may be closely related or in widely differing areas. Six of the academic Colleges have developed special programs in conjunction with the College of Humanities and Social Sciences to meet our students’ interests in studying the interaction between science and society.

Minors
You may want to take a number of courses in a specific academic area outside your major. These courses may be recognized in a formal way as a Minor. And they are as diverse as your imagination: from anthropology to zoology.

The Cooperative Education Program
The Cooperative Education Program works to provide optional ‘real world’ learning opportunities. Co-op enriches and expands classroom learning by providing paid work assignments in industry, business, and government related to your field of study.

Study Abroad
The Study Abroad Office is to serve all North Carolina State University students by providing academically-based international experiences which will give them the skills to be active, informed, and culturally sensitive citizens in the global community.

National Student Exchange
NC State is one of more than 100 state supported colleges and universities belonging to the National Student Exchange Program.  Each year an opportunity is provided for our students to study at one of the other participating schools while paying the same tuition and fees they pay here.  Eligible students must have a 2.5 grade point average or better.

University Honors Program
The University Honors Program is designed to prepare excellent students for admission to graduate and professional schools, applying for major national scholarships and fellowships and rewarding careers. The UHP centers on NC State’s institutional strengths in discovery-, inquiry- and creativity-based learning. UHP students have many opportunities to gain a superior education both in and out of class and to connect with students, faculty and the campus-at-large.

University Scholars Program
The University Scholars Program is a living-learning program that provides personal, professional and leadership development for outstanding students. A series of carefully designed experiences introduces students to the visual and performing arts, encourages them to consider contemporary issues drawn from the sciences and politics, and challenges them to be leaders and active contributors to our society.

Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate research (UGR) is scholarly study in any discipline in which inquiry, discovery and creativity culminate in advancements in science, technology, the arts or humanities. It is the behavioral endeavor employed only by humans and, in this case, it is undergraduates who work under the mentorship of proven scholars, experts and professionals. Any undergraduate chosen by a mentor may participate in UGR. Students from all disciplines – from anthropology, history, design and English to physics, microbiology and turf grass management – can engage in the excitement of scholarly research. Know that motivated students from high schools, community colleges and universities from North Carolina, the nation and the world are invited to participate.