Group of Students Studying in the Library.

Academic Planning

Discover the academic path that is right for you with the support and dedication of USD's faculty and staff.

Offering a Best-Value Education

College is a time to explore your interest, discover your passions and prepare for future success. Whether you are exploring what major you want to pursue or looking for the best path to complete your degree, USD’s academic planning professionals will help develop the right plan for you. 

Get the educational assistance you need now while developing skills you’ll use for a lifetime. Throughout your USD experience, you’ll explore many opportunities for academic, personal and professional growth. Your academic and faculty advisors will play important roles in your journey as they help you plan for and understand the requirements for graduation while assisting you in preparing for your future career.

 

Your Academic Planning Team

At USD, you’ll have access to a customized planning team, dedicated to helping with your specific academic goals. As an incoming freshman or transfer student, you'll have the opportunity to meet with an advisor and register for your first semester classes at one of our registration events.

As you continue your academic career at USD, you will meet with an advisor specifically assigned to you either through the USD Academic and Career Planning Center or through your major's school or college. After completing 45 hours of course work, you will be assigned a personal faculty advisor in the department of your major.

Academic and Career Planning Center

The Academic and Career Planning Center supports College of Arts & Sciences majors, undeclared majors, secondary education majors and majors in the School of Health Sciences including alcohol and drug studies, health sciences major, medical laboratory sciences, nursing and social work.

Visit the Academic and Career Planning Center

Beacom School of Business Student Success Center

The Beacom School of Business provides dedicated advisors who support all business majors. 

Visit the Beacom Student Success Center

School of Education Center for Student and Professional Services

The School of Education advises all elementary education, special education and kinesiology and sport management majors through their Center for Student and Professional Services (CSPS). Secondary education majors are advised through the Academic & Career Planning Center.
Visit the School of Education Center for Student and Professional Services

Department-Assigned Advisors

Students pursuing degrees in the College of Fine Arts (art, music, theatre) as well as dental hygiene majors will be assigned a department specific advisor.

Student Athlete Success Center

The Student Athlete Success Center (SASC) is dedicated to helping all student-athletes at USD excel in the classroom. This center offers dedicated advisors, peer mentors and tutors for student-athletes.

Visit the Student Athlete Success Center

 

Faculty Member Mentoring a Dental Hygiene Student

Helping You Succeed

At USD, you have a team of mentors, educators, peers and staff who are committed to helping you achieve academic success.

The best way to access the resources and services you need is by visiting Coyote Connections. By clicking the "Get Assistance" button, you can easily request academic services and find resources. Explore the academic resources listed below, and then explore Coyote Connections to get started.

 

Visit Coyote Connections
A student meeting with a counselor.

Your Academic Resources Hub

Many of your academic resources are housed in the I.D. Weeks Library, with virtual options also available.


The library is the perfect place for you to access services you may need for your studies, meet with your peers for study sessions and group project work, and find a quiet place to study. It is also within walking distance to food and a coffee shop so you can get the fuel you need to keep learning.


I.D. Weeks Library

alum success story

Success story Michael Bartos smiling.
Attending USD allows you to have an entire community and university in your corner. The resources are available to answer any question or explore any interest. Getting involved is only the first step you need to cultivate the relationships and continue to be involved.

Michael Bartos

B.S. Kinesiology and Sport Management '18
President & CEO at the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce
Waukee, Iowa

Take the Next Step