The Major

The Major provides an opportunity to know a segment of human knowledge deeply, with a sufficient grasp of its modes of thinking and analysis.

The College offers more than 55 majors across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, and many programs provide options for concentrating in any number of specialty areas. Students begin to explore options in discussions with their pre-major advisor, as well as in course selection over the first two to three semesters. Discussions with students or department chairs within majors will also inform student decisions before declaring a major by the end of sophomore year.

Exploring Options

From academic advisors to events, there are many ways for students to discover the best fit between their interests and undergraduate course of study.

List of Majors

provides an introduction to each major and links to departments for further information.

Credits by Major

The number of course units needed for graduation by major.

Undergraduate Chairs

of Departments and Programs can provide details about specific majors.

College Alumni Mentoring Series

engages students and alumni on academics and careers.

Internships

can be a valuable way to explore a particular intellectual or career path.

Entry Courses to the Major

are recommended for students interested in exploring a particular major.

Special Majors

Discover unique ways to explore multi-disciplinary fields of knowledge.

Double Majors

A student pursuing a double major satisfies the requirements for two separate major programs within the College but earns a single degree, the B.A. Learn more about the policies for Double Majors.

Second Major in Engineering

College students are able to declare a second major in any of the major programs in the School of Engineering and Applied Science. The student must also declare a primary major in the College. Students who pursue this option should be aware of the College’s policies regarding the minimum number of Arts & Sciences credits required outside of the primary major.

Second Major in Nutrition

College students are able to declare a second major in either Nutrition. The student must also declare a primary major in the College. Students who pursue this option should be aware of the College’s policies regarding the minimum number of Arts & Sciences credits required outside of the primary major.

Honors in the Major

Departmental honors programs provide students with the opportunity to take advanced courses, to work closely with faculty members on research projects, and to have the distinction entered on their transcripts. Interested students should discuss this with their major advisor. Learn more about policies for the Honors in the Major.

Individualized Majors

The individualized major offers an opportunity for exceptional, creative, self-motivated students to explore innovative and multi-disciplinary fields of knowledge.

Students with an interest in the individualized major must demonstrate that the goals of the proposed major cannot be met within the boundaries of a currently offered College major or its combination with another major or minor(s). Learn more about policies and application process for Individualized Majors.

Policies Governing the Major