Major

How should I go about choosing and declaring a major?

• Choosing and declaring an academic major by the end of your sophomore year should be your number two schedule planning priority (after the University and College writing requirements).
  
  
• To declare a major in the College of Letters and Science, you must complete most of the lower division course prerequisite courses specified by your intended major department.
  
  
• Tips to keep in mind while choosing and declaring your major:
  
  
  1. Decide quickly which major (or majors) interest you so you may have time to take different prerequisites.
  2. Look for overlapping prerequisites: some major departments have prerequisite courses in common, so it is very possible that in preparing for one major you may be preparing for others as well.
  3. Review the number of prerequisites required for the majors you are exploring so that you can plan ahead. They can range from 2-10 courses.
  4. Always take possible major prerequisites for a letter grade unless the major department tells you otherwise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q - I am not sure which major interests me, so how do I pick classes?

A - If you are not yet sure of a major or you are choosing between a few majors, try taking the introductory courses related to the majors that sound interesting to you. You might also consider:

1. talking with the undergraduate major advisors in department offices or viewing departmental websites
2. attending a Choosing A Major workshop sponsored by L&S
3. using assessments available at the Career Counseling Library.

Q - Can major prerequisites count as breadth requirements, too?

A - Yes! Up to two courses from any department, including your major, can be used to satisfy breadth.

Reading & Composition

Capped Majors