Major

How should I go about choosing and declaring a major?

• Decide quickly which major (or majors) interest you so you may have time to explore by taking different prerequisites.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Always take possible major prerequisites for a letter grade unless you told otherwise by the major department.
  
  
• Visit your intended major department(s) and discuss the declaration process.
  
  
• Choosing and declaring an academic major by the end of your sophomore year should be your number one schedule planning priority.
  
  
• 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.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q - I'm 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 the Major Exploration Faire and/or Major Attractions Workshops 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.

Q - If I am planning to double major, do I have to declare both majors by the end of my sophomore year?

A - It would be great if you could but this is not required. While you should be working hard to complete the prerequisites for both majors as quickly as possible, you need only declare one major by the end of the sophomore year. You can declare the double major later.

Sophomore Introduction

Capped Majors