Majors and Minors
ExploringMany students begin college undecided about a major. Whether you have a few ideas you are considering, are wide open to possibility, or somewhere in between, there are resources to help you choose and confirm your choice of major.
- Exploring Majors Checklist (pdf) – a brief guide to people, classes, events, and actions you can take.
- Choosing your Major: going from Undeclared to Prepared – a comprehensive website to help you consider your interests, skills, and values while choosing your major.
- Center for Academic Planning & Exploration - provides personalized one-to-one coaching to help students develop an Action Plan to aid in your major and career decision-making process.
You must declare your major by the time you complete 60 credits.
MajorsYour major is your area of specialization. Through your major you will develop transferable skills in writing, communication, critical thinking, and analysis, as well as master a body of knowledge.
CLA offers over 60 majors. A list of majors organized by broad categories of study links you to degree requirements in the undergraduate catalog and department websites. You may also design your own major or degree.
Explore the connection between your major and your career goals through the "What Can I Do With a Major In…" resource prepared by the CLA Career Services office.
Declare a major by meeting with an adviser in the department offering it.
MinorsCompleting a minor is optional. You might choose a minor to complement your major, pursue a second area of interest, or gain skills related to your chosen career.
Unless otherwise noted, most CLA majors are also offered as minors. CLA also offers a number of freestanding minors (minors that do not have corresponding majors).
Declare a minor by meeting with an adviser in the department offering it.
CertificatesCompleting a certificate program is optional. You might choose a certificate to focus on a specific professional skill set.
Professional programs
Are you planning a career in the health sciences, education, or law? These resources can help you prepare to apply to a professional program.
Choose a major that you are passionate about, one that builds on your strengths and values.
Use your liberal education requirements for exploring majors, but remember that some of your major requirements will also fulfill liberal education requirements.
What activities would help you identify or confirm your choice of major? How can you become involved with faculty and other students in the department of your major?
