Your Major
We know that one of the most common questions college-bound students hear during the summer after high school is "What are you going to major in?" Hearing it so often can create a sense of anxiety in those who are uncertain even about the possibilities. That anxiety can be heightened when listening to those who already have a clear major choice talk about their seemingly set futures. To make things even more complicated, parents sometimes have strong ideas about which majors would be "ideal" choices for their children to pursue.
Regardless of where you are at this point--whether you have a clear major choice, have a few ideas, or feel completely uncertain--the coming year will provide you with much to consider. You can’t declare a major during your first year at Richmond, but you can start taking courses toward specific majors and/or toward simply exploring your interests. The university does not expect you to know what your major will be as you enter, and there is no pressure to choose immediately. So relax for now and plan to talk when you get here with your advisor, other faculty, Career Development Center staff, and your peers about the many majors, minors, and concentrations Richmond has to offer.
And remember: Most students change majors at least once during their college years, and this includes those who seemed to know beforehand just what they wanted to do with their lives. College provides countless new opportunities, so we encourage you to be open to the process of exploring your options.
To help you look further into choosing a major, see the information below on elective courses and major selection: