Selecting a Major

A major is a collection of related courses within an academic discipline or, in some cases, across a combination of academic disciplines. In contrast with general education requirements and elective courses, which emphasize breadth, these major courses allow students to explore an area of study in depth. Because you will probably take 10-12 courses in your major, it is wise for you to choose something you want to devote most of your final two years of college to mastering. As you consider choosing a major, ask yourself some basic questions:

• Is what I am studying really interesting?
• Do I want to take more courses in this subject?
• Am I successful at this work? Do I perform well in the classes?
• If I start now, can I complete the major in the time remaining before graduation?
• Are there opportunities for internships or research I want to pursue in this field?
• What are the postgraduate opportunities this major will open for me?

If you find yourself answering “no” to the first two questions above, you probably haven’t found a major that will inspire your interest or enjoyment. Also, the third question adds a bit of common sense: If you aren’t doing well in the introductory courses of a major, it is not likely you will do well in advanced courses. The best major is a field you love and in which you are successful.

The fourth question above provides a “reality check.” Some majors in mathematics, business, and science are highly structured, have many prerequisites, and require at least five or six semesters of major study to complete even under ideal circumstances. Leadership majors must apply to the school for admission during the second year. Before committing to a major, read the requirements carefully and discuss them with your academic advisor and a faculty member in the program.

How to Choose

Students sometimes come to college having been told they must major in one particular discipline to find a job after graduation. This is one of the great myths of college life. Literally every major and program at the University of Richmond has produced illustrious graduates leading successful lives in impressive careers. There is no one major that yields success, nor is every student cut out to major in any given field.

You can begin to learn more about some of the many majors and minors at Richmond by checking out department or program Web sites, which link to major/minor requirements and other useful information. You might start with the School of Arts & Sciences, Jepson School of Leadership Studies, and/or Robins School of Business Web sites and follow the links to degrees and departments. Majors in health, science, and law have additional considerations. You might also consult the online undergraduate catalog to search for interesting courses or to review degree requirements.
   
Planning for a major is not complete without the help of a major advisor. As you consider possible majors, it may be helpful to consult with the department chair or program coordinator of the subject areas in which you are interested. These faculty members can talk with you about course offerings, answer questions about prerequisites and transfer courses, and discuss options for after graduation.