The important distinction between these levels is that the freshman and sophomore curriculum is designed to provide a background that helps form the basis for advanced course work and concentration in a major area at the junior and senior level. The junior and senior level courses permit students to pursue more advanced work in the chosen major, in related fields, and in courses designed to explore the relationships among the disciplines. In order to graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences, all students must major in one of the degree programs of the College. To become a major in a degree program, students must complete an Application for Major form which is available in the College Academic Advising Center. The completed form is submitted to the Advising Center and then transmitted to the major program or department for consideration.
Students become majors after acceptance by the department or the program.
Consult the Advising Center for details of any admission requirements for a particular major. Students interested in a B.A. who find that the College's major programs do not meet their interests and needs should consider the Liberal Studies major. Students may apply for admission to a major at any time. Most programs allow students to take work in the major field and in related fields during the freshman and sophomore years. Students who need to discover or confirm the choice of a major are encouraged to take a variety of foundation courses in different fields.