How do I choose a major?

Selecting a major is a process that evolves over time. Students are encouraged to explore their options by taking a variety of classes freshman year, taking a career development course, meeting with a career counselor at the Center for Student Experience & Talent, and talking with friends, family and faculty to understand the reality of different jobs. In order to graduate in a timely manner, students are encouraged to find their major by the middle to end of sophomore year. Obtaining hands-on experience early on is also extremely valuable to confirming that a chosen career path is a good path or to determine that it is not a good fit.

What are minors and certificates?

Both minors and certificates require 6 to 8 classes total. The difference is that a minor will contain classes all from the same subject area. For example, an English minor is comprised of all English classes. A certificate will draw on classes from multiple subject areas centered on the theme of the certificate. For example, the certificate in Childhood & Adolescence Studies contains classes in psychology, education, anthropology, nursing, social work, etc. 

Are minors or certificates required?

No, minors and certificates are not required.

When should I declare my major?

In order to graduate in a timely manner, students are encouraged to find and declare their major as soon as possible, no later than the middle to end of sophomore year.

How do I declare a major, minor or certificate?

Students should visit the individual program’s web site to complete the online declaration form.

UWM Land Acknowledgement: We acknowledge in Milwaukee that we are on traditional Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk and Menominee homeland along the southwest shores of Michigami, North America’s largest system of freshwater lakes, where the Milwaukee, Menominee and Kinnickinnic rivers meet and the people of Wisconsin’s sovereign Anishinaabe, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Oneida and Mohican nations remain present.   |   To learn more, visit the Electa Quinney Institute website.