Curriculum Pages:

Majors and Minors

Available Majors
Available Minors

Declaring a Major

Some time during the first year or sophomore year, each student must make a formal declaration of his or her proposed major. This is done by filing a Major/Minor Declaration form with the Records Office. This form can be obtained at the Records Office.

Choosing a Major

The criteria you use to choose your major will depend on your individual interests and talents, as well as any career aspirations you may have. It is worthwhile to consider the advice of people who know you well, but your choice of a major must ultimately be determined by your own interests and goals. At a liberal arts institution like BSC, all majors require an in-depth study that facilitates the habits of mind appropriate for any career- or life-path. Indeed, your major will prepare you for your future professional and personal life in ways other than providing specific content for a career, including the ability to think critically, the rigorous and creative pursuit of inquiry, and clarity of expression.

In light of this broad purpose of the major, choosing doesn't demand that you have your entire life planned out. Before deciding, you should explore areas in which you have had little or no experience. Students often discover their passion in areas with which they were not familiar prior to college. Such discovery may even happen after students have already declared a major in a different area. Students are free to change their major at any time. We suggest you consider the following questions as a way of thinking through your choice of major:

If you have a particular career goal, what do professionals in that field recommend?
In what courses have you felt the most enjoyment or satisfaction?
What do you, your parents and your friends think you're good at?
What courses have excited you or motivated you to work hard?
What do your academic advisor and other professors suggest?
If you are planning to attend graduate or professional school in a particular area, what are the requirements of the programs?
If you are considering a change of major, do you have sufficient time to complete the requirements for the majors you're considering?

Information about available majors can be found on the majors list page and in the Catalog under Courses of Study, Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Majors and Minors.

Individualized Majors

Students can develop an individualized major in consultation with the faculty. Information on how to develop an individualized major through the Center of Exploration Term and Contract Learning can be found at the individualized major information page.

Minors

You may wish to concentrate in an area outside your major, since doing so will enhance your overall academic experience. One way to concentrate is through an academic minor, though minors are not required by the College. It is best not to think of minors as resume builders, but as opportunities for focused study in a second area of interest.

Information about available minors can be found on the minors index page (link to minors list in advising website) and in the Catalog under Courses of Study, Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Majors and Minors.