Major, Minor, Double Major: The Pros & Cons of How You Declare

How do you choose a major? Should you add a minor? What about the famously scary-sounding double major? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by this high-stakes choose-your-own-adventure, don’t worry—we’ve got your back! In this helpful guide to majoring must-knows, we highlight the differences between a major, a minor, a double major, and all the intricacies and in-betweens, including our certificate programs.

What is a major?

Your major is the “majority” of what you’ll study at Chatham and it guides the framework and progression of your coursework. Based on the major you choose, you’ll be assigned an academic advisor who you’ll meet with at least once per term who will help you stay on track to meet the necessary graduation requirements for your major. Your advisor is typically a faculty member who specializes in your field of study so it is likely that you’ll have classes with them as well. Depending on the major you choose, your degree will fall into one of three categories: a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Arts, or a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Each major comes with its own unique set of requirements which you can explore via our complete list of majors. Though your major will constitute a significant amount of your coursework, the below options—as well as general education requirements and electives—allow you the flexibility to explore and experiment with other fields of interest.

What is a minor?

A minor is a secondary focus that either supplements your major or allows you to explore a different academic interest. As you might’ve guessed, it will require a “minority” of your credits. Minors are designed to give students the ability to explore interests outside of their major, support their professional goals, and gain insight from faculty in different fields. Think of your major as the A plot of your degree and your minor (if you elect one) as the B plot. Chatham offers over 45 minors as well as the opportunity to self-design minors. Minors at Chatham are relatively easy to complete, typically requiring five to six courses or 15-18 credit hours. A minor can help you expand your horizons and networking capabilities—you’ll get to know students and faculty outside of your major, which could lead to internships, research positions, and future letters of recommendation.

What is a double major?

A double or dual major is when you elect to have two majors rather than one. How is that possible in just four years? Planning, organization, and regular communication with your advisor. This path is a pretty common route for Chatham students who want to commit themselves to multiple subjects. That said, it’s a highly specialized and unique experience that will be different for everyone depending on the fields they choose. A double major is a great option if you feel passionate about two different fields, like English and Biology, or two intersecting fields, like Cultural Studies and Political Science. A double major doesn’t require you to have two separate advisors, but it is helpful to touch base with professors from each department to ensure that you are staying on track. For more information on what double-majoring would look like for you and your fields of interest, we encourage you to touch base with your advisor directly.

What is a certificate program?

Our certificate programs are degree specializations that are often similar to minors credit-wise. Presently we offer an International Certificate, a Music Education Certification, a Forensic Social Work Certificate, and a Women’s Leadership Certificate. Our certificates are great options for students looking for added expertise that might set their resumes apart. Each of these programs have very different requirements and pre-requisites—we encourage you to explore those that interest you and discuss them with your advisor.

When should I declare?

Typically Chatham students are expected to declare their major by their sophomore year. Some students arrive with majors that they decide to change; others arrive undeclared and wait to make a decision until they try some classes out. Typically during your first semester, you’ll have a wide variety of general education and/or first year experience requirements to fill. You can use your remaining credits to try out some different types of coursework and see what you like or don’t like. Many classes at Chatham sit at the intersection of multiple subjects and serve as perfect places to explore what appeals to you academically while checking off necessary requirements. Declaring a major looks different for everyone, and that’s okay! Ultimately, you are the person who will fulfill the requirements of your degree; as such, it should be your decision.

What if I don’t like my major?

That’s easy—change it! Opting for a different major is as simple as completing a form with the registrar. And it’s an incredibly common choice. If you don’t like your major, it’s better to change it sooner rather than later, ensuring that you stay on track for graduation. Some students find that the majors they declared prior to college don’t translate into coursework they enjoy or feel fulfilled by. Changing your mind is nothing to be ashamed of!

Should I choose my major based on my passions or future job prospects?

If you can’t choose between your head and your heart, choose more than one option. This is where the fun of majors, minors, double majors, and certificates come into play. If you’re passionate about making visual art but anxious about supporting yourself as an artist, you can use a supplemental major or minor to your advantage. Everyone’s vision of their future is different; take some time to soul search and determine what is most important to you to gain from these four years. All Chatham majors help build skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication and all Chatham students complete at least one internship, helping to further build out their resume and professional skill development. Many of our alumni find dream jobs that relate to their majors while others discover new fields of interest post-graduation. The most important thing is to find a field or fields that motivate, energize, and inspire you throughout these next four years of college!

If you have questions about declaring or changing your major, we encourage you to touch base with your academic advisor and/or the university registrar. You can find major declaration documents here.