All undergraduate students at UVA complete at least one major. A major is a concentrated area of study. Majors usually require 30-40 credit hours (about 10-12 courses), though some require more. Majors usually have a set of requirements that every student pursuing that major must take, plus a few other classes that students can choose from.

The Undergraduate Record, maintained by the Office of the University Registrar, is a good place to find lists of majors and minors within each school, as well as requirements for each major.

Undergraduate Majors at UVA

Minors at UVA

Quick tip: If you’re looking for a certain major in the College of Arts and Sciences and don’t see it listed, check under “Interdisciplinary, B.A.”. Several majors are organized under that heading, though each is a distinct program of study.

What is the difference between a major and a minor?

In order to complete a UVA degree, undergraduate students are required to complete at least on major. Students are not required to pursue a minor, though many students use them as a way to pursue additional interests. Minors require fewer courses than majors (often 6-8 courses), so they are generally easier to fit into a schedule.

Can students have more than one major?

Yes! In fact, many students have more than one major. That said, some schools have more flexibility in their curriculum than others, and the same is true of majors. It’s important to seek advice and plan ahead if you’re interested in declaring a second major. If you are interested in more than one area, you can also consider pursuing a minor in your second area of interest, instead of the second major.

Can students have a major or minor outside of their school of enrollment?

Sometimes this is possible, and many students do. Before making your plans, check with your advisor or your school’s registrar to learn about your school’s policies for majors and minors in other schools. In addition to knowing the policy, it’s important to connect with the faculty or staff in each program in advance to make sure you have good information before you act.

How to declare a major

Check with the advising or student services office in your school to learn about the process.

Click here for advice about how to decide on a major.