Majors Week

Dream. Discover. Declare!

Welcome to Majors Week 2026: October 19-23

Majors Week is an annual opportunity to explore academic programs and departments at UMass Amherst via information sessions, peer advising, departmental events, socials and more. Select a college below to see their full list of offerings!

College of Education

College of Humanities and Fine Arts

Architecture

Virtual Information Session
Wednesday October 21, 6:00 – 7:00pm on Zoom
This online event will introduce students to the UMass Architecture major and opportunities such as study abroad, our new accelerated Master of Architecture program, design/build and more. Have a look at the award-winning Olver Design Building's studios, classrooms, labs, gallery, cafe with a virtual tour. There will be time to ask your questions with our undergraduate program director.
Open Studio Visit
Thursday October 22, 1:00 – 2:15pm, Design Building, room 270
Drop in on the ARCH 300 – Design I Studio class to see the work being created and chat with students about their experience in the major.
In-person Information Session
Thursday October 22, 6:00 – 7:00pm, Design Building, room 235
This event will introduce students to the UMass Architecture major and opportunities such as study abroad, our new accelerated Master of Architecture program, design/build and more. There will be time to ask your questions with our undergraduate program director.

Asian & Asian American Studies Certificate Program

Follow @umassasianamstudies on Instagram for programming information!

Classics

Instagram Student Features @umassclassics
- New posts throughout the week to see what current Classics majors are up to.
International Coffee House
Thursday October 22, 12:30-3:00, South College Atrium (E240 Commons)
Studying a language or interested in learning about one? Attend our International Coffee House for snacks, conversation, and a chance to get to know other language students within and beyond your program! We’ll have tables for Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, Arabic, Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and Comparative Literature. Refreshments will be served—hope to see you there!
- Sponsored by the Departments of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures; Judaic and Near Eastern Studies; and Classics.
The Odyssey in Film: Monday 10/19, 2:30-3:45 pm in Herter Hall
Why is the Odyssey such a captivating story? Beyond Nolan and Damon, how have the story and characters appeared in film adaptations and retellings? Join Classics students and faculty from Classics, Comparative Literature, and Film Studies for a lively discussion.
Meet the Artifact Study Collection with Classics Professors: Wednesday, October 21, 5:30-6:30 pm in the Herter Hall 5th floor lobby
See the UMass Classics collection of ancient Greek and Roman artifacts. Hold a vase and lamp that someone used over 2000 years ago! Learn about courses and opportunities to work with the artifacts.
Classics Meet and Greet/Open House: Friday, October 23, 2:30-3:30 pm on the picnic tables behind Herter Hall
Come for snacks, swag, and information on Fieldwork and Internship Opportunities; spring classes; majors and minors! There will also be an in-person Q&A with Classics student ambassadors & professors

Comparative Literature

Comparative Literature Open House & Majors Meeting
Tuesday, October 20th, 5:30-7pm in Herter 301
Come meet Comp Lit students and faculty at this year's Comparative Literature Open House and Majors Meeting. Showcasing Writing the World. Come for dinner and information about the program--prospective majors and minors welcome and encouraged to attend.
- Can't make the meeting? Feel free to email Rachel Green, Undergraduate Program Director ([email protected]) for more information and to schedule a meeting in person or on Zoom.

Department of Art

Self-guided department tour & drop-in hour with Advisor Cathryn Brubaker
Friday, October 23rd
Visit the Studio Arts Building on Friday, October 23rd for a self-guided tour and open house to view art and design projects from undergraduate students. Advisor Cathryn Brubaker will be available in the lobby from 11:30am-12:30pm to answer questions about our programs.

English

Information table
Tuesday, October 20: 11am-2pm
As an English major at UMass Amherst, you'll have many paths to choose from, both on campus and after graduation. The English Department welcomes prospective majors to stop by our information table outside South College on Tuesday, October 20th from 11am to 2pm. Faculty and peer advisors will be on hand to answer questions and get you started on your journey!

Film Studies

In-Person Drop-in Hours
Wednesday 12:15-2:15 pm, ILC S446
In-Person Information Session
Thursday 1:00-2:00 pm in ILC S404

French and Francophone Studies

Café français!
Friday, October 23: 2:30 to 4pm in Herter Hall 301

German and Scandinavian Studies (GSS) Program / international Science, Technology, and Engineering Program (iSTEP)

In-Person Student Drop-In Hours with Professor Julia Feldhaus (iSTEP Director)
Monday, October 19: 3:00-5:00 PM in Herter 521
In-Person GSS Programs/Study Abroad and Internships in Germany Info Session and Student Panel
Thursday, October 22, 5:00-7:00 PM in Herter 601
JoinProfessor Julia Feldhaus, Professor Kerstin Mueller-Dembling and students sharing their experiences in our programs!

History

Career Chat For History Majors: Public History.
Wednesday Oct 21:12:20-1:10 pm in Herter 601
Faculty, advisors, alumni, and current graduate students will talk about career paths in Public History. Pizza will be provided!

History of Art and Architecture

Join two Art History majors for an in-person Q&A brown bag lunch session!
Friday, October 23 from 12:00 - 1:00 pm in South College W369

Italian

Italian coffee hour!
Wednesday, October 21: 1:30-2:30 pm in the 3rd floor lounge, Herter Hall
Follow @umassitalian on Instagram for more information.

Japanese

Drop-in hours with Professor Forrest! Monday Oct. 19 2:30-3:30; Wednesday Oct. 21 10:30-11:30; and Thursday Oct. 22 2:30-3:30
Stop by at the hours above in Herter 441, or viritually on Zoom.
In-person drop-in hours with Professor Sono!
Thu. Oct. 22 from noon to 5PM at Herter 331
For a helpful video on the Japanese Language & Literature opportunities, check out their website: https://www.umass.edu/east-asia/japanese/japanese-language-and-literature

Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

International Coffee House
Thursday October 22, 12:30-3:00, South College Atrium (E240 Commons)
Studying a language or interested in learning about one? Attend our International Coffee House for snacks, conversation, and a chance to get to know other language students within and beyond your program! We’ll have tables for Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, Arabic, Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and Comparative Literature. Refreshments will be served—hope to see you there!
- Sponsored by the Departments of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures; Judaic and Near Eastern Studies; and Classics.

Linguistics

Drop-in hours with co-Undergraduate Program Director Kristine Yu
Monday October 19, 11:00 am -12:00 pm on Zoom
Thursday October 22 2:30-3:45 pm in person, ILC N422
Our undergraduate program webpage is the gateway to information about our majors. Be sure to visit our website and check out our welcome video!

Philosophy

UMass Philosophy Society (UΦS), a student-run group that meets weekly for philosophically-oriented activities and discussion, welcomes all prospective majors and minors on Wednesday, October 21, 5:30-6:30 in South College W101
First-Year Mentoring Group, a monthly meeting for first-year Philosophy students with a Philosophy Major peer mentor, welcomes prospective majors and minors to join them on Thursday, October 22, 6-7 in South College E301.
Drop-in Office Hours/Open House with the Undergraduate Program Director, Prof. Vanessa de Harven, are available Thursday, October 22, between 10 and 2 in South College E425.
Information about the Philosophy Department, including the Major, the Minor, joint Majors, and all our Certificates is available here, along with career information: https://www.umass.edu/philosophy/

Portuguese and Brazilian Studies

Launch event of the Global Ambassadors Program for Brazil, Cape Verde, and Portugal.
Monday, October 19 from 5:30 to 6:30 in Herter 301
We will have pizza, and the event is open to all students (majors and non-majors) interested in participating in the program and learning more about the Portuguese Major and Minor. Students who successfully complete the program will receive the Global Ambassadors Award for Portuguese-speaking countries in their senior year. We will provide all program information at the event.

Spanish

In person drop-in hours
Tuesday, October 20; 1:00-3:00pm in Herter Hall 422
Zoom drop-in hours
Thursday, October 22; 11:30am -1:00pm
Zoom link available here
BilingualQ&A with Alba Caballero: UMass women's basketball player from Spain!
Thursday, October 22; 4:30-5:30pm in Herter Hall 301
More information available here!

Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies (WGSS)

Virtual Information Session and Q&A about the WGSS Major
Monday, October 19; Zoom link here
Stop by the WGSS Info Table!
Friday, October 23 from 11am-1pm at the Worcestor Dining Commons
Friday, October 23 from 1:30-2:30 pm at the Farmers market on Goodell Lawn

College of Natural Sciences

Connect with SBS programs at the SBS Majors Fair!

Thursday, October 22 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm in the SBS Pathways Center on the first floor of Thompson Hall

Anthropology

Stop by the Anthropology Department Table!
Tuesday, October 20, 12-2pm in front of Machmer Hall
Drop in Hours with Anthropology Advisor
Thursday, October 22, 2-4pm in 305 Machmer Hall
Check out the Anthropology Department website for more information!

Communication

Connect with staff from the Communication Department at the SBS Majors Fair!
Thursday, October 22, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm in the SBS Pathways Center

Five College International Relations Certificate

Virtual Information Session on Zoom
Wednesday, October 21 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Connect with staff from the Five College International Relations Certificate at the SBS Majors Fair!
Thursday, October 22, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm in the SBS Pathways Center
Click here to learn more about the certificate

Journalism

Join UMass Journalism and Public Relations peer advisors at Fall fest!
Wednesday, October 21, 6:00 - 7:30 pm in the UMass Journalism Hub (4th floor, Integrative Learning Center) Stop by for pumpkin painting, caramel apples, and cookie decorating! All if our peer advisors will be there and can answer questions related to any of our concentrations: General Journalism, Sports Journalism or Public Relations.
Stop by the Journalism Department table at the SBS Majors Fair
Thursday, October 22, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm in the SBS Pathways Center
Drop into or schedule a peer advising session
More information, including schedules, available here.
First year students may declare the major with a peer advisor!
Meet with the Journalism advisors by booking on Navigate!
- John Ciampa advises students with the last names A-K
- Beth Wallace advises students with the last names L-Z.
  - Sophomores and above need to meet with a staff advisor to declare the major.

Legal Studies

Connect with staff from the Legal Studies Program at the SBS Majors Fair!
Thursday, October 22, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm in the SBS Pathways Center
Click here for information about exploring and declaring the Legal Studies major

Managerial Economics | Environmental & Natural Resource Economics

Connect with staff from Managerial Economics at the SBS Majors Fair!
Thursday, October 22, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm in the SBS Pathways Center
Walk-in Wednesdays with Managerial Economics advisors
Wednesday, October 21, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm in Stockbridge 303
Follow @resec_umass on Instagram for updates throughout Majors Week!

Political Science

Come explore the Political Science major and minor at drop-in hours during Majors Week!
Monday, October 19, 9:00 am -12:00 pm
Tuesday, October 20, 9:00 am- 1:00 pm
Wednesday, October 21, 9:00 am -12:00 pm
Thompson Hall, 3rd foor (just off of the elevators)
Connect with staff from Political Science at the SBS Majors Fair!
Thursday, October 22, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm in the SBS Pathways Center
We're happy to talk to you about the major & minor all semester long. Just come to any drop-in hours: schedule available here!

Public Policy

Connect with staff from Public Policy at the SBS Majors Fair!
Thursday, October 22, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm in the SBS Pathways Center
Click here to learn more about exploring and declaring the Public Policy major

Sociology

Drop-in Hours with Sociology Peer Advisors
Wednesday, October 21 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm on the 10th floor Thompson Hall lounge
Connect with staff from Sociology at the SBS Majors Fair!
Thursday, October 22, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm in the SBS Pathways Center
Click here to learn more about the requirements for the Sociology major

Social Thought and Political Economy (STPEC)

STPEC Open House
Monday, October 21 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm in Machmer Hall E-31
Looking for a major that helps you understand today's most complex social, political, and economic issues? Social Thought and Political Economy (STPEC) is an interdisciplinary major that encourages students to understand the world and change it. Come enjoy some snacks and learn about the STPEC major!
To get an understanding of the STPEC department from its faculty, staff and students, watch this video!
For more information, check out the STPEC website.

Sustainable Community Development

Drop-in hours with Lecturer and Program Director Peter Dunn
Tuesday, October 20 and Wednesday, October 21 from 10:30 - 11:30 am
On Zoom or in-person in the Olver Design Building room 228
Connect with staff from Sustainable Community Development at the SBS Majors Fair!
Thursday, October 22, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm in the SBS Pathways Center
Sustainable Community Development staff will also be at the CNS Majors Fair!
Wednesday, October 21 from 3:30-5:30 pm in the Commonwealth Honors College Events Hall

Commonwealth Honors College

Elaine Marieb College of Nursing

Interdisciplinary Programs

Bachelor's Degree with Individualized Concentration

At UMass Amherst, the Bachelor’s Degree with Individual Concentration (BDIC) offers you the chance to create a personalized academic path that aligns with your passions, interests, and career goals.
For over 50 years, BDIC has helped students take control of their education with full flexibility, expert guidance, and a network of like-minded peers.
Build the major you’ve been looking for.

BDIC Majors Week Events

BDIC Information Session
Tuesday, October 20; 9:00-10:00 am in the Old Chapel
Drop in and meet the Chief Academic Advisor and Peer Advisors! Refreshments Provided
Zoom Drop-in Information Session
Wednesday, October 22; 1:00-2:00 pm on Zoom
Join us for a drop-in Zoom information session with a BDIC Academic Advisor and get answers to all of your questions!

Could BDIC be right for you?
Learn how students use BDIC to create individualized majors around their academic interests. Our Majors Week presentation covers what you can study, how the process works, and examples of BDIC students’ journeys.
Explore the BDIC Information Slide Deck

Interested in seeing how other students have customized their BDIC program?
Visit the Explore Concentrations page to see examples of how recent BDIC students have designed their majors.

Ready for the next step?
Meet with a BDIC Peer Advisor to discuss whether BDIC is a good fit for you.
Peer advisors are current BDIC majors who can answer your questions about the program and help you decide if BDIC is the right fit for you. Meet with a Peer Advisor

Questions?
Contact BDIC at @email

Civic Engagement and Services Learning (CESL)

Drop by The Cozy Crumb at CESL for cider and cider donuts!
Thursday, October 22, 2:30-4:30 p.m., Goodell Hall Room 623.
Connect and chat with CESL staff, faculty and students.
Connect with CESL staff at the SBS Majors Fair!
Thursday, October 22, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, SBS Pathways Center in Thompson Hall
To learn more about the different CESL programs, courses, and engagement opportunities, check out the CESL website. Contact Mary Bombardier, Academic Advisor, to make an appointment at [email protected]

Information Technology
The Information Technology Program offers two undergraduate programs: the Information Technology Minor and the Public Interest Technology Certificate. These programs are available to students in any major. View this informational video to learn about our offerings!

IT Program Drop-In Open House
Tuesday, October 20, 9:00 - 10:30 am in the Old Chapel
Stop in anytime to meet the IT Advisor and students currently enrolled in the IT Minor and PIT Certificate.
Breakfast goodies will be served!
Virtual Drop-In Meet the IT Program Advisor Sessions
Monday, October 19, 11:00am-11:30am on Zoom
Thursday, October 22, 11:00am-11:30am on Zoom

INNOVATE Certificate

INNOVATE Certificate Information Session
Tuesday, October 20, 9:00 - 10:30 am in the Old Chapel
Refreshments provided!
Zoom Drop-in hours
Tuesday, October 20, 11:00 am - 1:00 p.m.
For more information, check out the INNOVATE Certificate website

Isenberg School of Management

Hospitality & Tourism Management (HTM)

Information Session:
Wednesday, October 21, 6:00-6:45 pm in Isenberg Room N145 (the new building)
Want to learn more about the world’s largest industry? Come check out Isenberg’s Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management, where we are happy to accept transfer students from on campus based on our own admissions criteria. Our HTM students will share their experiences in the industry and in the major.

Who are we:

Our HTM program is part of Isenberg, so you get the same core business classes and access to same great resources, plus a wide variety of required and elective courses in hospitality and tourism management.
We welcome on-campus student applications to the major, plus we have our own admissions criteria because we need tomorrow’s managers and leaders in the classroom TODAY!
Still unsure? Come to our Information Session 10/21 6pm, Isenberg Room N145.
Also, check out Intro to Hospitality (HT-MGT 100) 2:30pm T/TH (open to any freshman or sophomore on campus)

What do we do:

HTM is more than managing hotels and restaurants. The “business of hospitality” is everywhere.
In today’s world, the skills, education, and experience gained in HTM opens doors to managing and leading in traditional (lodging, foodservice, events, entertainment, clubs, gaming, travel, tourism) and non-traditional (sales/marketing, social media/branding, customer experience/relationships, real estate investment/management, IT, global business leadership) industries.
We prepare students to manage multi-million-dollar budgets and multi-billion-dollar assets.

How do we do it:

We believe that learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom.
In addition to course with our award-winning faculty, HTM students have access to a variety of experiential learning opportunities such as:
- Clubs and activities
- Industry visits and field trips
- Professional networking
- Peer and industry leader mentoring
- International programs
- Hands-on skill building
- Career events
- and much more

FIND YOUR PASSION AND START YOUR NEW CAREER TODAY! Explore the #HTMPossibilities

Helpful Links:

Majors Week Flyer with all of the info you need!
Follow @isenberghtm on Instagram for great content by our HTM students!
Click here for the HTM department website.
Travel with HTM! Learn more about our Culture and Tourism Management in Europe program.
Don't miss HTM Career Day!
Get in touch!
- Melissa Baker, Professor, Department Chair, Jaime '76 and Cindy Pereira Faculty Fellow
  - @email
- Laurie Salame, Senior Lecturer II, Director of Enrollment Strategies
  - @email

Riccio College of Engineering

Robert and Donna Manning College of Information & Computer Sciences

School of Public Health and Health Sciences

Stockbridge School of Agriculture

Undergraduate Student Success Center

Goodell Hall
140 Hicks Way
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA 01003
M-F 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
[email protected]
413-577-6767

Majors Week

Dream. Discover. Declare!

Welcome to Majors Week 2026: October 19-23

Majors Week is an annual opportunity to explore academic programs and departments at UMass Amherst via information sessions, peer advising, departmental events, socials and more. Select a college below to see their full list of offerings!

Connect with CNS programs at the CNS Majors Fair!

Wednesday, October 21 from 3:30 - 5:30 pm in the Commonwealth Honors College Events Hall

Connect with SBS programs at the SBS Majors Fair!

Thursday, October 22 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm in the SBS Pathways Center on the first floor of Thompson Hall

Connect with the Commonwealth Honors College (CHC) during Majors Week!