Choosing a major is a big decision. Before you commit, talk to your Academic Advisor about the required courses and expectations, to make sure it’s the right path for you. If you want to supplement your major, talk to your Academic Advisor about minors and certificates.
Your Academic Advisor can also help you understand what to expect from different types of courses. No matter what you decide to study, you are likely to encounter seminars, large lectures, service-learning courses, internships for credit, team-based learning, and others.
Majors Fair
Each year, we coordinate a Majors Fair where you can learn more about different majors and talk to students, instructors, and staff from different schools and colleges. The Majors Fair takes place in October. Keep an eye out for next year’s event!
Questions
Can I change my major?
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Yes. Talk to your Academic Advisor about what this process looks like.
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Learn more about student experiences with changing majors here.
What minors or certificates can I add to my majors?
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Many academic programs offer minors. Talk to your Academic Advisor and explore departmental links in the Major Declaration Guide.
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Learn more about Undergraduate Certificates.
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Remember that your options grow if you consider taking courses at one of the other Five Colleges in the area.
How do I declare a major?
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Visit the Major Declaration Guide to read through the process.
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Schedule a meeting with your Academic Advisor to talk through the decision and any additional details needed to get you there.
How do I register for classes?
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SPIRE is your go-to place for exploring courses and building your schedule. This video is a guide for what to do once you get there.
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If you want additional help, talk to your Academic Advisor or Peer Mentor.
What do I need to know if I want take a foreign language exemption exam?
Exemption Testing for French, Latin, German and Spanish:
- FOR FALL 2021: The Foreign Language Exemption Exams will be offered by appointment September 1 – September 24.
- Students must schedule a brief information meeting with Sheila Brennan in Student Success. We encourage you to make an appointment as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the tests are being offered
- At the information meeting Sheila will provide you with all the pertinent information regarding the process for the exemption test and the test will be scheduled.
To schedule your information meeting with Sheila:
- Sign into Navigate with your net ID and password: umass.campus.eab.com
- Select "Success and Wellness"
- Make an appointment for a Foreign Language Exemption Test Info Meeting in Student Success
- Having trouble making an appointment? Email Sheila at sbrennan@umass.edu
Students should have taken the appropriate foreign language placement test prior to scheduling the exemption exam: https://www.umass.edu/newstudent/umass-placement-exams
Heritage Spanish speakers should not take this exemption exam but should go to https://www.umass.edu/hfa/academics/advising/forms and fill out a request for a proficiency exam.
