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 Week
Each year, Student Success coordinates a week-long opportunity to explore the academic programs offered at UMass. During Majors Week, programs and departments across campus offer information sessions, drop-in peer advising, resource events and more. Majors Week is designed to help you connect with key information and people to find the right major for you.
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:
- Tests are administered by appointment during the fall and spring semesters.
- Students should take the appropriate Foreign Language Placement Test prior to scheduling an exemption test.
- Students should schedule an appointment with Sheila Brennan for an informational meeting before scheduling a test.
- Test scores will be available approximately one month after the exam has been administered.
To schedule your informational 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.
