Choosing a Major or a Minor: Some FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between a
dual major and a dual degree?
Q: I plan to apply to law school. What
is the best major for me?
Q: I plan to work in business after
graduation. Is there a best major for me?
Q: How do I decide on a major?
Q: How do I declare a major?
Q: Is there something wrong with
being undecided about my major?
Q: Is there only one major that
will allow me to reach my career goals?
Q: Does a liberal arts major only
qualify me for a career in that specific field?
Q: What’s the difference between
a dual major and a dual degree?
A: A dual degree program encourages breadth of scholarship.
It is a parallel arrangement of studies in which you receive
both a BA and a BS degree, generally in five years. You must
complete the stated requirements of both schools and expected
majors for a dual degree. The plan of study must be approved
by each department and school administering the degree work.
You will receive two diplomas at graduation. A dual major
requires that you fulfill the degree requirements for only
one school (your primary school) and the course requirements
for each of your two majors. You then may have the entry noted
on your transcript: “Also completed departmental program requirements
for a major in physics” (for example). In both cases, the
diploma indicates the degree received and does not designate
specific majors.
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Q: I plan to apply to law school.
What is the best major for me?
A: You may major in any program of study, in any of
NU's six schools. Law schools accept applicants from all academic
backgrounds. The most important thing is to major in an area
that you enjoy and in which you will do well.
Instead of focusing on your major, law school admission committees
will evaluate the specific types of classes that you take
in undergraduate school. Taking courses that require reading,
writing, critical thinking, and analytical skills will prove
valuable when you apply for law school. Often classes in areas
such as English, history, political science, classics, and
philosophy allow you to develop these types of skills.
Take advantage of opportunities to complete upper-level coursework
in classes like research and honors seminars and independent
studies. Taking advanced classes demonstrates your eagerness
to develop a greater understanding of a subject and your willingness
to take on challenging work.
Courses with the word “law” in their titles are not required.
Don’t feel compelled to take them unless you are interested
in the subject areas that the classes cover.
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Q: I plan to work in business
after graduation. Is there a best major for me?
A: Businesses want employees to have good communication
and interpersonal skills, to possess strong analytical skills,
to think creatively, and to be able to integrate information
from diverse sources. Any major at Northwestern will allow
you to develop these skills.
Some of the majors commonly pursued by Northwestern students
interested in a business career are Economics, Learning and
Organizational Change, Industrial Engineering and Communication
Studies. These majors provide good preparation for a business
career; however, they are not the only avenues to business
school or a career in business.
Most business schools and employers like to see evidence
of skills and interest in areas such as mathematics, computers,
statistics, economics and other social sciences. You can pursue
the major you most enjoy and still have room for a minor,
(such as Economics or the Business Institutions Program),
a certificate program to develop your leadership skills, (such
as the Undergraduate Leadership Program), or specific classes
that demonstrate your aptitude and interest in a particular
area. Review the following webpages for more information:
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Q: How do I decide on a major?
A: Review Your Options
Get a listing of all the majors, concentrations, and degree
programs offered at Northwestern, available at the University
Academic Advising Center (UAAC). On this list, circle majors
that interest you, and cross off majors that don’t.
Gather Information
Pick up information from the UAAC Resource Library on any
majors that appeal to you and review our reference books on
choosing a major. Explore majors on the internet at www.northwestern.edu/academics/programs/majors.html.
Narrow Your Focus
Shorten your list of possible majors to two or three that
interest you the most.
Ask Questions
Speak with faculty members and advisers in your prospective
majors’ departments and schools. Contact information for all
NU departments is available at the UAAC. Consult with other
students in your prospective major. Ask yourself the following
questions for each major that you are considering:
- What subjects will I study?
- What is the disciplinary focus of the major?
- What are the major and related course requirements for
this major? Will I enjoy these courses? Why?
- What classes will be easiest for me? Which ones will be
most challenging? Why?
- What minors or other courses might complement this major?
- Does this major provide an opportunity for internships,
faculty research, and/or experiential learning?
- What skills will this major help me to develop?
- Is graduate school usually required to work in fields
associated with this major?
- What kinds of jobs do students in this major pursue? (Check
out www.stuaff.nwu.edu/ucs/students/majors/firstdest.htm
for a listing of jobs that NU graduates have secured.)
Take a Course
If possible, take introductory courses in the majors you are
considering. Even if you do not choose one of those particular
majors, the introductory courses may count toward distribution
requirements or as related courses in other major programs.
Some majors require that you take an introductory course before
you declare your major.
Make a Decision
Choose a major that best meets your needs and interests. Don’t
be afraid to make a decision. You are likely to succeed in
a major you enjoy because you will commit the time and effort
necessary to be successful.
Unsure of Your Options?
Need more information about the requirements of a major or
how it fits with the classes you have taken? Make an appointment
with one of our academic advisers or stop by during walk-in
hours (Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 2 - 5 p.m.).
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Q: Is there something wrong
with being undecided about my major?
A: The choice of academic concentration is best made
after exploring a range of disciplines in a thoughtful and
deliberate way. Take a wide variety of courses and pursue
as many enrichment opportunities (internships, research experience,
etc.) as possible. Be flexible with your career goals and
be prepared to change your mind. Taking distribution requirements
and a few electives early in college will help you learn what
disciplines you enjoy.
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Q: Is there only one major
that will allow me to reach my career goals?
A: There is no single “right” major for you and there
is no specific “right” major for every career field. Northwestern
has over 65 majors available. Many majors can help you develop
the necessary skills to prepare you for various work environments
or graduate programs.
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Q: Does a liberal arts major
only qualify me for a career in that specific field?
A: A liberal arts education attests to a breadth of
knowledge and enables you to develop critical thinking and
analytical skills that will not become obsolete over time.
It won’t certify you for a specific job. Liberal arts majors
find employment in business, research, education, not-for-profit
organizations, and various other occupations.
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