Bryn Mawr College

How to Declare a Major, Majoring at Haverford, and Double Majoring

How to Declare a Major

When you have decided on a major, make an appointment to see your major adviser. Bring with you a copy of your most recent transcript. You can pick up a copy of the Major Work Plan form in the Dean's Office, although you can also get the form from the major adviser in your department. After you have filled out the form with the major adviser, you should return the white copy of the major work plan to the Dean's Office before or during pre-registration. Leave the yellow one with the major adviser, and keep the pink one for your records.

 

Majoring at Haverford

Soon after spring break, Bryn Mawr sophomores will receive information from the Haverford deans that outlines the procedures for declaring a major at Haverford.

 

If you are debating between the Bryn Mawr and Haverford departments in a particular field, be sure to talk with faculty members and declared majors in each department.

 

Double Majoring

Students interested in more than one field of study often consider double majoring. However, less than 20% of each class actually takes this route. For most double majors, junior and senior years are entirely devoted to courses in the two major subjects, many of them upper-level. If both majors require a year-long senior conference sequence and a substantial thesis, a double major may be especially daunting. A minor or a concentration may offer some of the same advantages as the double major, but with many fewer disadvantages.

Given these challenges, a student who would like to major in two subjects must obtain prior approval from both major advisers as well as her dean. Before you initiate the formal application process, you should meet with major advisers in each department to make sure you understand that department's major requirements, as well as its minor requirements. Discuss the possibility of double majoring. If the two majors are in related fields, find out what the department's policy is regarding double-counting courses towards both majors. The College ordinarily permits up to three such double-counted courses.

If, after meeting with both major advisers, you're still confident that you want to major in both subjects, you should begin the actual application process. The process has three steps:

• Write a brief (1-2 page) statement explaining your reasons for choosing a double major and your plans for completing it.  You should include a discussion of any special circumstances: i.e. JYA, summer courses or research, double counting of courses, and so forth.  You should also discuss any plans you have for graduate school or work after graduation.
• Pick-up a Double Major Work Plan in the Dean's Office, and meet again with each advisor to complete the form.  Return the completed, signed form to the Dean's Office along with your statement, keeping the pink copy for your records.  The Dean's Office will send copies of the completed Double Major Work Plan to both advisors.  The form should be turned in at least one week before Spring Pre-Registration.
• Your Dean will ask each of your advisors for comments supporting your request or raising concerns about it.  If all three are in support, the double major will be approved.  If there is some concern about your plan, the dean will talk with both advisors, inform you of the concerns raised, and give you the opportunity to revise your plan accordingly.  If a double major is not approved, the possibility of a major-minor will be discussed as as alternative.  If you do well as a major-minor, you may re-apply for the double major. 

Note: If one of your proposed majors is at Haverford, you must follow both colleges' sets of procedures.  Haverford requires a GPA of 3.5 for a double major.