Selecting a Major

First, some perspective:

Remember, you are choosing a major: you are not planning your entire life. In the short term, be aware that more than half of your courses will not be required by your major. In the longer term, be aware that Bryn Mawr graduates in every major go on to have interesting careers in many different fields, some directly related to the subjects they studied, others not. Using the Career Exploration tools selected by Career and Professional Development can help you see how many interesting answers there may be to the question "What are you going to do with that?" 

Questions to ask yourself:

  • What subjects/classes do I enjoy most? And what subjects/classes do I do well in? (Note that these may not be the same!)
  • What types of assignments interest me?  Which ones do I enjoy doing the most?
  • What conversations (in print, online, with peers, elders, and/or younger people) do I want to be part of and contribute to?
  • What topics in current affairs do I care about?
  • What topics could I spend hours learning about?
  • What big questions draw my attention over time?
  • What kinds of scholarship do I admire?

If you haven't already, review majors available at Bryn Mawr and Haverford and choose a handful that focus on topics and approaches that incorporate some of the areas you’ve identified above. Include both those that you have taken courses in and those that you have yet to study. This will give you a chance to think broadly about the types of fields that exist while thinking through which might be a good match for you.

  • Browse through Fields of Study and the major requirements on respective webpages.
  • Attend major information sessions.
  • Set up a one-on-one meeting with a prospective major adviser or two.
  • Set up your Sophomore Plan meeting with your dean to talk through your options.