While in high school most of us had few choices about what courses we completed, this is not the case in college. UB offers approximately 100 undergraduate majors and over 60 undergraduate minors. And within programs they all offer some opportunity for electives (some more than others). Options exist for joint majors, double majors and double degree programs. Review the undergraduate catalog for official degree requirement information, descriptive information about faculty, departmental special opportunities and unique features, and career information. If the major you want does not exist, as long as it doesn't require licensing by an agency, you can create it (with faculty approval) through a Special Major. Other options include taking graduate courses for graduate credit or for undergraduate credit, doing research, taking a semester, year, intersession or summer study abroad.
A number of combined bachelors/masters degree programs are available too. These programs allow you to complete both degrees and save a year as you start taking the graduate courses in your senior year. You save money and, if you choose two programs from different disciplines, you can pursue two things you love in less time!
If you do not wish to accelerate your studies, but are interested in subject areas that appear to be diverse and not connected, give serious thought to doing a double major or a major and a minor. Taking this route can allow you to prepare for your future career and pursue your own personal interests at the same time. It gets you past the "I want a degree that will give me a job" mentality to one that encompasses both professional and personal growth based on your interests.
Last updated: June 06, 2008 4:16 pm EST