UW-Madison has more than 150 majors to choose from, and many ways to explore your options! You can dig into information online, check out campus events and opportunities that pique your interest, and chat with academic and career advisors. They’re here to support you every step of the way as you figure things out.
Explore UW-Madison Majors and Certificates
Use the UW-Madison’s Guide to view a list of majors and certificates that you can filter by your interests. When you click on a major or certificate, you’ll first see an “Overview.” Read that carefully to see if the major interests you. If it does, use the other links on the right side of the page to learn more.
Or, explore majors and certificates by interest area:
Think About the Bigger Picture
Remember, majors are just one piece of your college experience! They are also just one of many things that employers and graduate programs care about. Reflect on how your major(s) will fit with the other important aspects of your Wisconsin experience.
Here are a few ways to build your skills and explore your interests:
- Get involved with a club or student organization.
- Make a difference and gain valuable experience through volunteering.
- Build your skills with jobs and internships.
- Expand your horizons by studying abroad.
FAQs
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How do I pick classes for next semester when I don't know my major?
We encourage you to pick classes that spark your interest, which is a great way to check out different subjects – and fulfill requirements along the way. It’s also important to keep in mind prerequisites for the majors you’re considering. We recommend you make an appointment with your academic advisor to help make sure you’re staying on track.
Where can I get information about UW-Madison majors and certificates?
Check out the Guide for information about every major and certificate at UW-Madison:
- From the homepage, under “What Do You Want to Study?” click on “Undergraduate Study,” then click “Majors.”
- From there, you can explore majors within your interest areas. When you click on a major, you’ll first see the “Overview.” Read that carefully to see if the major interests you. If it does, then you can click on the other links on the right side of the page for more information.
- Pro tip: read the course descriptions for every major you’re interested in! Click on “Requirements,” then “Requirements for the Major.” This will help you decide if that major is truly interesting to you.
- We also encourage you to set up an appointment with a CEC career advisor to talk through your interests and options.
I have too many ideas for majors. How can I narrow down my choices?
The more you know about a major, the better you’ll be able to determine whether it’s a good fit for you. Try to learn as much as you can about the majors you’re interested in:
- Read about them in the Guide
- Talk to an advisor in the major to find out more. In the Guide, under the “Advising and Careers” tab for each major, you will find information about setting up an advising appointment. Many programs also offer drop-in advising or information sessions where you can ask questions about the major.
- Talk to other students in the major. Try to find out what they like (and maybe don’t like as much) about the major.
- Take an introductory course in the major, if possible.
- Consider things such as: what prerequisites or core classes are required, and do I want to take those classes? What are the problems and solutions this major considers, and how interested am I in delving into those? What kind of research opportunities does this major offer?
Talking over your interests with a caring career professional can help you gain more clarity about your choices. Learn how to make an appointment with a CEC career advisor.
I applied to or intend to apply to a limited enrollment program. What should I do if I don’t get accepted?
It’s always wise to have a parallel plan in case you don’t get into, or you decide against, your intended major. Please make an appointment with your academic advisor and/or a CEC career advisor to talk through your interests and goals, and to discover which other major(s) may be right for you. In the meantime, check out other possibilities through the Guide.
What kind of jobs can I get with the major I’m considering?
That’s a complex question with many possible answers! Many careers don’t require a specific major, and most majors don’t equal one specific career. Most majors can lead to a wide variety of careers. We encourage you to make an appointment with a CEC career advisor to find out more.
Can I double-major or add a certificate?
Yes! Many students choose to double major or earn a certificate (or two). This is a great way to broaden your knowledge and skills, explore another area of interest, and potentially open up even more career paths. Work with the Career Exploration Center as well as your academic advisor to discuss the possibilities.
