Choosing & Declaring Your Major
UW–Madison has more than 200 undergraduate majors and certificates to choose from! You don’t have to navigate your choice alone. Academic advisors are here to assist you throughout the process, helping you explore your interests, understand your options, and make confident decisions about your academic path.
The process of choosing and declaring a major can vary, and academic advisors are your best resource for specific questions!
About Majors & Certificates
What is a major and how do I complete one?
A major is a structured set of courses and requirements that allow you to develop deep knowledge in a specific field. Most students explore different options before deciding, and advisors are here to help you find the right fit. Choosing a major helps guide your academic journey and can shape future opportunities, but it doesn’t lock you into a single career path.
The requirements to complete a major vary, but overall you need a minimum of 120 course credits to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from UW-Madison. A typical major requires about 30 to 40 credits in a specific area of study.
What is a certificate and how do I complete one?
A certificate is a focused course of study—typically 15 to 24 required credits—that can help students build skills in a specific subject or across multiple disciplines. They are completed in addition to a major. While certificates can enrich your academic experience, they are optional and not required for graduation.
On this page
UW-Madison Guide
All courses. All degrees. All majors.
Guide is your essential resource for all academic offerings at UW-Madison.
Exploring Majors
Beyond browsing majors in Guide, there are many opportunities on campus to learn about different fields and available majors. Taking time to explore can help you discover what excites you and allow you to make informed decisions about your future.
aCADEMIC ADVISING
Cross College Advising Service (CCAS)
Cross-College Advising Service serves as the hub for information about degree programs in every undergraduate school and college on campus.
CCAS also offers a 1-credit course open to all exploring students in their first year on campus called Belong, Explore, Become: Discovering Your UW Paths!
School or college advising
If you’ve narrowed down your interests to majors in just one school or college, discuss with their academic advisors and decide on the right path for you.
cAREER ADVISING
Career Exploration Center
Sometimes major and career exploration overlap! The CEC offers personalized support to help you explore career options and majors that could help you reach your career goals.
Schedule a meeting with a CEC career advisor for an in-person or remote appointment.
School or college career services offices
If you’ve narrowed down your interests, career offices and advisors within schools and colleges offer tailored resources and one-on-one support to help you explore and choose a major that aligns with your career goals!
eVENTS & cAREER FAIRS
Career & internship fairs
UW-Madison holds multiple career and internship fairs each semester. These are a great opportunity to learn more about career opportunities and which academic path might interest you.
Information about individual career fairs can be found on Handshake!
Campus events
Many offices, schools, and colleges hold workshops or information sessions that can give you more information on their majors and career paths.
Check out the calendar at today.wisc.edu or visit Handshake to search for events that might interest you.
Hands-on Experiences
Experiences are a great way to explore interests, develop practical skills, and make more informed decisions about your major. Talk to an advisor about how you could use one or more of the following options as a major exploration tool.
Declaring a Major
Declaring a major is a big decision! Some students know their intended major right away, and others take some time to figure it out—both are totally normal. The process and timeline of declaring a major at UW-Madison looks different depending on the program and major you choose.
How to declare a major
The steps to declare depend on the major you choose. You might need to apply and be admitted to the school or college that offers it, or to the major itself. Some majors require you to meet with an academic advisor first, complete specific courses, or submit a formal application or declaration form. Each major has its own process, so be sure to check the “How to Get In” section of each major’s page in Guide.
Since requirements can vary, meet with your academic advisor to ensure you have the information you need!
Frequently asked questions
This can depend on the major you choose, but many students spend the first several semesters taking classes that satisfy general education requirements, while deciding on a major to declare.
Generally, you must declare a major or be admitted to a program by the time you earn 86 credits—typically by the end of junior year.
Some majors require you to declare earlier or even apply directly to a program during your overall admission application to UW-Madison. Meeting with an academic advisor is the best way to ensure you are on the right path for the major you want to pursue.
Yes! Changing your mind is a normal part of exploring your interests and finding the right academic path. You can often un-declare as easily as you declare, but it’s a good idea to meet with an academic advisor if you decide you want to change your major at any point.
There’s no official limit to how many majors you can declare—aside from how much time you’re willing to spend in college. However, there are limitations to the majors that can be combined from different schools and colleges.
If you’re thinking about pursuing multiple majors, meet with an academic advisor early to make sure your plan is possible and aligns with your academic goals.
Declaring your major isn’t just a formality—it unlocks a range of exciting opportunities that can enrich your academic experience and help you plan for the future. Once you declare a major, you’ll gain access to:
- An assigned major academic advisor who specializes in your field/major
- Eligibility for major-specific scholarships
- Networking opportunities with other students, alumni, and professionals
- Information on things like internships, workshops, events, research, study abroad, and other opportunities for students in your major