Ivy grows on these walls.

About Our Undeclared Major

Many students apply to the University of Vermont as "undeclared" majors -- still unsure where their academic passions lie. At the time students apply to UVM, each is required to choose one of our seven undergraduate schools as an academic base, but, in most cases, a student will not have to select a major until the end of the first or second year at the university.

In all of our undergraduate programs, the curriculum is designed to encourage exploration and to provide exposure to a variety of disciplines during the first two years of study. Particular interests are often discovered during this period.

Students in the process of choosing a major also are encouraged to take advantage of the excellent guidance and support provided by experienced counselors in UVM's Career Services. First semester of the first year is not too early to begin talking to Career Services about academic interests, major selection and related careers. Faculty advisors are another valuable resource to consult in this process.

Changing Majors

It is not at all uncommon for students to change majors at the end of their first or second years at the university. Selecting a different major sometimes involves changing from one undergraduate school or college within the university to another. Provided a student is in good academic standing and that space is available in the new area of study selected, requests for a major change are, in most cases, easily accommodated, even when a school or college change within the university is involved.