Through study in depth, students learn the modes of inquiry of an academic discipline, develop the insight to make informed judgments among conflicting methods and interpretations, and acquire the ability to make connections among different disciplines. Study in depth is achieved by the completion of a major.
Majors consist of 32 or more credits — minimum of eight courses — and include at least one writing-intensive course, a course that has a significant oral presentation, and a capstone course, where students review, apply, and demonstrate their mastery of concepts or approaches learned in earlier major courses. Writing-intensive classes are designated by a “W” in the course number; oral presentation and capstone courses within the major are listed at the end of the major requirement list. Minors generally consist of five courses or 20 credits.
Majors
The following majors have been approved by the faculty:
- Allied Health Studies
- American Studies
- Anthropology and Sociology
- Applied Sustainability
- Art and Art History
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Biology
- Business Analytics
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Creative Writing
- Cybersecurity
- Dance
- East Asian Studies
- Economics
- Educational Studies
- English
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Forensic Chemistry
- French
- German
- Health and Physical Education
- Health and Society
- History
- International Relations
- Kinesiology and Exercise Science
- Mathematics
- Marine Science
- Marketing
- Media and Communication Studies
- Music
- Music Technology
- Neuroscience
- Performing and Visual Arts Design and Technology
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Politics
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Religious Studies
- Spanish
- Sports Management
-
Statistics
- Theater
Student-Initiated Majors
Students who complete the first year and whose major interests span two or more recognized academic fields, if they have a cumulative B average (3.0 or above), may arrange a specialized major which combines these two fields, such as biophysics, biopsychology, chemical biology or comparative literature.
In order to set up such a specialized major, the student and the appropriate department heads, in consultation with other department members, must draw up a written statement of all courses and additional major requirements, which may include a comprehensive or an oral exam by members of both departments at the end of the program of studies. The proposal must identify the courses that will satisfy the College’s requirements for intensive writing, oral presentation, and capstone experience. This proposed course of studies must then be submitted to the Provost, whose approval is needed. Upon successful completion of the major requirements so specified, the student will graduate in the subject field specified on the program proposal.
Minors
Students have the opportunity to develop a secondary academic specialty by developing a minor concentration.
The following minor concentrations have been approved by the faculty:
- Accounting
- African American and Africana Studies
- American Studies
- Animal Behavior
- Anthropology
- Applied Ethics
- Applied Sustainability
- Art History
- Artificial Intelligence
- Biodiversity & Wildlife Conservation
- Biology
- Biostatistics
- Chemistry
- Chinese
- Classical Studies
- Climate Change
- Coaching
- Comparative Literature and Global Literatures
- Computational Biology
- Computer Science
- Creative Writing
- Criminal Justice Studies
- Dance
- Data Analytics
- Digital Studies
- Disability Studies
- Earth and Environmental Science
- East Asian Studies
- Economics
- Educational Studies
- English
- Entrepreneurial Studies
- Environmental Justice
- Film Studies
- Finance
- Food Studies
- French
- Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies
- German
- Graphic Design
- Health and Society
- Health Science
- History
- International Relations
- Japanese
- Latin
- Latin American Studies
- Legal Studies
- Management Studies
- Marine Science
- Mathematics
- Media and Communication Studies
- Museum Studies
- Music
- Music Technology
- Native American and Indigenous Studies
- Neuroscience
- Peace and Social Justice Studies
- Performing and Visual Arts Design and Technology
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Politics
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Science and the Common Good
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Statistics
- Studio Art
- Theater
Students who have interests spanning more than one department may design individual minors in consultation with the chairpersons of the involved departments.
CERTIFICATES
A certificate offers specialized, focused curriculum with practical career readiness skills including demonstrated competencies for career entry or advancement, in a shorter timeframe than a degree or a minor. A certificate is awarded with the degree and comprises three to four classes or 12–16 credits. Credits earned within a certificate could also be transferable to a degree program and/or lead to a minor. Academic certificates at the undergraduate level may only be awarded simultaneously with a baccalaureate degree. Completion of an academic certificate will be noted on students’ transcripts.
Additional Opportunities
In addition, students may participate in other academic/advising programs that provide opportunities outside of the classroom and that may also include some coursework. These opportunities include:
- Research at Ursinus during the academic year or summer
- Research at other institutions
- Internships
- Co-ops
- Study abroad
- Washington Internship Initiative
- Howard Semester Program
- Pre-professional programs