Students and faculty talk at the Major Minor Fair

Major (and minor) discovery at the ArtSci Major-Minor Fair

Whether you’re curious about a new field of study, wondering what WashU has to offer to satisfy your own academic passions, or looking to pick up an extra major or minor (this is WashU, after all), then be sure to mark your calendar for the Arts & Sciences Major-Minor Fair. On Monday, Sept. 18 from 3:00—4:30pm, the fair will be held in the Gargoyle and Schoenberg Gallery on the lower-level of the Mallinckrodt Center.

Fifty-four tables will be present, representing all the ArtSci majors and minors in addition to second majors and minors in architecture, art, business, and engineering; 3-2 WashU master’s programs; and campus partners like Overseas Programs and the Career Center. The Lock and Chain Sophomore Honorary also will be on hand to provide support and enthusiasm for the event.

The event caters to ArtSci first-year and sophomore students who are exploring a variety of academic interests and pathways. The major decision is an exciting one, and to celebrate it, the event is structured much like the activities fair. It's a chance to meet and chat with members of the ArtSci community and to get excited about the many possibilities offered in Arts & Sciences. While students are not required to declare a major until February of sophomore year, the fair occurs in September, so first-year students can explore their options and sophomores can refine their choices in preparation for declaration.

Along with all the ArtSci majors, students will find minors, some of which are unique to WashU. Matthew DeVoll, an assistant dean in the College of Arts & Sciences and coordinator for this event, says, “We have fantastic new minors starting this year that combine data and technology with humanities and social sciences, including Data Science in the Humanities and the Interdisciplinary Environmental Analysis minors. In addition, we see great new cultural studies minors including Asian-American Studies and Global Film and Media Studies.”

When asked what he hopes students will take away from this event, DeVoll says, “Above all, I hope every student has a conversation with someone at the event that sparks an interest, even if it's not with someone in their eventual major or minor. We treasure the curiosity our students bring, but curiosity can fade unless we make the effort to keep it alive and strong by seeing what else is out there. If nothing else, I hope every student asks at least one table at the fair, ‘Why do you love to do what you do?’

This event is one moment in what is, for each student, an individual journey to find the major and community that feels like the right fit. Consider stopping by the fair at 3:00—4:30pm in the Gargoyle and Schoenberg Gallery, but be sure to explore the majors and minors on the ArtSci website as well — you might just find something you, yourself, will love.