Explore majors at leading U.S. universities, with insights from official U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS) data.
At many U.S. universities, students can explore different subjects before declaring a major, often during their first or second year. However, some programs, such as engineering, nursing, and computer science, require students to apply directly.
Many universities require general education courses across subjects such as the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, allowing students to explore different fields alongside their major requirements.
Students may pursue a double major or add a minor to explore different interests. Changing majors is also possible at many universities, although requirements vary by program.
In the U.S., medical school and law school are generally pursued after a bachelor's degree. Students can choose from a range of undergraduate majors while completing the prerequisites for their intended professional programs.
Eligible international students with qualifying STEM degrees may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after their initial 12-month OPT period, allowing up to 36 months of work authorization in total.
108 U.S. universities · 9,615 bachelor's degree programs · 2024 IPEDS data
Business administration, accounting, marketing, and management. Some universities offer direct admission to their business schools.
Mechanical, electrical, civil, biomedical, and other engineering disciplines. Engineering programs typically follow a structured curriculum, with math and physics courses starting early.
Political science, sociology, anthropology, area and ethnic studies, international relations.
Biology, biochemistry, and neuroscience. Popular choices for students planning to pursue medicine.
Computer science, data science and information science: from algorithms and AI to how people use technology.
Economics and finance, covering economic theory, quantitative analysis, financial markets, and more.
Nursing, public health, kinesiology, and health sciences. In the U.S., becoming a physician generally requires attending medical school after completing undergraduate studies.
Explore how people think and behave through cognitive, social, developmental, and clinical psychology.
History, philosophy, literature, and languages. These fields build critical thinking, research, and writing skills valued in law, public policy, and many other careers.
Journalism, media studies and communication, often with hands-on production work.
Programs that combine fields, such as cognitive science, international studies and nutrition, or a self-designed major.
Music, studio art, theatre, film and design, from conservatory-style programs to liberal-arts study.
Pure and applied mathematics and statistics, often paired with computer science or economics.
Environmental science and studies, food science, animal and plant sciences.
Chemistry, physics, earth sciences and astronomy, with lab work and research from early on.
Teacher preparation and education studies, including programs that lead to teaching certification.
Architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning. Professional licensure requirements vary by field and jurisdiction.
Undergraduate programs in legal studies and related fields. In the U.S., becoming a lawyer generally requires a JD and admission to the bar.
Source: 2024 IPEDS Completions data, U.S. Department of Education, covering 108 U.S. universities in our database. Program names follow the official classifications reported by institutions. Degree counts reflect awards conferred during the reporting year.
