Examine your options

There’s no rush to pick your major at Saint Mary’s College. For the majority of programs, you don’t really decide until the second semester of your sophomore year. This allows you to use your first year to explore your interests and career options, resulting in a better understanding of your unique passions and discovery of your place in the world.

Whether you have four majors you’re choosing between or no idea where to start, you're in the right place. Professors and advisors at Saint Mary’s are here to support and guide you through the process, and we encourage you to discover your own course rather than just follow the norm. Use this time to take different classes, work with advisors, and try out what really interests you. You’ll still graduate on time — and you'll explore a rewarding course of study that will help you develop your gifts and set an exciting path for lifelong learning.

  • 93%of graduates get their degree in 4 years (compared to 38% nationally)
  • 75%of graduates feel current job fits their goals, and fosters their gifts and passions
  • 100%complete a culminating experience from research project, thesis or portfolio

You're not alone

It can feel like an overwhelming decision to pick a major. The trick is to see it as a process. One of exploration, discovery, and development. Here's just a few stories from other Saint Mary's students who took the time to try different courses, talk to others, and engage with professors to find their way to something they love.

Kate McMahon '18

"There was a lot of 'I don't know' until I did know."
— Kate McMahon '18, chemistry

Franny Wall '18

"Looking back it was a good experience."
— Franny Wall ’18, music and psychology

Explore your options at Saint Mary

Consider an Accelerated Masters from Notre Dame

Saint Mary’s College and the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza School of Business have partnered to offer new accelerated bachelors-to-masters programming. For many Saint Mary’s students who meet the criteria for entry, the University will guarantee your advance admission to one of four of its masters programs: nonprofit administration, finance, business management, or accountancy. What's more, you will be able to complete your bachelors and masters with only one additional year of coursework—or fewer. Find out more.

Find your inspiration

We have a well-defined process to help first-year students no matter where you are in your decision-making process. You’ll have a qualified faculty advisor to guide you, curriculum options providing you with a variety of experiences, and the full resources of our career counseling office. Not to mention the hundreds alumnae who are willing to help mentor you along your way. All of this is aimed at uncovering your passions, and developing an education and career path to lead you to a more fulfilling life.

Find and pursue your dreams

When Dreams Become Reality: Saint Mary's College

Morgan Carroll '15 was a communication studies major who always dreamed of living in New York City. She says Saint Mary's faculty helped her push her boundaries and discover more about herself.