Undeclared/Pre-major Major

Not ready to declare a major? You’re not alone. Twenty percent of new students enroll at SUNY Cortland as pre-majors. You’ll find advisors and professional staff who will guide you on the journey toward finding the major that ignites your passion.

Strategies for the Pre-Major Student

  • Take additional time to explore major options
  • Continue to make progress toward your degree while completing General Education requirements
  • Participate in pre-major Learning Communities that connect you with faculty and allow collaboration with other students
  • Work with Career Services to gain a better sense of your interests, abilities and values

Campus Resources

Students working together at the "charge bar" in Bowers Hall

  • Advisement and Transition provides academic and career guidance
  • Career Services offers career counseling, workshops, mock interviews and internships
  • ADV 200: Major and Career Exploration course

Learning Communities

  • Communities consist of two-four linked courses.
  • Explore the link between your interests, experiences and academic opportunities when you take classes that address common themes with the same group of students.
  • Topics range from the environment, education, peace and justice to human behavior, society and world cultures.
  • Experience greater satisfaction and success in your first year of college.
  • Learn more about Learning Communities

Next Steps

Contact Us

Advisement and Transition
Office: Memorial Library, Room A-111
Phone: 607-753-4726
Fax: 607-753-5593

Facebook: facebook.com/
SunyCortlandAdvisementAndTransition

Twitter: @CortlandAdvise

Fast Facts

  • Largest incoming major
  • Work one-on-one with professional advisors who can help you explore
  • Pre-majors are accepted based on the same general admissions requirements

“The pre-major provides you with enough resources to narrow in on your prospective career path while working with great advisors that help you find your way.”

– Angela DiGrazia, communication studies major

Excellence

We recognize excellence in our students with awards and scholarships.

  • Scholarships are awarded to high achieving students in select learning communities
  • Pre-major students go on to successfully graduate in four years

See all scholarship opportunities