Pre-Major Learning Communities

Pre-major learning communities are a set of programs designed to help you explore the link between your interests and experiences and academic opportunities at SUNY Cortland. A learning community consists of two to four content courses that address common themes. You will get to know the students in the classes and work with highly motivated faculty. As a Pre-Major student, you have the opportunity to select a learning community for the first semester only and have all the resources and support from Advisement and Transition. 

Learning communities lead to greater student satisfaction and success in the first year of college by helping you connect with faculty, learn about the campus, and collaborate with other students.

The fall 2024 learning communities for Pre-Majors include:

Earth and Environment

You should consider this program if you are interested in the earth sciences or the environment.  Earth and Environment provides a unique opportunity for you to explore the earth and environmental sciences by taking classes and labs as a group. Classes are small and students and faculty work together.  This is our most long-standing learning community!  All the classes satisfy Cortland General Education requirements. 
COR 101: The Cortland Experience
ENS 100: Introduction to Environmental Science
GLY 261: Physical Geology

Happiness and Society

This community is a great introduction to philosophy and the major questions of human life. We will provide you with an opportunity to study philosophical and ethical issues of significance to contemporary society such as democracy, justice, friendship, and the family. The classes will help you think, read, and write critically - skills beneficial for all future courses in all disciplines. 
COR 101: The Cortland Experience
PHI 100: Introduction to Philosophy
PHI 201: Ancient Social Philosophy

Philosophy and Education

This learning community allows you to consider foundational principles of education, basic approaches to ethics and the connections between them. If you are interested in, but perhaps unsure, about a career in teaching, you will gain insights that will help you make an informed decision. All the classes satisfy both Cortland specific and General Education requirements.
COR 101: The Cortland Experience
FSA 250: Foundations of Peace Education
PHI 135: Introduction to Ethics

World First

World First brings together students and faculty who are concerned about global issues such as racism and multiculturalism, human rights, international violence, and global economic structures, including inequality and poverty. You will explore past causes of, and future solutions to, the global issues and problems facing our world. World First is great if you have an interest in international issues, travel, world cultures and ethnic groups or working in international settings. All classes satisfy both Cortland specific and General Education requirements. 
COR 101: The Cortland Experience
IST 100: Culture through Film
HIS 101: The World Since 1500
ANT 102: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

For additional information please call Advisement and Transition at 607-753-4726.