Academic Choices
Study what you love, so you can love what you do.
As a college student, you probably get asked, “What’s your major?” all the time. When you’re a student at UB, there are so many ways to answer that question.
We offer 140+ undergraduate degree programs, interesting minors and complementary certificates. We have combined degree programs to help you earn higher-level degrees in less time, while micro-credentials equip you with skills that keep you at the leading edge of your field. These offerings are the building blocks of your UB education, and just the beginning of your academic and career path.
Majors & Degrees
Choosing your major is a big decision. It’s important to consider your personal strengths and interests as well as your goals. Ask yourself: What do you want to do, and how can your major help you get there? Your advisor(s) and UB support network are here to help you navigate these questions. And remember, you can always change your major at a later point.
What is a bachelor's degree?
A bachelor’s degree is earned by students who successfully complete a course of study at college or university. To receive a bachelor’s degree, you have to complete at least 120 credits, which takes about four years. At the undergraduate level, students commonly pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS).
What is a major?
An academic major is a field of specialization an undergraduate student completes as part of their total baccalaureate degree requirements, which also includes general education (UB Curriculum) and university requirements.
What is the Special Studies degree program?
The Special Studies degree program at UB enables students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 to design a unique academic path to an undergraduate degree. Special Studies majors are purposeful, coherent programs of study, sponsored and approved by the faculty, and allow students to achieve individualized academic goals.
Visit the Undergraduate Catalog to learn more about programs, courses requirements and academic opportunities.
Minors & Certificates
UB’s minors offer major exposure to modern challenges and allow you to complement your program, explore a subspecialty and broaden your career path. Visit the Undergraduate Degree & Course Catalog to search for a current list of minors.
If you want to master specialized skills related to your studies, consider an undergraduate certificate. Certificates are not degree-granting programs, but enhance baccalaureate degrees. Certificates may only be completed concurrently with a baccalaureate degree.
Combined Degrees
If you know that a master’s degree is in your future, a combined degree program can help you achieve your goal in less time—sometimes in as little as five years. Most programs produce a savings of 9-15 credit hours. Visit the Undergraduate Catalog to learn about combined degree programs.
Micro-Credentials
Smaller than a minor, a certificate or a major, micro-credentials allow students to meet their personalized learning needs by gaining knowledge and skills in areas that are relevant to their academic or professional goals. Students who complete a credit-bearing micro-credential program will receive a notation on their academic transcript as well as a digital badge. Students who complete a non-credit program will receive a digital badge. Visit the Office of Micro-Credentials website to learn more.
UB Curriculum
The UB Curriculum is UB’s innovative, student-centered approach to general education for all students. It makes general education a purposeful program with a beginning and an end, where every step of the journey builds on the last readying you for everything that’s to come.
All undergraduates must take and complete the UB Seminar, Foundations, Pathways and Capstone courses as part of their undergraduate education. Read about the UB Curriculum.