Types of Majors

The Barnard Registrar's Office distinguishes between the following types of majors. (Please note that a course graded D will not count toward the requirements in any of the majors.)

The single major

You complete the number of required courses of one major, one that is already approved and listed in the Barnard course catalogue.

The double major

You complete all the coursework for both majors with no overlapping courses, including writing two senior essays (one for each major). This major is indicated on your transcript with an ampersand or a slash, for example: History & Political Science; History / Political Science.

The double major with one integrating senior essay (thesis)

You complete the coursework for both majors with no overlapping courses. You must take the third colloquium and write only one integrating senior essay with an essay sponsor in each of the majors. Both departments must agree on your senior essay grade, including possible Distinction, and your potential Departmental Honors nomination. (Indicated with a plus sign, e.g., History + Political Science). You are still responsible for completing a Capstone poster. 

The combined major

The Committee on Programs and Academic Standing (CPAS) must approve the list of courses for the combined major, unless that particular combination already is listed in the course catalogue, such as a combined major with Human Rights or Jewish Studies or Women's Studies. All others require a list of courses approved by the CPAS. Please discuss the application process with your Class Dean. (Examples are: Jewish Studies - Religion, Pol Sci - Wms Studies.) Both departments must agree on your senior essay grade, including possible Distinction, and your potential Departmental Honors nomination.

The special major

A special major is a major designed by you and not normally offered at Barnard; that is, it is not listed in the course catalogue. A list of courses that satisfy the special major must be approved by the CPAS. Please discuss the application process with your Class Dean. A special major does not necessarily involve more than one department. If it does, both departments must agree on the senior essay grade, including possible Distinction, and potential Departmental Honors nomination. Examples of special majors are Literature & Film, Ethnomusicology, English & Visual Arts, Biophysics, Film Studies.