So, you’re looking at that massive list of majors at BYU and feeling a bit like you’re trying to read a menu in a language you only half-understand. I get it. Honestly, picking a major at Brigham Young University isn't just about finding a job; it’s about navigating a system that feels uniquely "Provo."
People usually think BYU is just accounting and family life. While those are huge, there’s a weirdly deep variety of stuff you can study, from Animation (which is actually world-class) to Ancient Near Eastern Studies. Basically, if you want to build a robot, analyze a 2,000-year-old scroll, or learn how to manage a five-star resort, there's a spot for you.
The Big Names (and Why They’re Hard to Get Into)
Let’s talk about the Marriott School of Business. It’s the elephant in the room. If you’re eyeing the list of majors at BYU specifically for Business, you’ve gotta know about "Limited Enrollment." It’s not just "click and declare." You usually have to take a set of "pre-core" classes, keep your GPA in the stratosphere, and then apply during your sophomore year.
- Accounting: Consistently ranked in the top three nationally. If you like numbers and don't mind a little stress, this is the golden ticket.
- Finance: Very competitive. Very lucrative.
- Marketing: Great for the creative-but-structured types.
- Experience Design and Management: This one is cool. It’s basically learning how to create "wow" moments for customers in hospitality or events.
Engineering and the Hard Sciences
The Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering is another heavy hitter. You'll find the usual suspects like Mechanical, Civil, and Electrical Engineering. But keep an eye on Manufacturing Engineering. It’s more hands-on and focused on how things actually get built on a factory floor.
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Then there’s the Life Sciences. Exercise Science is actually one of the most popular majors on campus because a ton of students use it as a stepping stone for medical or dental school.
The "Secret" Gems in the Humanities and Arts
Don't sleep on the College of Humanities. If you’re looking at the list of majors at BYU, you might skip over things like Comparative Literature or Linguistics, but BYU is a language powerhouse. Because so many students serve missions and come back speaking anything from Hmong to Portuguese, the language programs are incredibly robust.
The Animation Major
Did you know BYU's animation program has won more "Student Emmys" than almost anyone else? It’s tucked away in the Center for Animation, and it’s arguably harder to get into than the business school. They work on high-end films and games, and recruiters from Pixar and DreamWorks are basically constantly on campus.
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Family, Home, and Social Sciences
This is where you find Psychology, which is massive. Also, Family Life is a classic BYU staple. It’s not just "home ec"; it involves serious research into human development and family dynamics.
How to Actually Choose from the List
It’s easy to get paralyzed by the sheer number of options. Seriously, there are over 180 majors. Here’s a little secret: your major doesn't always dictate your life. I know people who majored in History and now run tech companies.
However, at BYU, you need to watch the "Credit Hour Cap." The university is pretty strict about wanting you to graduate in a reasonable amount of time. If you hit 150 credit hours without a degree, they start asking questions.
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Things Nobody Tells You About the Majors
- Double Majoring is Tough: Because of the heavy General Education (GE) requirements and Religion classes, doubling up can be a nightmare. Most people opt for a Major and a Minor instead.
- The "Pre-Major" Trap: Many students think they are in their major on day one. Nope. You’re often a "Pre-Management" or "Pre-Nursing" student first.
- Advisement Centers are Your Best Friend: Every college (Life Sciences, Fine Arts, etc.) has its own advisement center. Go there. Talk to them. They have the "flight plans" that show exactly which classes to take and when.
Actionable Steps for Future Cougars
If you're staring at the list of majors at BYU and feeling overwhelmed, do this:
- Check the Enrollment Status: Look for the asterisk (*) on the official catalog. That means it’s limited enrollment. If your heart is set on Nursing or Business, you need a Plan B.
- Take a "Major Discovery" Class: Sign up for Student Development 117 (Career Exploration). It’s a low-stakes way to see what fits your personality.
- Audit a Class: If you think you like Political Science, go sit in on a 100-level lecture. Most professors won't mind if you ask nicely.
- Look at the Learning Outcomes: Don't just look at the title. Go to the BYU Catalog and read what you’ll actually know by the time you graduate.
Choosing a major is a big deal, but it’s not permanent. Most students change their mind at least once. Just keep an eye on those prerequisites and don't be afraid to pivot if you realize you actually hate organic chemistry.