Advice on Selecting a Major

In choosing a major for your junior and senior year, you are making a commitment to an intellectual project. This is a very important step in your education. The core curriculum that occupies most of the first two years in the School of Foreign Service lays a broad foundation in international affairs which is shared by all of your fellow students. During your junior and senior years, however, the center of gravity shifts from the curriculum as a shared experience to your own initiative as a man or woman of ideas. In choosing a major, you are identifying a set of issues and problems that you think are worth exploring in-depth over a two-year period. How much you learn and mature intellectually will tend to reflect the degree of curiosity and commitment you bring to the field.

Some students (and their parents) view the choice of a major as a pre-professional choice. People tend to think that a major in economics leads to a business career and one in international politics leads to law. Evidence, however, suggests that this is not really the case. In keeping with the School?s commitment to liberal arts, all SFS majors are designed to equip you with an array of skills that will prove useful in a wide range of careers.

Students declare their choice of major during the second year. During the month of October, the Dean?s Office sponsors a series of meetings to introduce students to the majors offered by the school and faculty members who play a prominent part in each field of study.  Question and answer sessions with faculty members are scheduled during Parents' Weekend. In addition, Deans are happy to meet with students on an individual basis throughout the year

Students who are interested in gaining maximum benefit from their four years may wish to participate in the SFS Faculty Mentor program.  This program was developed to encourage and create meaningful relationships between students and faculty.  It offers students the opportunity to plan ahead and reflect on their experience at Georgetown with a knowledgeable academic mentor.

As you select your major, remember that there are no bad choices as long as you select the program that is right for you. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore your interests and enjoy yourself along the way.