Choosing a Major

Choosing an academic major can be one of the most impactful decisions that cadets have the opportunity to make at West Point. With so many academic degree programs, including options to double-major or add a minor, the options may feel almost limitless.

Explore department majors and minors Learn more about USMA Admissions

Choosing a Major

Choosing an academic major can be one of the most impactful decisions that cadets have the opportunity to make at West Point. With so many academic degree programs, including options to double-major or add a minor, the options may feel almost limitless.

Explore department majors and minors Learn more about USMA Admissions
https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ea1Gykbnkyw

Selecting a Major

The United States Military Academy's major and minor options allow cadets to explore, discover, and develop their academic interests. With so many academic degree programs, including the option to double-major or add in a minor, the possibilities feel almost limitless. 

Cadets select a major during their plebe year's spring semester. Counselors, faculty, and staff help cadets develop the tools to make smart, informed decisions about their study path. Cadets are offered the opportunity to meet with different faculty members in smaller groups to get a sense of what it means to focus on different areas.

crest logo

“We definitely want cadets to think about what their passion is. We want them to ask themselves: 'What do I really want to study?' We are here to build lifelong learners.”

BG Shane Reeves, 15th Dean of the Academic Board

FAQs About Choosing a Major

Note: Some links may require a West Point password to access the information.

The Red Book identifies the majors and minors available to each class and lists all courses offered during each academic year and term.

Explore the Red Book

Please explore our Curriculum Handbook, also called the Redbook. Part 2 - Disciplinary Offerings describes the learning outcomes for each academic major, and Part 4 - Majors and Minors lists course requirements for each major as well as the minors available to each class.

Our Center for Enhanced Performance (CEP) counselors are available to help you with your selection. Before selecting a major, academic advising is provided by your friendly company academic counselor (CAC) or you can connect with Academic Affairs and Registrar Services (AARS) advisors. Department academic counselors (DACs) sit with each cadet once they narrow their choice to three majors. 

 

Unfortunately, a few majors must cap enrollment due to limited faculty to resource our smaller sections. The majors that establish a cap vary by year. For example, the following majors were capped for the Class of 2024.

  • Kinesiology - Capped at 16
  • Management - Capped at around 60
  • Psychology - Capped at around 60
  • Life Science - Capped at around 40

The criteria for acceptance to a capped major varies, but may include:

  • It is not first come, first served.
  • An essay describing your interest in the major.
  • Data from your first semester to help identify the best candidates for the major.

After you've done all your research and are ready to make a final decision, you must see a Department Academic Counselor or an Academic Affairs and Registrar Services (AARS) advisor so they can enroll you. A company academic counselor and other faculty cannot enroll you. 

Once you've chosen a major, you'll get a schedule for your remaining time on campus. You will know what the next four years will look like, including which courses you will be on track to take each year.

Yes. Granted, some majors require more class time than others (like mechanical engineering, for example). DACs will help guide you if you need to change majors to meet your full potential both on and off campus. 

Department Academic Advisors

After declaring a major, cadets are assigned a Departmental Academic Advisor (DAC) to help them understand the opportunities and requirements necessary to complete their major. 

Interested Cadets

If you have questions about academic majors, contact the Office of the Registrar in Taylor Hall or call (845) 938-5324.

You can also contact: