Joint Major

Two passions, one degree.

A joint major is a great option for students who want to explore two academic interests—without taking on a full double major. You’ll combine coursework from two majors that lead to the same degree type (BA, BS or BFA), creating an integrated path that reflects your interests.

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Why consider a joint major?

  • You’ll dive into two subjects you care about—without the intensity of a double major.
  • It’s a great way to create a more interdisciplinary degree that reflects how problems are tackled in the real world.
  • It may open up more options after graduation, whether you're heading to grad school or into the workforce.

What’s the difference between a joint major and a double major?

A double major means completing all the requirements for both majors.
A joint major blends the two—so you don’t duplicate coursework and don’t have to meet every individual requirement from each program.

  • Fewer total credits than a double major
  • One degree that reflects both areas of study
  • One diploma, with your joint major noted on your transcript

How it works

  • You’ll work closely with the directors of undergraduate studies from each department to build your plan.
  • The two departments collaborate to decide how the requirements will be combined.
  • Once approved, your customized plan becomes your official joint major.
  • In some cases, it’s possible to include more than two departments in a joint program.

Heads up: If you're trying to combine majors that lead to different degree types (like a BA and a BS), you’ll need to pursue a Special Major instead.

Is a joint major right for you?

Start by chatting with the directors of undergraduate studies in both departments you're interested in. They’ll help you figure out if a joint major makes sense and walk you through the next steps.

UB offers several combined bachelor’s and master’s programs if you're looking to keep the momentum going. Explore combined degree programs