Review Areas of Interest, Sample Schedules, and More!
The Center for Academic Advisement and Student Success and First College Year are committed to guiding you toward your educational and career goals. As an entering first-year student, you may feel sure about your future career, or you may be undecided or are debating between two or three majors. To help you explore your options while fulfilling graduation requirements, we have grouped similar programs together into "areas of interest," providing an early path toward a variety of related careers.
The information below is intended to be used as an advisement tool to help you prepare for your first academic advisement appointment at Brooklyn College. By reviewing the information carefully, you are taking the first step toward building an academic plan that’s right for you as well as the best possible schedule for fall 2022.
Pre-Health Professions
Choose this area if you are thinking about becoming a doctor, dentist, pharmacist, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist, or nurse, among other healthcare professions. Like most colleges and universities, Brooklyn College does not offer a "pre-health" major for medicine or similar careers. Instead, students pursue the major of their choice and supplement that with a selection of courses designed to prepare them for postgraduate studies in a professional school. As such, you are encouraged to explore all your options before selecting a major, as any major can complement a pre-health professional track.
Sample schedule (5 classes, 16.5–17 credits)*
- English Composition (e.g., ENGL 1010, 3 credits)
- Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning (e.g., MATH 1011, 3 credits)
- General Chemistry or General Biology (e.g., CHEM 1200 + CHEM 1201, 5 credits, or BIOL 1001, 4.5 credits)
- U.S. Experience in Its Diversity (e.g., POLS 1230, 3 credits)
- An introductory course (e.g., LING 2001 or PSYC 1000, 3 credits)
*Individual schedules may vary depending on math placement, course availability, and schedule constraints.
Natural and Behavioral Sciences
Choose this area if you are thinking about becoming an anthropologist, computer programmer, mathematician, or psychologist, or are interested in a career in laboratory and field sciences spanning the range of biology, chemistry, and environmental science—for example, botanist, chemist, marine biologist, microbiologist, zoologist, etc. The connected nature of science means that courses often have multiple prerequisites. To adequately prepare for advanced courses, it is important to get off to a good start. Your priority in your first year should be to begin introductory courses in the sciences.
Sample schedule (5 classes, 16 credits)*
- English Composition (e.g., ENGL 1010, 3 credits)
- Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning (e.g., MATH 1006, 3 credits)
- Life and Physical Sciences (e.g., ANTH 1200, 3 credits)
- World Cultures & Global Issues (e.g., ANTH 1105, 3 credits)
- An introductory course (e.g., CISC 1115, 4 credits)
*Individual schedules may vary depending on math placement, course availability, and schedule constraints.
Business, Finance, Accounting
Choose this area if you're thinking about a career in accounting, economics, financial management, business law and real estate, consumer and organizational behavior, e-business, international business, human resource management, management, marketing, etc. Brooklyn College has several business degrees that prepare students for a wide range of professional careers. Students can learn how to successfully start and develop a for-profit company or a not-for-profit organization as well as position themselves to pursue further study at the graduate level, with a strong foundation in business.
Sample schedule (5 classes, 16 credits)*
- English Composition (e.g., ENGL 1010, 3 credits)
- Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning (e.g., MATH 1006, 3 credits)
- Individual and Society (e.g., CASD 1707, 3 credits)
- An introductory course (e.g., BUSN 3200, 3 credits)
- An introductory course (e.g., ACCT 2001, 4 credits)
*Individual schedules may vary depending on math placement, course availability, and schedule constraints.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Choose this area if you're interested in studying human life through its literature, conflicts, and philosophy. An education in humanities and social sciences (HSS) is important preparation for a changing world and a shifting economy. Majors in this area include Africana studies, American studies, classics, communication, English, history, modern languages, political science, sociology, and women's and gender studies, among many others. HSS empowers interdisciplinary team-based problem solving, rooted in rigorous disciplinary training. Students build skills in critical thinking, creative expression, data analysis, and the capacity to articulate evidence-based decisions.
Sample schedule (5 classes, 15 credits)*
- English Composition (e.g., ENGL 1010, 3 credits)
- Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning (e.g., MATH 1311, 3 credits)
- World Cultures and Global Issues (e.g., HIST 1101, 3 credits)
- U.S. Experience in Its Diversity (e.g., WGST 1001, 3 credits)
- An introductory course (e.g., SOCY 1101, 3 credits)
*Individual schedules may vary depending on math placement, course availability, and schedule constraints.
Visual, Media, and Performing Arts
Choose this area if you're thinking about becoming an actor, art historian, cinematographer, composer, curator, designer, director, editor, educator, filmmaker, musician, playwright, photographer, songwriter, TV/radio writer, etc. Brooklyn College boasts a rich history of extraordinary faculty (past and current) and alumni. Classes are taught by some of the finest artists and performers in the country. Each department is equipped with top-notch equipment—which students have access to—as well as studio and performance spaces.
Sample schedule (5 classes, 15 credits)*
- English Composition (e.g., ENGL 1010, 3 credits)
- Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning (e.g., CISC 1001, 3 credits)
- Creative Expression (e.g., ARTD 1010, 3 credits)
- Creative Expression (e.g., MUSC 1300, 3 credits)
- An introductory course (e.g., TREM 1165, 3 credits, or FILM 1101, 3 credits)
*Individual schedules may vary depending on math placement, course availability, and schedule constraints.
Education
Choose this area if you're thinking about becoming a pre-K teacher, elementary school teacher, high school teacher, etc. Students learn how children and youth develop in the worlds of family, community, and schools, while embracing the excitement of teaching and learning. Our education faculty are experienced, talented, and deeply caring professionals who can help guide you into the ranks of classroom professionals.
Sample schedule (5 classes, 15 credits)*
- English Composition (e.g., ENGL 1010, 3 credits)
- Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning (e.g., MATH 1006, 3 credits)
- U.S. Experience in Its Diversity (e.g., SEED 1001, 3 credits)
- World Cultures and Global Issues (e.g., CLAS 1110, 3 credits)
- Scientific World (e.g., HNSC 1100, 3 credits)
*Individual schedules may vary depending on math placement, course availability, and schedule constraints.
Undecided
If you're undecided or unsure what major or career you'd like to pursue at this time, that's OK! Your adviser can help guide you and start you on a path that will keep your options open while simultaneously preparing you for advanced courses when you are ready to choose. Starting out undecided can introduce you to classes, professors, and fields that might spark an interest you didn’t know you had. After all, college presents you with opportunities most high schools just can’t: internships, research opportunities, etc.
Before Your First Advisement Session
After you have reviewed the areas of interest, consider the following questions before your first advisement session:
Have you taken any Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or college-level (i.e. College Now) courses while in high school?
If so, it is imperative that you notify your adviser during your advisement session of all such courses and any AP or IB exam results. Even if you don't know your scores yet, you should tell your adviser the subject areas for which you took an AP or IB exam. Your adviser needs this information to recommend appropriate courses and to ensure you don’t unnecessarily repeat any courses you may receive transfer credit for.
Do you have any schedule constraints? Are there any specific days or times that you absolutely cannot come to campus during the fall semester?
Your schedule will be created based on your area of interest, your academic adviser's recommendations, course availability, and your schedule constraints. You will not be able to make any changes to your first-semester schedule. Therefore, it is vital that you communicate to your adviser any restrictions you may have regarding class attendance during your advisement session. For example, these restrictions may include work, family, medical, or religious commitments. However, please note that excessive restrictions may impact your academic momentum and prevent you from getting a desired class.
What is the policy regarding requests for schedule changes?
You will not be able to make any changes to your first-semester schedule. A substantial amount of time and consideration will go into creating your first-semester schedule. An academic adviser will review your area of interest, and course availability, alongside your indicated schedule constraints. Therefore, the schedule you receive will be the best possible schedule based on the information you provided. As such, there can be no changes to your schedule, except in rare cases involving extenuating circumstances.
Are you receiving any financial aid?
Did you fill out a FAFSA? Do you expect to receive financial aid or the New York State Excelsior Scholarship? To maintain financial aid eligibility, students must enroll in 12 or more credits per semester. To maintain the Excelsior Scholarship, students must complete at least 30 credits per year.
Do you want to take a summer class before starting in the fall?
For incoming first-year students, taking a class during the summer II session is a great way to earn additional credits and fulfill prerequisite requirements for your program of study. (This is especially true for STEM students.) It’s never too early to get a head start. If this interests you, tell your academic adviser, or fill out our Summer Classes inquiry form to learn more.
