University at Buffalo (UB)
Exploring Alternatives
There isn’t just one major that can lead you to your career goals.
Exploring Alternatives is a temporary major assignment for students who have been dismissed from or are not admissible to their desired major. Our advisors are here to support students in making informed and confident decisions about their academic and career goals as they move forward.
Next Steps
- Reflect. Consider why you chose your initial major or career and any realizations of strengths, weaknesses, interests and goals you have discovered on your academic experience thus far.
- Redirect. Your academic planning should be focused on moving forward and toward degree completion. Many majors and minors at UB share aspects of your first-choice program but might be a better fit. An alternative major is simply another way for you to meet your career goals.
- Explore. When choosing a new or alternative major, focus on what you enjoy, where your strengths lie and the transferable skills you’ll gain along the way. Think about how your undergraduate experience will shape your knowledge, skill sets and future opportunities. Remember that you are not limited to just selecting a new major. Students have the opportunity to complete minors, certificates and micro-credentials in addition to their primary program of study. This is also great time to explore outside of the classroom - consider internships, shadowing, and undergraduate research!
- Learn More. If you already have a new major in mind, contact the appropriate advising office for further assistance and information. Need more guidance before making a decision? Meet with your new EPAC Advisor.
Note: Students who meet the admission criteria for a new major are encouraged to complete the Major/Minor Change Request form.
Exploring What’s Next: Academic Planning for Exploring Alternatives Students
Watch this recorded session to reflect, redirect and explore your options as you plan the next steps in your UB journey toward graduation.
Alternative Majors
UB offers over 150 academic programs that can lead you to success in many fields within the world of work or graduate school. If you're not sure where to start, we encourage you to start by exploring related or new majors that best meet your interests, skills and abilities.
- Art
- Art History
- Business Administration*
- Civil Engineering*
- Environmental Design
- Environmental Sustainability
- Media Study
- Urban and Public Policy Studies
Note: * denotes selective admission criteria and/or deadlines.
Transferable skills: attention to detail | collaboration | communication | creative problem solving | design | documentation | marketing | negotiation | planning | project management
Tip: You can pursue a Master of Architecture (M.Arch) without holding a bachelor’s degree in architecture. It usually takes two and a half to three years to complete.
- Biological Sciences*
- Biotechnology*
- Chemistry
- Cognitive Science
- Health and Human Services
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Medical Laboratory Science*
- Neuroscience*
- Nuclear Medicine Technology*
- Pharmaceutical Sciences*
- Pharmacology and Toxicology*
- Psychology
- Public Health
Note: * denotes selective admission criteria and/or deadlines.
Transferable skills: data analysis | experimentation | facility management | laboratory management | record keeping | reporting | research | testing
Tip: Admission to medical, dental, optometry, podiatry, veterinary and chiropractic schools accept a bachelor’s degree in any major. While professional schools want students skilled in science, students are encouraged to pursue a discipline they enjoy. Find more information on health programs on our Prehealth website.
- Art
- Biological Sciences
- Business Administration*
- Chemistry
- Cognitive Science
- Environmental Design
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Studies
- Geographic Information Science
- Geological Sciences
- Mathematics*
- Physics
- Statistics
Note: * denotes selective admission criteria and/or deadlines.
Transferable skills: adaptability | analytical skills | communication | creativity critical thinking | data analysis | execution | innovation | interpersonal skills | leadership | organization | problem-solving | planning | project management | teamwork | technical skills | time management
Tip: Internships, practical hands-on experience, networking and staying on top of the latest trends and tools in your field are key to breaking into an engineering career.
- Communication
- Economics
- Global Affairs
- International Studies
- International Trade
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Urban and Public Policy Studies
Note: * denotes selective admission criteria and/or deadlines.
Transferable skills: analytical thinking | communication | critical thinking | data analysis | decision-making skills | delegation | economics | emotional intelligence | financial management | leadership | managerial skills | marketing | negotiation | problem solving | project management | research and evaluation | strategic planning | team building | time management
Tip: If a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is your goal, you don’t need a business major. Over 70% of UB MBA students majored in other fields.
- Anthropology
- Biological Sciences*
- Business Administration*
- Cognitive Science
- Exercise Science*
- Health and Human Services
- Medical Laboratory Science*
- Nutrition Science*
- Occupational Therapy (BS/MS)*
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Speech and Hearing Science
Note: * denotes selective admission criteria and/or deadlines.
Transferable skills: active listening | adaptability | attention to detail | communication | compassion | computer/technology skills | conflict resolution | critical thinking | empathy | leadership | organization | problem solving | record keeping | time management | training
Tip: If you want to make a difference in healthcare, there are many majors available that provide the skills and knowledge needed to help people.
- Anthropology
- Biological Sciences*
- Biomedical Sciences*
- Business Administration*
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Exercise Science*
- Health and Human Services
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Pharmacology and Toxicology*
- Pharmaceutical Sciences*
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Note: * denotes selective admission criteria and/or deadlines.
Transferable skills: active listening | adaptability | analysis | attention to detail | collaboration | compassion | communication | computer literacy | conflict resolution | critical thinking | empathy | financial literacy | law | leadership | medicine knowledge | problem solving | project management | relationship building | research | strategic thinking | teamwork | time management | writing
Tip: Careers in pharmacy aren’t just for pharmacists. Explore roles like medical sales, clinical research coordination, telehealth coordinator, healthcare management and more.
- Anthropology
- Business Administration*
- Communication
- Economics
- Environmental Studies
- Geography
- Health and Human Services
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Speech and Hearing Science
Note: * denotes selective admission criteria and/or deadlines.
Transferable skills: adaptability | attention to detail | collaboration | communication | community health | critical thinking | data analysis | empathy | interpersonal skills | leadership | organization | planning | problem-solving | report writing | research | systems thinking | teamwork
Tip: You can work in health-related jobs without a background in public health or health professions. Consider roles such as data analysis, project manager, researcher, community outreach worker and healthcare administration.
10 Signs it Might be Time to Switch Majors*
- You chose your major without a lot of thought or information.
- You felt pressured to pursue a certain major (or career) by family, friends or teachers.
- Your heart’s not in it.
- You are not enjoying your courses and find more interest in another field.
- Your current major does not match your strengths.
- You are not performing well in your major classes.
- It’s impacting your relationships and mental health.
- You participated in an internship and didn't like it.
- You spend time thinking, researching and asking about other majors.
- The program may not be worth the investment, particularly if you are denied or dismissed from your current UB major but recognize there are many other UB majors to choose from.
*Adapted from 20 Signs It’s Time to Change Your Major, Colleges of Distinction
Exploring Alternatives is a temporary major assignment.
Remaining in Exploring Alternatives for multiple semesters can impact timely degree completion and financial aid eligibility.
Speak with an EPAC advisor to help you plan a new major by 60 credits completed.