Virginia Tech's Majors Fair offers opportunity to explore diverse academic paths

Like to design or build things? An engineering major may be a good fit, but so could packaging systems design, architecture, or residential environments and design.

Each of those majors is in a different college at Virginia Tech, and though all have some commonalities, they have a different focus, curriculum, and end goal. The choices can seem overwhelming for students.

Virginia Tech offers more than 100 different majors in a wide range of fields so students can pursue the best choice for their personal academic and career aspirations. The Majors Fair, hosted by Undergraduate Advising and Student Government Association, can help students sift through the diverse options at the university to find their perfect fit or even add a second major.

The fair, hosted in Squires Student Center’s Commonwealth Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 28, will include informational tables for more than 60 majors from various departments and colleges.

“Instead of needing to do a lot of research online, the event creates a one-stop-shop for students to explore their options and learn about some majors they may or may not be familiar with that could pique their interest,” said Kimberly Smith, director of undergraduate advising and university studies. “One of the big benefits of attending the event is that representatives will be around if students have questions about the major or the process to change or add a second major. They get some face-to-face assistance.”

“Choosing a major is a critical part of any college career, and the Majors Fair is one of the best places to personally explore your academic options," said Student Government Association member Anna Pope. "This event allows students to survey all the choices that Virginia Tech has to offer as they begin to shape their undergraduate experience.”

Representatives from all of the undergraduate colleges and most of the university’s majors will be on-site to answer questions. In addition to academic programs, there will be representatives and information about supplemental programs, such as the Global Education Office, Office of Undergraduate Research, the Student Success Center, and Career and Professional Services, among others.

All undergraduate students are welcome to attend. Typically, first-year students drive the most traffic; but Smith said any student who is curious about other majors at Virginia Tech is welcome.

The program is informal, so students can stop by the event as their schedule allows.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Chenayè Blankenship at 540-231-8440 or email chenayeb@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.