Majors & Minors | Undergraduate Admission

CWRU student studying in the library

Explore your interests.

With nearly 100 majors, minors and concentrations across a range of disciplines, you can specialize in practically anything, from accounting to world literature and everything in between.

Browse the list below or filter by area of interest, degree type or school to learn more about the academic options available to you at CWRU. Want to know more about studying at Case Western Reserve? See our areas of study.

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Major & Minors

Accounting

Enhance your critical-thinking, quantitative-analysis and decision-making skills as you prepare for a career as a CPA—or any number of opportunities.

Aerospace Engineering

Launch your career in aircraft and spacecraft development by gaining a solid background in mathematics, science and engineering.

Africana Studies

Seek to understand the historical and contemporary African and African diasporic experience by studying a range of disciplines, including religion, politics, literature, and social and behavioral science.

Ancient Near Eastern and Egyptian Studies

The core of the Ancient Near Eastern and Egyptian Studies major is the study of the history, culture, languages, and literatures of the Ancient Near East and Egypt until the end of the ancient world.

Anthropology

Understand the connections between human behavior, institutions and biology as you prepare for a wide range of careers—from health to public service.

BA | MA | MA/Medicine, MD | MA/Nursing, MSN | MA/Public Health, MPH | Minor | PhD | PhD/Medicine, MD | PhD/Public Health, MPH

Applied Data Science

Explore data science with associated approaches to statistical and machine learning and artificial intelligence that will prepare you to excel in the field.

Graduate Certificate | Minor

Applied Mathematics

Through the power of mathematics, you can create models that allow you to analyze and help solve real-world problems across a wide range of fields.

Art History

Take classes in one of the United States' major art museums. Surround yourself with collections from different cultures as you develop or hone your expertise.

BA | MA | Minor | PhD

Art Studio

Develop and nurture your creativity, critical eye and talent through hands-on work under the instruction of experienced artists and teachers.

Artificial Intelligence

The future is smart—be part of it by learning AI programming and theory, and choose your specialization to study AI’s role in engineering or cognition.

Asian Studies

Study the global and regional impact of Asian cultures as you explore the intricacies of their social, cultural and political perspectives.

Astronomy

The engaged faculty who lead our astronomy programs are committed to getting all students active in research on topics ranging from galaxy formations to telescope design.

BA | BS | Minor | PhD

Biochemistry

Discover how biology and chemistry intersect as you become a highly trained scientist who can have a major impact on solving public health issues.

BA | BS | Minor | MS | MS/Business Administration | MBA | MS/Law, JD | MS/Patent Practice, MA | PhD

Bioethics and Medical Humanities

Study and debate important, cutting-edge ethical issues, such as how to conduct biomedical research and the delivery of health care. You'll learn how to navigate an increasingly complex biomedical environment by studying literature, history and philosophy.

MA | MA/Genetic Counseling, MS | MA/Law, JD | MA/Medicine, MD | MA/Nursing, MSN | MA/Public Health, MPH | MA/Social Work, MSW | Minor

Biology

Through partnerships across campus, Cleveland and beyond, you’ll study and conduct hands-on research on anything from animal behavior to plant biotechnology.

BA | BS | Minor | MS | PhD

Biomedical Engineering

Gain knowledge or advance your career in biomedical engineering. Combine medicine and engineering to bring innovative technologies, devices, and therapies to market that save and enhance lives worldwide.

BSE | Minor | MS | MS/Medicine, MD | PhD

Biomolecular Engineering

Convert molecular-level knowledge of biological phenomena into potentially useful biochemical and chemical products and processes derived from living cells or their components.

Business / Management

Gain competency in all facets of business and use it to make a difference in society. Hone your skills in leadership, assessing business risk, strategic planning and more.

Business Information Technology

Gain competence in programming for business applications, as well as a deeper understanding of select business processes and related information systems.

Chemical Biology

How can chemistry solve biological questions? In our program, you'll study small molecules to understand the fundamental aspects of living systems.

Chemical Engineering

Discover different ways to transform raw materials into useful products and energy through processes that affect engineering—from the atomic level to mega-scale manufacturing.

BSE | Minor | MS | PhD

Chemistry

Get ready to solve today's problems as a chemist—or in one of many related careers. Here, we cover everything from biochem to interstellar chemistry.

BA | BS | Minor | MS | PhD

Childhood Studies

Study life stages from infancy through adolescence with focuses on child policy, parenting, gender, and the place of children in society and culture.

Chinese

Immerse yourself in Chinese language, literature and culture as you develop skills that can be applied to government, business and academic fields.

Civil Engineering

Build your future through classes on the planning, design and construction of everything from transportation systems to land-reclamation projects.

BSE | Minor | MS | PhD

Classics

Using approaches ranging from anthropological to philosophical, you'll gain knowledge in the languages and literature of ancient Greece and Rome.

Cognitive Science

As you study the brain and mind, you'll not only learn the core disciplines of cognitive science, but also the impact of arts and humanities on individuals.

Communication for Health Professionals

Complement your health studies with theoretical and practical communication courses that you can apply across the spectrum of health professions.

Communication Sciences

See how you can help individuals with hearing, speech, language and learning difficulties by studying disorders, psychology, linguistics and more.

BA | MA | Minor | PhD

Computer Engineering

You can create the next big thing in tech with the right know-how and hands-on experience to analyze, evaluate, design and implement your idea.

BSE | Minor | MS | PhD

Computer Gaming

Love playing games? Now you can make a career out of it. Get hands-on instruction and learn about every aspect of creating games for global audiences.

Computer Science

Develop new techniques and technologies that will change the world. Here, you can study anything from software engineering to artificial intelligence.

BA | BS | Minor | MS | PhD

Creative Writing

Find yourself as a writer through a rigorous, creative curriculum that will prepare you for a career as a poet, novelist, journalist, editor and more.

Dance

Whether dance is a hobby or your future career, we provide the highest caliber of education and training across styles ranging from ballet to modern.

Data Science and Analytics

Big data is the future; discover how you can analyze realms of information to make informed decisions that can change your field—and beyond.

Economics

Through our personalized program, you'll learn how public policy and market forces interact to affect your future profession and the world.

Electrical Engineering

Study signal processing, computation and more in a curriculum that encourages you to combine your talent for design with your problem-solving ability.

BSE | Minor | MS | PhD

Electrochemical Engineering

Focus on the fundamentals of engineering design processes that are widely used and critically important, as well as equipment associated with reactions involving charge transfer.

Electronics

Turn your math and physics skills into solutions for technical problems with this hands-on curriculum that gives you an extra area of specialization.

Engineering

Reach your full potential as an engineer at a research university that provides a unique, challenging education in the classroom and beyond.

Engineering Physics

Have a strong interest in physics and engineering? Here, you can study both. Our curriculum prepares you for a career in the industry of your choice.

English

From classic literature to graphic novels, specialize your studies to spur your intellectual curiosity, analytical dexterity and creative thinking skills.

BA | MA | Minor | PhD

Entrepreneurship

From launching a startup to running your own business, our curriculum will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to thrive as an entrepreneurial leader.

Environmental Engineering

Learn to design, construct and maintain systems and structures in the delivery of clean water, removal of hazardous wastes and mediation of global warming.

Environmental Geology

Our program combines geological, basic and applied sciences to provide you with a deep understanding of environmental problems and employable skills.

Environmental Nutrition

Develop a foundational knowledge of the interplay between nutritional and food sciences, environmental issues, and food systems sustainability and health.

Environmental Studies

This multidisciplinary program rounds out your education and skills, diving into the moral, cultural and political dimensions of environmental issues.

Ethics

Through the study of ethical theory and moral issues, you'll gain a heightened awareness of today's world and grow your critical-thinking skills.

Ethnic Studies

Challenge yourself to think critically and better understand the interactions of race, class, gender, and sexuality across a range of social groups.

Evolutionary Biology

Discover the history of life on Earth, understand evolutionary processes and prepare for a career in a range of fields, from agriculture to medicine.

Film

Study the history of film and its impact on popular culture as you discover how to turn a passion for movies and screenwriting into a career.

Finance

As a finance student, you'll not only learn about key management principles but also financial markets, valuation, modeling and other quantitative skills.

FinTech

Acquire a strong grounding in finance, financial big data analytics and programming, with an emphasis on newer technologies such as artificial intelligence, cryptocurrencies and blockchain.

French

Master French language skills while studying literature, film and the arts, and grow your appreciation for the diversity of Francophone cultures.

BA | MA | Minor

French and Francophone Studies

Designed to develop cross-cultural awareness and understanding, this program gives you flexibility to study all aspects of French/Francophone culture.

Geological Sciences

Obtain a solid background in earth sciences and hone the research and critical-thinking skills you need to ask—and answer—questions about the world.

BA | BS | Minor | MS | PhD

German

Become a master of German language, literature and culture as you develop skills that can be applied to a variety of fields in today's global economy.

Gerontological Studies

Integrating research and theory, this multidisciplinary program allows you to study the social and professional effects of our aging population.

Healthcare Management

Build a holistic management approach that covers marketing, finance, lean operations, analytics and business strategy, while focusing on the specifics of healthcare as a business.

MHcM | MHcM/Public Health, MPH, Concentration

History

Learn to grapple with today's issues by developing a deeper understanding of the past. A degree in history can prepare you for a multitude of careers.

BA | MA | MA/Law, JD | Minor | PhD

History and Philosophy of Science

Explore the nature and historical development of science and related disciplines (technology, medicine and mathematics) through a humanistic lens.

International Business

Strengthen your global competencies and your understanding of foreign culture and business.

International Studies

Develop expertise in a region of the world—including its languages and issues—and gain a better understanding of global dynamics and complexities.

Italian

Study Italian language at all levels while immersing yourself in the literature and culture—potentially through a study abroad experience.

Japanese

Develop the ability to understand, speak, read, and write in Japanese as you build your appreciation of the culture, including literature, film, and theatre.

Japanese Studies

Grow your understanding of Japanese language and culture as you study everything from literature to religion, history to art.

Judaic Studies

Discover Judaic history, religion and culture through a program that conveys the complex experiences comprising Jewish ethnic and religious identity.

Leadership

Gain an in-depth knowledge of the fundamental skills of leading people in organizations through theory, introspection, self-development, experimental learning, teamwork and practice.

Marketing

Build a solid business background and develop skills in marketing strategy, brand management and more to prepare for a career in marketing and sales.

Materials Science and Engineering

Study how the physics and chemistry of matter play into industrial and engineering processes—plus gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities.

BSE | Minor | MS | PhD

Mathematics

Math plays a key role in the physical, biological, economic and social sciences. Prepare for a career across fields by honing your skills in math and statistics.

BA | BS | Minor | MS | PhD

Mathematics and Physics

Experience a synergistic, coherent and parallel education in mathematics and physics in a program that combines the cores of both disciplines.

Mechanical Design and Manufacturing

Interested in manufacturing practices, processes and design? Explore production-related areas of engineering fields.

Mechanical Engineering

Master the fundamentals of chemistry, physics and mathematics while learning methods of modern experimental engineering analysis and data acquisition.

Music

Hone your musical skills and knowledge through an experience that gives you a wide range of opportunities for musical study and participation. This program requires audition.

Music Education

Want to use your musical skills to teach others? Pursue a fully accredited curriculum that develops your abilities for musical instruction.

Natural Sciences

Build your understanding of the natural world through an interdisciplinary education that develops a broad background in the sciences.

Neuroscience

Attain higher education in modern neuroscience through our comprehensive curriculum and highly interactive academic environment.

Nursing

Discover a rich academic experience that combines nursing theory with hands-on learning and leadership development in real-world health care settings.

BSN | MN | MSN | MSN/Nursing Practice, DNP | MSN/Nursing, PhD | MSN/Public Health, MPH | Post-Graduate Certification | PhD

Nutrition

From dietetics to public health, our nutrition curriculum encompasses a variety of topics—including metabolism and metabolomics—to prepare you for the career path you choose.

BA | BS | Minor | MS | MS/Medicine, MD | MS/Public Health, MPH | PhD

Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism

Our program allows you to study nutrients and metabolic functions to prepare for a future in nutrition, metabolic research or another health field.

Origins Sciences

Work across disciplines to question and discover the origin and evolution of simple and complex systems—from the big bang to the human mind.

Philosophy

Build your analytical, critical thinking and communication skills in a program that shows how philosophy relates to math, science, the arts and more.

Photography

Develop your formal, conceptual and technical skills in photographic image making, processing and manipulation.

Physics

Through theoretical and experimental work, you’ll study areas spanning the design and development of new materials to the workings of the universe.

BA | BS | Minor | MS | PhD

Political Science

Explore political behavior, government institutions, international relations, finance, policy-making, protest and revolution and more in our programs.

BA | MA | MA/Law, JD | Minor | PhD

Polymer Science and Engineering

Study the development of polymeric materials and the application of structure-property relationships as you prepare for a career or further education.

Pre-Architecture

Explore the forms, history and functions of architecture while gaining studio skills and practical knowledge from learning outside of the classroom.

Psychology

Our program provides a well-rounded background in all aspects of the human experience—from brain functions to neuron actions, from child development to care for the aged.

BA | MA | Minor | PhD

Public Health

Help support healthy people and thriving communities while gaining an understanding of the history, policy and science of health. You'll benefit from departmental and institutional collaborations like the Center for Global Health and Diseases.

MS | Graduate Certificate | Minor | MPH | MPH/Law, JD | MPH/Medicine, MD | MPH/Social Work, MSW

Public Policy

In our program, you’ll analyze the equity, efficiency and practicality of proposed policies—and generate alternatives that could impact politics.

Quantitative Methods

Learn various techniques for operating with structured numerical or unstructured text data, which help drive innovative quantitative methods for business and research.

BA | Concentration

Religious Studies

Explore and interpret beliefs, ideas, texts, practices and institutions from a range of scholarly perspectives to understand religion’s role in life.

BA | MA | Minor

Russian

This program offers Russian language courses—from beginning to advanced—as well as literature in translation to help you master your skills.

Social Justice

Prepare to address inequities by studying everything from the history of social justice work to appropriate individual and collective remedies.

Social Work

Our groundbreaking curriculum paired with personalized instruction will elevate your understanding of social work practice, theory and research.

Minor | MSW | MSW/Law, JD

Sociology

Study human interaction, the variation in human social organizations and the impact of both on the existence of the individual.

BA | MA | Minor | PhD

Spanish

Immerse yourself in Spanish language, literature and culture as you develop skills that can be applied to all government, business and academic fields.

Sports Medicine

Interested in preventing and treating sports injuries? Through our clinical and field experiences, you'll work closely with top-tier health care pros.

Sports Nutrition

Study everything from exercise physiology to energy dysregulation in order to earn a specialty in sports nutrition.

Statistics

Start a career or advance your education in this rapidly changing field as technology continues to provide us with opportunities to understand uncertainty and probability.

BA | BS | Minor | MS

Supply Chain Management

In our program—the first in the U.S.—you’ll study production, transportation, distribution and other logistics companies use to meet customer demands.

Systems and Control Engineering

Examine the basic concepts, cross-disciplinary techniques, analytical tools and engineering methods needed to analyze and design complex systems.

BSE | Minor | MS | PhD

Systems Biology

Master advanced quantitative and computational skills in a fast-emerging area of research that combines math, computer science and biological science.

Theater

Our programs are dedicated to student success, allowing you to work closely with highly trained professionals on everything from acting to technical theater.

BA | MA | MFA | Minor

Visual Design

Stimulate your creativity, enhance your visual and artistic skills, and broaden your abilities to think across traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Women's and Gender Studies

Examine major issues of today in an interdisciplinary program that prepares you to think critically and creatively by using gender in your analysis.

World Literature

Study the literature of a wide variety of countries and regions through our multidisciplinary programs that emphasize contributions of past and present.

BA | MA | Minor