Selecting Your Major, Minor, and Certificate
Explore CGS majors, minors, and certificate programs to find the academic path that aligns with your interests and goals. Learn about program options, requirements, and how to plan your credentials.
Choosing a CGS Major
Your major is the primary area of study for your undergraduate degree. The College of General Studies offers Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) programs designed to provide flexibility and opportunities to connect your academic interests with your professional goals.
CGS currently offers the following majors:
- Dental Hygiene: A BS degree-completion program for certified dental hygienists.
- Health Services: BA and BS degree-completion options for professionals in allied health fields.
- Law, Criminal Justice, and Society
- Liberal Studies
- Media and Professional Communications
- Natural Sciences
- Public Service
Most CGS majors require a minimum of 30 credits. Review the CGS academic programs page for additional information about individual majors and their requirements.
Understanding your academic plan: In PeopleSoft, your major may also be referred to as your academic plan. Your advisor can help you understand how your major requirements fit into your overall degree plan.
Changing or Adding a Major
If you are a current CGS student interested in changing or adding a major, contact CGS Advising to discuss your options. You may also need to complete the Change/Add Major form.
Prospective students and students currently enrolled in other Pitt schools should contact CGS Admissions for information about joining CGS.
Explore Career Options
As you consider your major, think about how your academic interests connect to your future goals. CGS students can also take advantage of career services to explore career paths, identify opportunities, and prepare for life after graduation.
Choosing a CGS Minor
A minor allows you to explore an additional area of study alongside your major. It can complement your primary academic program, help you develop specialized knowledge, or give you the opportunity to pursue an interest outside your major.
CGS offers the following minors:
- Law, Criminal Justice, and Society
- Public Service
- Two ROTC minors for students who meet the applicable program requirements
To complete a minor, at least half of the required coursework must be completed at the University of Pittsburgh. Students must also earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the minor.
Visit the CGS Minors page for program details and requirements.
Planning for graduation: If you are a CGS student completing a minor offered by another Pitt school, be sure to include that minor on your CGS graduation application. Students from other Pitt schools completing only a CGS minor do not need to submit a separate CGS graduation application; they should list the minor on their home school's graduation application.
Choosing a Certificate
A certificate provides an opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in a focused area of study. Certificate programs can complement your major and help you build expertise related to your academic or professional interests.
CGS offers the following certificate programs:
- Accounting (Post-Baccalaureate)
- Communication
- Community Health Assessment
- Corporate/Community Relations
- Digital Media
- Disability Studies
- Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies
- Information System Design
- Leadership
- Managing Health Systems Programs and Projects
- National Preparedness and Homeland Security
- Nonprofit Management
- Writing
- Writing for the Professions
Students must be admitted to a certificate program through the school that offers it. At least half of the required certificate coursework must be completed at the University of Pittsburgh, and students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the certificate.
The Accounting Post-Baccalaureate Certificate requires applicants to have previously earned a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75.
Visit the CGS Certificate Programs page for additional information about available programs and requirements.
Important: The Leadership Certificate and all certificates offered outside CGS must be completed in conjunction with a degree.
Credential Overlap
The University has regulations governing the overlap of coursework among majors, minors, and certificates. Before selecting multiple credentials, review the University's Credential Overlap Policy to understand which combinations are permitted.
An approved exception to the University's credential overlap regulations is available for students admitted beginning in Academic Year 2026–27 who pursue the following CGS programs:
Liberal Studies BA
The Liberal Studies BA serves as a primary major for students interested in flexible, cross-disciplinary study. Students work with an advisor to develop an academic plan that brings together coursework from multiple disciplines. The Liberal Studies BA may not overlap with other Dietrich School or CGS majors.
Natural Sciences BS
The Natural Sciences BS serves as a primary major with tracks that allow students to pursue flexible, interdisciplinary study in the natural sciences. The Natural Sciences BS may not overlap with other natural sciences or STEM majors within the Dietrich School or the College of General Studies.
Planning tip: If you are considering more than one major, minor, or certificate, speak with your CGS advisor before making your decision. Your advisor can help you understand credential requirements and determine whether your planned combination is permitted.