What's the deal with flexible majors?

Is it better to have a narrower or broader major? Are there any colleges known for having particularly flexible majors, where you can explore a variety of different classes?

Whether it's better to have a broader or narrower major often depends on your academic and career goals. If you have a keen sense of what you'd like to study and the specific career you'd like to pursue, a narrower, specialized major might be more beneficial. It allows you to dig deep into the subject and gain extensive knowledge and skills in a particular field.

On the other hand, a broader major provides you with the opportunity to explore a variety of related topics and interests. This is great if you're unsure of your career path or if you're aiming for a career that welcomes interdisciplinary skill sets and perspectives. Remember, you can always choose a broader major and then focus on a specific area through your elective choices, internships, or research opportunities.

Regarding colleges known for flexible majors, Brown University is one of the most well-known institutions with an open curriculum. This means that, beyond a few requirements in writing and foreign language, you're free to select the courses that resonate with your interests and career goals, providing you with a chance to explore a variety of academic fields.

Another university with great academic flexibility is Amherst College. Amherst operates on an open curriculum where students can construct their multidisciplinary course of study with the guidance of faculty advisors, without the usual constraints of distribution requirements or general education classes. This flexibility allows them to explore and make connections across disciplines.

Remember, the type of major that's best for you ultimately depends on your academic interests, career aspirations, and how clear you are on your future path. It's worthwhile to spend some time exploring and researching programs at different schools to see what matches your needs and aspirations.