Choosing a Major

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Choosing a major may be the biggest decision of your college career. Many of you have already made a decision upon application. Some of you have chosen “Undecided” and need or want more time to come to a decision. Still others have applied into majors, but may discover that they want to change their mind.

It is our hope that the wide range of experience you will have in your first year in your four Foundation Studio areas will allow you to assess your strengths and weaknesses, recognize and discover passions, and give you the information and experience you need to either confirm your original choice, make a choice if you are undecided, or provide the impetus for a positive change of direction. Below are some facts and suggestions to help you in this process.

Facts about the process

  • Applicants interested in architecture, writing, critical and visual studies, construction management, and the BA in art history, and fashion must apply directly to those majors at the time of application because they have different first year programs.
  • Many, if not most, students have indicated their choice of Major during the admission process.
  • Each year approximately 90 freshmen, or 15 percent, apply as "undecided."These students will select their major in the spring of their freshman year.
  • Some students may have indicated a major during the admissions process, but have doubts and may want to change: this is possible!
  • Certain majors like interior design and industrial design are limited by space and must control the numbers entering to assure enough space and equipment for all students. At this point, studentswho have not entered as a major in Industrial Design will be required to undergo an interview, show a transcript with grades, and have a portfolio review for admissions into the department.Other departments may require this of you as well.
  • “Undecideds”, and those wishing to change majors, must request the Change of Major form from the Office of Academic Advisement and meet with the Chairperson of the department in which they want to major. This will occur in the spring.

For those who are Undecided:

If you are either unsure or officially “Undecided” here are some suggestions and things to consider:

  • Pay attention to which assignments excite you and engage you, and the opposite, which projects are of little interest
  • Do you like to work in groups? Or, do you prefer to be on your own?
  • Can you take direction? Do you see it as a challenge, or is it an impediment to your personal expression?
  • Do you like to make things? In what dimensions and media?
  • Do you fool around with the computer just to see what happens? Or is it a giant frustration?
  • Do you feel the need to learn new skills? What might they be?
  • Do you like or need structure?
  • Do you see yourself going graduate school, or straight into the job market?
  • How important are career, job, and money to you? In what order?

Exposure and exploration:

  • Look around Pratt, see what kinds of work is being done in various departments. Explore the studios and seek out exhibitions and examples of student work.
  • Department bulletin boards and hallways will have posters of events. lectures, and presentations of interest to their disciplines. Go to them!
  • Make a point of meeting and talking to students in the departments you are interested in.
  • Make an appointment with the Assistant Chair of Foundation, ask questions.
  • Check your Pratt email, the calendar, Foundation web page for announcements of events to introduce you to the various departments.
  • Check in with Career Services to see what activities and information they have for you.
  • Look beyond the campus to the galleries and Museums of New York. The Cooper – Hewitt Museum a great place for designers to check out.
  • Visit Departmental Webpages:

Available Majors for students in the school of art and design:

Art and Design Education /
Communication Design /
Digital Arts /
Fashion Design /
Film/Video /
Photography /
Fine Arts /
History of Art and Design /
Industrial Design /
Interior Design /

Also please visit the School of Art and Design web page for the list of offerings. Click into each department page to further investigate the areas of concentration within each major:

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For questions, information and help in this process please contact me. You can make an appointment and we can discuss the various offerings and how they might align with your interests and abilities. I can arrange class visits and visits to the departments and arrange meeting with faculty and students to help you arrive at a decision.

Kim Sloane

Acting Chair of Foundation

Office:406 Main

718-636-3617

Office hours: Tuesday 11:00-2:00, or by appointment, check in my office or the

Foundation office anytime.

Also go to: