Choosing a major is more than just checking off a box at Franklin & Marshall College. It’s claiming your scholarly home within the academic community. 

Members of the Class of 2028 celebrated a milestone in their academic journeys March 24 at the major declaration dinner at West Art, an event space bordering F&M’s campus. The tradition aligns with sophomore spring semester and the culmination of a two-year period specifically built for exploration. F&M’s liberal arts model empowers students to dive into their interests and expand their intellectual horizons before they decide on a chosen field of study. 

“You're not just declaring a major. You're stepping into an academic community that's ready and excited to receive you,” said Sunita Gupta Kramer ’92, provost and dean of the faculty. 

As Kramer announced each major, students stepped forward with a symbolic item representing their discipline. Classmates, faculty and staff were in attendance to cheer them on. 

Sophomore class president Madeline Bonhomme ’28 and fellow student government leaders helped organize the event, which featured food, photobooth stations and performances by student a cappella group The Poor Richards and the F&M jazz band.

Below, hear from a variety of students about why they chose their field of study.

Ella Paul ’28 

• Hometown: Wilmington, Del. 
• Double major: Chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology

“I like the mix of biochemistry and molecular biology. Research opportunities were the biggest draw.”

Jason Galvez ’28

• Hometown: Manhattan, N.Y. 
• Major: Computer science 

“I was introduced to computers at a young age; my dad is really into technology. Growing up, I was always programming. Eventually, I was able to go into a program that allowed me to do a deeper dive.”

Jaela Mulholland ’28

• Hometown: Lancaster, Pa. 
• Double major: Government, history

“I chose government because I’m really interested in studying systems of power and influence, and history is really integral to that.”

Jaylene Merino ’28 

• Hometown: Miami
• Double major: Sociology, psychology

“I want to do clinical psychology in pediatrics to focus on trauma in kids who need somebody there to support them. I added sociology to understand how society plays a role, to understand factors from a different perspective.” 

Myah Jones ’28 

• Hometown: Liverpool, N.Y. 
• Major: English (creative writing)
• Minor: Psychology

“I’ve been doing creative writing since I was in middle school. I feel like it's really versatile. I’m considering going pre-law, so it's good to have a writing background. I also like to read a lot and I’m interested in becoming an author.”

Alex Green ’28 

• Hometown: Denver, Colo.
• Double major: History of art & architecture, theatre 
• Minor: Studio arts

“I've always loved the arts. I've always loved theater. The professors here really made me fall in love with the classes.” 

Jas Meda ’28 

• Hometown: Pittsburgh
• Double major: Biochemistry and molecular biology, psychology

“I have always been really interested in how things work and how people work. I couldn't really find something that matched both of those. So I decided to mix both!” 

Joy Giramahoro ’28

• Hometown: Rwamagana, Rwanda
• Double major: Economics, mathematics
• Minor: French

“I chose math [because] growing up as a first-generation student in a poor family, math was hard. Girls at school were not doing math. In the future, I want to become a professor and also teach math to other girls and show them that women can do math.”

Isabella Berkman ’28

• Hometown: Albany, N.Y. 
• Major: History

“It was my favorite subject in high school." 

Seongjae Park ’28

• Hometown: South Korea
• Double major: Economics, data science

“I love analyzing and thinking about market and economic situations all over the world.”

Craft Your Distinctive Academic Path

Your education should be as unique as you are. F&M’s liberal arts model empowers you to design an academic path that is precisely tailored to your interests and goals.

Explore fields of study »