Last Updated on September 30, 2026
Quick answer: University of Michigan undergraduate programs include more than 280 degree programs across 19 schools and colleges, from the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts to the College of Engineering, the Ross School of Business, and the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Double majors are common, and some programs require an audition or portfolio.
What Is the University of Michigan Known For?
“What major is the University of Michigan known for?”
This was a common question at college fairs from high school students who were not familiar with the university and always a difficult question to answer. If you too are less familiar with the University of Michigan, you might not understand how this could be such a challenging topic to address. I may be a bit biased as an alumni, but there are simply so many disciplines in which the University of Michigan excels. The university offers more than 280 undergraduate degree programs, and many of them are nationally ranked. So if you want to know what academic area Michigan is known for, the answer is quite honestly… almost EVERYTHING!
As a University of Michigan graduate and former senior admissions counselor, I have spent quite a bit of time on campus getting to know faculty and staff in many of the university’s schools and colleges. I have counseled countless students interested in majors from Aerospace Engineering to Philosophy, Politics and Economics (yes… that’s one major!) and attended staff-only presentations on the curriculum for countless programs. I will use this article to share some of this knowledge on the University of Michigan undergraduate programs with you!
Majors, Flexibility, and Campus Life
With more than 280 undergraduate degree programs across 19 schools and colleges, the University of Michigan can be a great fit for many types of students, one of the reasons the campus is so diverse. No matter where you are from or what your interests are, it is easy to find a place to “fit in” not just academically, but also socially and extracurricularly. Oh, and did I mention that there are hundreds of student organizations on campus, so you should have no trouble finding “your people”?
Another appealing characteristic of the University of Michigan’s undergraduate experience is flexibility. Double majors are fairly common on campus and dual degree programs allow students to adopt two majors in separate colleges. Are you a student who wants to study Music Performance and Data Science? Do you have interests in Business and Computer Science? Although it may not be easy to meet the requirements for majors in two different schools, the opportunity is available for students who qualify.
University of Michigan Undergraduate Programs by School
The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Instead of choosing only a few majors to highlight, I will share some of the more interesting facts about the undergraduate schools and colleges at Michigan. First, the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) is the largest college on campus in terms of majors and enrollment. LSA is the liberal arts college and houses some of Michigan’s most popular majors such as Economics, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology. Are you a student who is still considering more than one major? If so, allow me to point out that undecided students thrive in LSA because the curriculum allows for ample exploration in the first years of study before students need to declare a major. In addition to the ability to choose from over 85 majors and 100 minors, students in LSA are provided with two unique options to enhance their learning. [1] The Honors Program and Residential College are two learning communities that I highly suggest looking into if you are considering the university. [2]
The LSA Honors Program is a great fit for students who want a rigorous, well-rounded experience, closer relationships with faculty, and the chance to complete a senior thesis. [3] The Residential College (RC) also provides smaller class sizes, more faculty contact and emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and foreign language proficiency. The RC is great for those who are excited about the resources of a large university like Michigan but would feel more comfortable in a smaller learning and living environment.
The College of Engineering
Another popular college at Michigan is the College of Engineering. Michigan Engineering offers 18 undergraduate majors, from Aerospace Engineering to Robotics and Climate and Meteorology. [4] The most exciting fact about engineering at Michigan is that unlike many other programs, you do not need to declare your specific major on your application. All incoming first-year students begin as undeclared, take general courses in their first year, and declare a specific major by their third term. [5] This structure gives you time to explore before you commit to a field.
Hands-on experiences are always readily available for engineering students through, project-based courses, internships, and student project teams. Internships and co-ops are a major piece of the engineering experience and the Engineering Career Resource Center is there to help at each stage. These experiences help you connect classroom learning with real engineering challenges before you graduate. If engineering is your focus, compare Michigan with other top schools for engineering majors.
The Ross School of Business
The Ross School of Business, whose BBA program is ranked #4 by U.S. News & World Report, is another top choice for many applying to the University of Michigan. [6] If you are one of the many students considering Ross, the main pathway is Preferred Admission as a high school senior: about 80 percent of each BBA class enrolls this way and begins taking Ross classes in the first year. [6] Current U-M students in other schools and colleges can also transfer into Ross, and about 100 students in each BBA class take that route. [6] Either way, plan for a rigorous academic record that includes quantitative coursework. To learn more about the field, read our overview of how to major in business.
For students admitted to Ross, opportunities are extensive. The foundational Ross degree prepares students for all aspects of business with elective courses in a variety of interesting sub-areas like Management and Human Resources, Non-profit and Social Impact, and Supply Chain Management. One of the aspects that I love most about the Ross curriculum is the optional Global Semester Exchange program. Participants study at a partner business school abroad while earning credit toward their Michigan Ross degree. For those looking for a flexible business curriculum that emphasizes intercultural understanding and builds well-rounded graduates, Ross is the answer.
School of Music, Theatre, and Dance and the School of Art and Design
While the University of Michigan’s most well-known programs are in the schools and colleges listed above, I would be crazy not to at least mention the amazing talent-based programs in the School of Music, Theater, and Dance and the School of Art and Design. Both of these schools are very selective and require the submission of one’s talent through an audition or portfolio along with the academic application. The School of Music, Theater, and Dance has produced talents such as Justin Paul and Benj Pasek (Best Song Oscar winners for La La Land) and the acclaimed actor James Earl Jones. Equally notable, the Stamps School of Art & Design pairs studio practice with the academic resources of a major research university.
Obviously, I cannot highlight all of the University of Michigan undergraduate programs in only one blog post, but hopefully you can tell that the opportunities at the University of Michigan are numerous. No matter your undergraduate major, there are endless clubs, organizations, and support services at Michigan to assist you on your collegiate path. For those of you who are still building your candidacy for schools like Michigan, I encourage you to focus not only on your academics but also on your leadership development and the impact that you are having in your own community. Leadership and impact will be a top consideration when admissions officers evaluate how you might contribute to the campus community at Michigan. For more information on schools, colleges, and the University of Michigan admissions process, please visit www.umich.edu. Good luck!
How to Choose Among University of Michigan Undergraduate Programs
Michigan’s admissions office lists more than 280 undergraduate degree programs across 19 schools and colleges, so a focused plan will help you find your best fit. [7]
- Start with your academic interests. List the subjects you enjoy most, then find the school or college at Michigan that houses them. Our guide on how to choose a major on the Common App can help you frame your interests.
- Compare the structure of each program. Some schools, like Engineering, let you explore before declaring a major, while others, like the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, ask for an audition or portfolio up front.
- Look for flexibility. If you have interests in two fields, research double majors and dual degree options early so you can plan your coursework.
- Connect your choice to your essays. Michigan’s supplemental essays give you room to explain why a specific program fits your goals. Read our guide on how to write the University of Michigan supplemental essays and our tips for the why major essay.
Whichever program you choose, show admissions officers a clear connection between your academic interests, your activities, and what you hope to pursue at Michigan.
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