UVA Best Majors: Top 10 Programs to Consider

The University of Virginia (UVA) is often referred to as a “Public Ivy,” meaning it offers an education, experiences, and opportunities comparable to those of Ivy League schools. In fact, the school ranks 24th in the country. In this article, we’ll list ten of the UVA best majors that hold up to the school’s reputation. If you see your dream program below, you might even consider giving UVA a shot when you start working on your college applications.

• What Are the Best Majors at UVA?
• Commerce at UVA 
• English at UVA
• History at UVA
• Political Science at UVA
• Economics at UVA 
• Psychology at UVA 
• Computer Science at UVA 
• Mathematics at UVA
• Physics at UVA
• Biology at UVA 
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Best Majors at UVA?

UVA has over 100 undergraduate programs. For this list, we chose ten programs mostly based on their rankings by US News. Here’s a quick overview of the UVA best majors:

Below, we’ll discuss more about what makes these particular programs rank high.

Commerce at UVA

BS Commerce is one of UVA’s best majors. It’s housed in the McIntire School of Commerce and ranked 4th among U.S. Undergraduate Business Programs in 2024.

Integrated Core Experience

UVA is known for its commerce major, mostly because of its unique curriculum. The undergraduate program is a three-year upper-division program, meaning you’ll apply during your first or second year at UVA and begin your commerce coursework in your second year. This model lets you gain a strong liberal arts foundation before specializing in business.

The commerce curriculum itself is built around the Integrated Core Experience (ICE), a unique block-style, team-based course in which third-year students handle complex, unstructured business problems for real-world companies. This immersive experience teaches you and your peers how to work collaboratively and apply knowledge from various business disciplines (like finance, marketing, and management) simultaneously.

You can choose to concentrate in at least one of five areas:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Information Technology
• Management
• Marketing

On top of that, you can also pursue up to two tracks, which allow you to further specialize in a subject. Your options are:

• Business Analytics
• Entrepreneurship
• Global Commerce
• Quantitative Finance
• Real Estate
• Strategic Brand Consulting & Communications

Global learning

UVA is known for its commerce major also because it offers different global programs for undergraduate students to gain international business experience and perspectives. These programs are designed to complement the commerce curriculum. These are:

• Semester Abroad. In this program, you’ll spend a full semester studying at one of McIntire’s partner business schools around the world—including in Chile, Australia, and Denmark. These programs keep you on track for graduation while providing an immersive cultural and academic experience.
• Global Commerce Immersions (GCI). These are short, faculty-led programs that take place during academic breaks. They offer a hands-on approach to global business, requiring you to visit companies and meet with executives, many of whom are also UVA or McIntire alumni. Themes and locations differ every time, but examples in the past include learning conservation in Kenya, sustainability in Switzerland, and management consulting in Costa Rica.
• Global Commerce Scholars (GCS). This program is for fourth-year students who want to conduct independent research and write a thesis on a global business topic under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
• Global Commerce Track. This is an academic track that gives you an interdisciplinary understanding of international business by spanning across different concentration areas. It aims to give you a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the global marketplace.

English at UVA

The English program is one of UVA’s best majors thanks to its emphasis on both literary history and critical theory, and the development of strong analytical and communication skills. The program ranks 13th in the country.

Broad curriculum

UVA’s English program gives you a solid foundation in the history of Anglophone literature, from the early Middle Ages to the present day. That’s because you’ll be required to complete a set of core courses that cover different periods and genres of literature, while also taking specialized seminars

Depending on your goals and interests, you can also take optional concentrations, namely:

• Literary Prose Writing. Focuses on creative nonfiction and fiction.
• Poetry Writing. A specialized track for aspiring poets.
• Medieval and Renaissance Studies. An interdisciplinary track that combines English with history and other humanities.
• Modern and Global Studies. Explores modern and contemporary literature from a global perspective.

Diverse career outlook

As an English major, you’ll learn valuable skills like critical thinking, persuasive writing, and nuanced communication. These are highly transferable, so you can enter a variety of professional fields, such as:

• Law and public policy. The analytical skills honed in the major are excellent preparation for law school and careers in government.
• Marketing and public relations. The ability to create compelling narratives and communicate effectively is a huge asset in these fields.
• Publishing and journalism. Perhaps the most obvious paths are careers in editors, writers, and journalists.
• Technology. The demand for strong communicators and content creators actually makes English majors a good fit for roles in UX writing, technical writing, and content management.

History at UVA

Another one of the UVA best majors is history, which also ranks 13th in the US. UVA’s history program balances breadth with specialization, preparing you for different careers and graduate studies.

Flexible and comprehensive curriculum

As one of UVA’s best majors, the history curriculum makes sure you have a comprehensive understanding of historical periods and regions by requiring you to take courses that help you achieve both chronological and geographical breadth in your studies.

On top of that, you can also pursue concentrations, such as:

• Capitalism and Economic Life
• Environment, Space, and Society
• Global and Transnational History
• Law and Society
• Race, Ethnicity, and Empire
• War, Violence, and Society

Thanks to a flexible program, you have space to have double majors in related fields like economics, foreign affairs, or public policy.

Strong emphasis on undergraduate research

The History department highly encourages undergrads to participate in research. One option is the highly selective Distinguished Majors Program for fourth-year students who want to write an independent thesis under the guidance of a faculty advisor.

The department also provides research grants and internship stipends to support students’ projects. For example, the Kate Cabell Cox Scholarship awards $5,000 to one rising senior who focuses on American history, preferably colonial history.

Politics at UVA

UVA’s Department of Politics houses some of its best majors, with the department ranking 27th in the country. The department offers a flexible curriculum and networking opportunities that can help you be successful in multiple fields.

Interdisciplinary nature

The department offers two majors: Government and Foreign Affairs. As some of UVA’s best majors, they give you a comprehensive understanding of political systems, theories, and behaviors. Regardless of your major, you’ll be required to take courses in four subfields:

• American Politics
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations
• Political Theory

A popular related program is the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, where you can pursue a minor or even an accelerated Master’s program.

Emphasis on real-world engagement

You can work closely with faculty as research assistants, gaining hands-on experience in political analysis. The UVA Center for Politics is also a major asset for politics students since it provides opportunities for students to get involved, including internships, research, and conferences.

Some of your possible career paths include:

• Law
• Government and public service
• Consulting and finance
• Non-profits and activism

Economics at UVA

UVA’s economics major is known for its emphasis on both theoretical and empirical analysis and a strong career support system. The program ranks 29th in the US.

Emphasis on quantitative methods and statistics

The economics program at UVA will train you to analyze and interpret data, think critically, and apply economic models to various problems. All economics majors complete a foundational sequence of courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. The curriculum emphasizes the use of quantitative methods and statistics, preparing you for a data-driven career and advanced study.

You’re also open to pursue one or more concentrations if you’re highly interested in any of the following areas:

• Financial Economics
• Industrial Organization
• International Economics
• Public Policy

These additional concentrations could also be a chance for you to double major in related programs, such as foreign affairs, mathematics, or commerce.

Similar to the biology program, you could also be part of the DMP in economics. After all, it’s highly regarded and gives a great foundation for students planning to pursue a Ph.D. or other research-intensive careers.

Strong career support

UVA’s economics major is also known for its strong career support. In fact, the department houses the Economics Career Office (ECO), which focuses on helping you with professional development, including resume critiques, interview preparation, and career advising. The office also facilitates connections with alumni and hosts recruiting events.

The university’s alumni association also maintains Alumni Professional Networks in various industries, including finance, consulting, and technology. This active “Hoos Helping Hoos” network is a really helpful resource for students looking for internships and full-time employment.

Graduates are highly sought after by top firms in a variety of fields, including:

• Consulting
• Banking and finance
• Information technology
• Public policy and government
• Data analysis

You could also attend competitive graduate programs, such as law, business, and Ph.D. programs in economics.

Psychology at UVA

UVA’s psychology major is known for offering a solid foundation in the scientific method and extensive opportunities for hands-on research. It ranks 30th in the country.

Comprehensive overview

UVA offers a BA in Psychology rather than a BS, so you can expect to gain a broad understanding of the field, from its biological side to its social applications as well. The core requirements make sure you gain a strong foundation in statistics, experimental methods, and the major sub-disciplines of psychology (such as clinical, cognitive, and developmental).

You’re also highly encouraged by the department to have laboratory research experience to complement your classroom learning. You could do this by working as a research assistant in one of the department’s many labs, gaining hands-on experience in study design, data collection, and analysis.

Broad career opportunities

You’ll learn many practical skills as a psychology undergrad at UVA (such as critical thinking, data analysis, and an understanding of human behavior) that are highly transferable and valued in many different fields.

Some common career paths for psychology graduates include:

• Human resources
• Marketing and market research
• Education and social work
• Public health
• Law and public policy

Psychology also gives you a solid foundation for further education, including medical school, law school, and graduate programs in psychology, counseling, and business. The university’s strong alumni network and career services can also give you a wide range of networking opportunities.

Computer Science at UVA

Computer science is one of UVA’s best majors, ranking 35th in the country. The program gives students a solid foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of computing.

Curriculum

UVA’s computer science department offers two undergraduate degrees:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS). This program is for students who want a more in-depth, technical education. The curriculum includes a wide range of engineering courses, a senior capstone project, and more advanced computer science electives. It’s accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, a prestigious marker of quality and rigor.
• Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science (BACS). This degree is for students who want to combine their computer science studies with a strong liberal arts education. It has fewer required computer science courses, allowing students to explore other subjects like humanities, social sciences, and foreign languages.

Both degrees cover core topics like programming, algorithms, data structures, and computer systems. While BACS is more strongly tied to liberal arts, BSCS students also need to take several humanities electives, as well as additional subjects in applied math.

Research and facilities

UVA’s commitment to research in computer science is another reason for its reputation. In fact, the department receives federal research support of around $6 million a year, giving it a total external research funding of at least $19.8 million yearly.

Focus areas of computer science research include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Systems, Architecture, and Networks
• Cyber-physical Systems
• Human-Centered Computing
• Robotics
• Security
• Software Engineering
• Theory

In fact, UVA has earned several awards for its research. For one, assistant professor Yen-Ling Kuo has recently won the NSF Career Award, which can help her achieve her goal of creating a robot with the ability to engage with complex human behavior. Another recent accomplishment is the Mechatronics and Robotics Society earning four awards at NASA’s 2025 Lunabotics Challenge.

Other computer science undergrads can also engage in research through the Office of Citizen Scholar Development.

Mathematics at UVA

Math is one of the UVA best majors that ranks 37th in the country. UVA’s math program aims to help you develop proof-oriented skills and gives you opportunities to apply what you learned.

Strong theoretical foundation

As a math undergrad, you’re required to complete core coursework in calculus, linear algebra, and advanced analysis and algebra, which gives you a deep understanding of the subject. From there, you can pursue different academic pathways, like:

• Graduate Preparatory. This pathway involves taking more advanced courses, preparing students for doctoral programs in mathematics.
• Probability and Statistics. A concentration for students interested in a more quantitative, data-focused career path.
• Financial Mathematics. A track that combines mathematics with finance, preparing students for careers in banking and investment.

You can even be part of the 4+1 BA/MA Program, an accelerated track that allows highly qualified undergraduates to earn a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Mathematics in just five years.

Additional learning opportunities

As a math major, you have several additional learning opportunities to supplement your coursework. Some examples are:

• Directed Reading Program (DRP). This program pairs undergraduate students with graduate student mentors. Together, you work one-on-one to study a specific mathematical topic that is not part of the standard curriculum.
• Math Collaborative Learning Center. This is a dedicated space where you can work with your peers on problem sets and seek help from both undergraduate and graduate peer tutors.
• Geometry Lab. This uses physical models and computer visualizations to help you understand complex mathematical concepts in a more intuitive way.

Physics at UVA

As one of UVA’s best majors, physics emphasizes both theoretical fundamentals and hands-on laboratory experience. The program ranks 38th in the US.

Flexible curriculum

UVA’s physics program offers both a BA and a BS degree. Here’s a quick look at their differences:

• BA Physics. This degree offers a more flexible and interdisciplinary approach. It has fewer required science and math courses, giving you more room for electives outside the sciences.
• BS Physics. This program requires more credits in physics and related technical fields. It typically includes more coursework in advanced mathematics, computer science, and chemistry. It also often involves more upper-level physics labs, providing extensive hands-on experience.

Regardless of which track you take, you can expect to build a comprehensive understanding of core physics principles, including classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and statistical physics.

Extensive research opportunities

The department highly encourages students to be involved in physics research as early as their first year by letting them work alongside faculty on research projects. There are many research areas you can be a part of, including:

• Astrophysics, Gravity and Cosmology
• Medical Physics
• Mathematical Physics
• Nuclear and Particle Physics
• Quantum Information

Biology at UVA

UVA is also known for its biology major that ranks 50th in the country. UVA’s biology program has a  flexible yet rigorous curriculum, strong emphasis on hands-on research, and excellent preparation for a wide array of postgraduate paths.

Dual-track approach

As a biology undergrad, you can choose between two tracks:

• BA Biology. This degree offers a more flexible and interdisciplinary approach to studying biology. It’s designed for students who want to combine a scientific background with a broader education in the humanities, social sciences, or other fields. You can get into careers that combine science with other disciplines, such as environmental law, science journalism, public health administration, or education.
• BS Biology. This degree is for those who want a deep, technical, and quantitative education in the sciences—great if you’re aspiring to pursue careers in scientific research, medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, or other advanced graduate programs in the sciences. The rigorous coursework in math and physical sciences provides a strong foundation for these fields.

Aside from those two, you can also obtain the Bachelor of Arts or Science in Biology with a Concentration in Environmental and Biological Conservation. This specialized track is designed for students interested in the science and policy of preserving the natural world. 

As a student in this track, you’ll take a mix of core biology courses and specialized electives in conservation. When you graduate, you’ll have job opportunities in many fields, such as:

• Environmental consulting
• Conservation and wildlife management
• Research and academia
• Government agencies (like the US Fish and Wildlife Service)
• Non-profit organizations focused on environmental protection

Research and facilities

Biology is one of UVA’s best majors because of the many undergraduate research opportunities it offers. The department has several focus areas, each of which is supported by various laboratories. For example:

• Neurobiology and behavior. Brodie Lab, Campbell Lab, Cang Lab.
• Molecular genetics, cell and development. Bergland Lab, Deppmann Lab, DeSimone Lab.
• Plant biology. Antonovics Lab, Carr Lab, Galloway Lab.

The Mountain Lake Biological Station is a particularly interesting facility since it’s actually a field station that gives you unique opportunities to conduct ecological and evolutionary research in a hands-on, natural setting.

If you’re very passionate about research, you can try to be part of the Distinguished Majors Program (DMP). This special academic track is designed for students who want to conduct independent research and write a thesis. You’ll work on a year-long research project and thesis under the close supervision of a faculty advisor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I major in at UVA?

UVA offers over 100 undergraduate programs, all of them excellent in their own right. However, the major you choose depends on factors like your strengths, goals, and interests.

2. Why is UVA so highly ranked?

UVA ranks 24th among national universities, and this is thanks to a combination of factors: an exceptional academic reputation, highly selective admissions, and a strong research environment. The university is also considered a “Public Ivy,” meaning it offers an education on par with the Ivy League at a lower cost for in-state students.

3. What are the most popular majors at UVA?

Some of the most recently popular majors at UVA include computer science, economics, commerce, biology, and psychology.

Takeaways

• UVA’s best majors include commerce, English, history, political science, economics, psychology, computer science, math, physics, and biology.
• You’ll only need to declare your major by the end of your 4th full time semester, which translates to around the end of sophomore year. Because of that, you can take some time to explore your interests before deciding on what you want to study in depth.
• Want to major in any of the programs listed above? Talk to a private admissions consultant to help you strengthen your college application to stand out from other UVA applicants.