Courses Recommended by Department & Program

Students interested in Accounting should take one of the following foundational courses:

• ECN 101 Principles of Macroeconomics
• ECN 102 Principles of Microeconomics

These courses can be taken in any order, and should not be taken concurrently.

[Note: BUS 101 is not required and does not count toward an Accounting major.]

Next Steps

• ECN 101 or 102 (whichever was not taken in the first semester)
• Only for students planning to major in accounting: ACT 101 Financial accounting should be scheduled for the second semester

• MTH 119: Statistical Analysis is recommended after the first semester

First-year students contemplating majoring in accounting are encouraged to consult with Trevor Knox, Accounting Coordinator, as early as possible during their first year.

Due to the sequencing of courses, please remind students to check course listings for prerequisites as they plan.

Students considering a major in American Studies should start by taking any  course that counts toward the major and is listed as Appropriate for First-Years (AFY). Find courses for this interdisciplinary major in the Workday course offerings by searching on the course tag IDS :: American Studies.

Students interested in Anthropology should start by taking one of the following:

• ATH 112 Cultural Anthropology
• ATH 155 Archeology and Prehistory

We strongly encourage students to study a second language and to study abroad in their junior year.

Art History

Students interested in Art History should start by taking one of the following courses:

• ARH 101: Art Histories: An Introduction
• An ARH geographic survey course (e.g., ARH 102: History of Western Art, Or ARH 103: Art of the Americas, Or ARH 104: Art of Africa, or ARH 105: Art of Asia)

Optimally, students should complete ARH 101 and a geographic survey course by the end of their first year.

Advising Notes

• AP Art History may count as the geographic survey requirement 
• Any one of the surveys (ARH 101-105) counts as a prerequisite for any of the Writing Intensive Art History courses.
• ARH 101 is offered every semester.  ARH 102 through ARH 105 are on rotation.  The department offers at least one of these courses every semester.

Art Studio

Students interested in Art Studio should start by taking any 100-level studio art course. Options include: Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, and Photography.

Next Steps

• Students are encouraged to take their drawing requirement in the first two years.  Students may take any 100 level drawing course to fulfill the drawing requirement for the major or minor.
• Studio Art Majors are required to take Digital Foundations, which is only offered in the Fall.  Studio Art majors are encouraged to take this course the first two years.

Students considering a minor in Asian Studies should start by taking any  course that counts toward the minor and does not carry prerequisites. Find courses for this interdisciplinary major in the Workday course offerings by searching on the course tag IDS :: Asian  Studies.

Students considering a major in Biochemistry should enroll in:

• CHM 103 General Chemistry I OR CHM 100 Introductory Chemistry
• CHM 100 is only offered in the Fall.
• More information about Chemistry placement is provided under Chemistry below.
• BIO 160 Foundations of Biological Inquiry

* Please see Health Professions for students interested in Biochemistry as a path in that direction.

Next Steps

• CHM 104 OR CHM 103 for students who started in CHM 100
• MTH 121: Calculus I and MTH 122: Calculus II are both required.  Students should begin mathematics as soon as possible.

Students considering a major in Biology should enroll in:

• BIO 160 Foundations of Biological Inquiry
• BIO 160 may also be taken in the Spring semester
• CHM 103 General Chemistry I OR CHM 100 Introductory Chemistry
• CHM 100 is only offered in the Fall
• More information about Chemistry placement is provided under Chemistry below.

* Please see Health Professions for students interested in Biochemistry as a path in that direction.

Next Steps

In the Spring most students will take:

• BIO 165 From Ecosystems to Organisms
• CHM 104 General Chemistry II, which is a pre- or corequisite for BIO 175 OR CHM 103 for students who started in CHM 100
• BIO 175 From Organisms to Molecules is now taught every semester

Students interested in Business Administration should consider taking one of the following foundational courses:

• BUS 101 Business and Society
• ECN 101 Principles of Macroeconomics
• ECN 102 Principles of Microeconomics

Students should not take these courses concurrently.

Next Steps

• BUS 101 should optimally be completed by the end of the first year

By the end of their Sophomore year, students are encouraged to have completed the following foundational courses:

• ECN 101 Principles of Macroeconomics
• ECN 102 Principles of Microeconomics
• MTH 119 Statistical Analysis

Business Core courses are generally taken after the foundational courses.

First-year students considering a major in Business are encouraged to take BUS 101 in the first academic year, and to consult with a business faculty member early in their first year for information on Business concentrations in Management & Organization Studies, Marketing, Arts Administration, and International Business.

Students interested in Chemistry should enroll in:

• CHM 103 General Chemistry I OR CHM 100 Introductory Chemistry
• CHM 100 is only offered in the Fall.
• More information about Chemistry placement is provided below.
• Calculus (MTH 121/122 /223) is recommended

* Please see Health Professions for students interested in Biochemistry as a path in that direction.

Next Steps

• CHM 104 OR CHM 103 for students who started in CHM 100
• MTH 121: Calculus I and MTH 122: Calculus II are both required.  Students should begin mathematics as soon as possible.

Students interested in Computer Science  should take one of the following depending on their math placement score:

• Computer Science I OR
• Computer Science II

Next Steps

• MTH 119 Statistical Analysis is also required for the major

Students considering the Creative Writing & Journalism minor should start by taking any  course that counts toward the major and is listed as Appropriate for First-Years (AFY). Find courses for this interdisciplinary major in the Workday course offerings by searching on the course tag IDS :: Creative Writing & Journalism.

See also English Literatures & Writing.

Prospective Dance Majors and Minors SHOULD register for: 

Students considering a major or minor in Dance should enroll in:

• DNC 115 Dance Practices I
• Students may also choose to add a .5-credit technique class

DNC 115 is only offered in the fall and is specifically designed for first year dancers.   All first year students considering a major or minor should prioritize this course.

Next Steps:

• DNC 215 Dance Practices II
• BIO 102 Bio of Movement or BIO 165 From Ecosystems to Organisms
• DNC 160 Movement Workshop

Students interested in Economics should consider taking one of the following foundational courses:

• ECN 101 Principles of Macroeconomics
• ECN 102 Principles of Microeconomics

These courses can be taken in any order, and should not be taken concurrently.

[Note: BUS 101 is not required and does not count toward an Economics major.]

Next Steps

• ECN 101 or 102 (whichever was not taken in the first semester)

By the end of their Sophomore year, students are encouraged to have completed the following foundational courses:

• ECN 101 Principles of Macroeconomics
• ECN 102 Principles of Microeconomics
• Calculus (MTH 121/122 /223) is also recommended in the Spring

First-year students considering a major in Economics are encouraged to consult with an economics faculty member early in their first year.

Students planning to pursue an Education certification should enroll in:

• EDU 101 History & Politics of American Education

Certification programs require careful planning from the beginning, especially for the Pre K-4 program. A student who wishes to pursue certification should contact the Education Department early in the first semester to be assigned to an EDU advisor.

For students interested in the Music Education certification, see Music, below.

Students considering majoring in English should start by taking any  course that counts toward the major and is listed as Appropriate for First-Years (AFY). All 200-level courses are appropriate for first-year students: none carry prerequisites and all operate at roughly the same level, regardless of numerical designation. 

See also Creative Writing & Journalism.

Students interested in Environmental Science should enroll in: 

• ESC 150: Introduction to Environmental Science 
• BIO 160: Foundations Biological Inquiry during their first semester. 

It is acceptable although not encouraged for students to take BIO 160 and/or CHM 103 during the first year and wait until the sophomore year to take ESC 150.  In this case, students should take either MTH 119 or 121 during the first year as well.

Next Steps

Students are encouraged to take MTH 119 or MTH 121 by the end of their sophomore year.

Studies interested in Film Studies should consider taking:

• COM 240  Introduction to Film Analysis (HU) 
• Please note that attendance at weekly screenings is required

If COM 240 fills, students can enroll in any  course that counts toward the major and does not carry prerequisites. Find courses for this interdisciplinary major in the Workday course offerings by searching on the course tag IDS :: Film Studies.

Next Steps

Students who are interested in pursuing an emphasis in production should plan to take COM 251 Introduction to Moviemaking in the spring of their first year or in their second year. COM 351: Video Production should then be taken in the second or third year so that students have the prerequisite to take COM 467: Advanced Video Production in their last year.

Students interested in Finance should consider taking one of the following foundational courses:

• ECN 101 Principles of Macroeconomics
• ECN 102 Principles of Microeconomics

These courses can be taken in any order, and should not be taken concurrently.

[Note: BUS 101 is not required and does not count toward a Finance major.]

Next Steps

• ECN 101 or 102 (whichever was not taken in the first semester)

By the end of their Sophomore year, students are encouraged to have completed the following foundational courses:

• ECN 101 Principles of Macroeconomics
• ECN 102 Principles of Microeconomics
• MTH 119 Statistical Analysis
• ACT 101 Financial Accounting
• Calculus (MTH 121/122 /223) should be completed before taking advanced courses in the major

First-year students contemplating majoring in Finance are encouraged to make an early declaration of major and consult with a finance faculty member early in their first year.

See Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

Students interested in a History major should enroll in a 100 or 200-level History course in any geographical, temporal, or thematic area. 

Students in the History Major have the option of concentrating in the following areas:

• History of Women, Gender, and Sexuality
• History of Health and Medicine
• History of Race and Antiracism
• History of Colonialism and Decolonization
• History of Empires and Nations

Students interested in minoring in Innovation and Entrepreneurship should consider taking one of the following:

• INE 101 Introduction to Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Any  course that counts toward the major and is listed as Appropriate for First-Years (AFY). Find courses for this interdisciplinary major in the Workday course offerings by searching on the course tag IDS :: Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Students interested in an International Studies major should consider taking:

• IST 101 Introduction to International Studies

International Studies majors must achieve second language proficiency at the Intermediate II level. Students are strongly encouraged to begin a language in their first year. Students who test out of Intermediate II are encouraged, but not required, to continue their language study at the “Advanced” level. Students who choose not to continue their language studies beyond Intermediate II will take two additional electives within their chosen concentration.

Students interested in a Jewish Studies major should start by taking any  course that counts toward the major and is listed as Appropriate for First-Years (AFY). All Jewish Studies majors must complete two semesters of study of a Jewish language, or demonstrate language proficiency beyond the level of Intermediate II. Students with little or no background in Hebrew or other Jewish languages are advised to take Hebrew during their first year if possible. Find courses for this interdisciplinary major in the Workday course offerings by searching on the course tag IDS :: Jewish Studies.

Next Steps

Students are encouraged to complete at least one of the following required courses by the end of their first year:

• JST 109 Jewish Experience in a Secular Age
• REL 229 Jewish Traditions

Students may major in French & Francophone Studies, Russian Studies, or Spanish.  Students may minor in French & Francophone Studies, Italian Studies, Spanish, or Russian Studies.  Other languages offered at the 100- and 200-levels: Arabic, Chinese, German, and Hebrew.

Students curious about  majoring or minoring in French, Italian, Russian, or Spanish should enroll in that language according to their placement test score (or at the 101-level, if they have no prior experience in that language). .  We strongly  encourage students who have placed at the 203- or 204- level in a language to consider pursuing that language further, because these placement scores indicate very strong skills and background in the language.

Heritage Speakers: We offer specialized courses for heritage speakers in both Arabic and Spanish. Heritage speakers have grown up hearing a second language spoken in the home but may have never studied that language formally; Arabic for the Community (ARB-187) and Spanish for Heritage Speakers I (SPN-202) and II (SPN-303) leverage students’ cultural understanding and special listening and speaking skills to create a meaningful and relevant learning experience.

Students interested in a major in Mathematics should take:

• Calculus (MTH 121/122/223 depending on placement)
• Students who place into MTH 223 Calculus III may elect to study MTH 227 Differential Equations instead

Students interested in a Media and Communication major should take:

• COM 201 Media and Society

If COM 201 Media and Society sections are all full, students should take any other 200-level COM elective that they find interesting. Some potential courses of interest may include (note that not all are taught every semester):

• COM 208 Global Media
• COM 212 New Information Technologies
• COM 220 Free Culture
• COM 224 Feminist Media Studies
• COM 225 Introduction to Journalism
• COM 242 20th Century Media

Next Steps

After completing COM 201, students should take

• COM 231 Documentary Research

Students interested in Music should take:

• MUS 150 Engaging with Music I (if they are able to read music) OR
• MUS 102 Fundamentals of Music (if they are less experienced music readers)
• While not required, all students are strongly encouraged to register for an ensemble that reflects their skills and interests (see below)
• Language:
• Vocalists interested in Classical traditions are encouraged to take Italian, French, or German
• Vocalists interested in Jazz or other vernacular traditions may want to take Spanish
• If students are interested in a particular tradition, they may want to study a relevant language

Students who are interested in taking voice or instrumental lessons should take: 

• MUS 901 Individual Applied Music (private lessons)
• There is a $650 fee for either thirteen 45-minute lessons or ten 60-minute lessons

Music Education Certification students must start the Engaging with Music sequence in their first semester or it is unlikely that they will graduate on time. Students who anticipate that they would need to register for Fundamentals of Music should contact the Music Department chair to discuss options.

Registering for Ensembles or Applied Music,  & Arranging Lessons

Students interested in joining the College Choir, Chamber Choir, and/or Treble Ensemble should register for College Choir.  Auditions for the Chamber Choir and Treble Ensemble will be held in the fall.  The College Choir welcomes all students to participate.  Students interested in all other ensembles should register and contact the ensemble director to let them know their instrument and background. 

Students interested in voice or instrument lessons should meet with Music faculty who will be available during Summer Advising for placement with an instructor.  Once registered, students will select a lesson time by following the "Applied Lessons" link from the Music Department web page.  Students should not worry about scheduling conflicts with class times.

The core courses in the Neuroscience major (Brain & Behavior; Mind & Brain; Neurons & Networks) are typically taken during years 2-4. These core Neuroscience courses build on cognates in multiple disciplines and may require prerequisites; first year students interested in Neuroscience will want to roster some courses in Biology, Mathematics, Psychology, or Chemistry; or a combination of the above. In selecting courses we recommend that you follow your interests. During your first year, the relevant courses to think about are:

• Biology: BIO160 and BIO165
• Psychology: PSY101
• Mathematics: Calculus (MTH 121/122/223 depending on placement) OR MTH119: Statistical Analysis
• Chemistry: depending on placement, CHM100 and/or CHM103 and CHM104 (can be completed during the first or second year depending on student’s preference and placement. Note that CHM 100 is only offered in the Fall. Neurons & Networks is the only core course that requires BIO175, which in turn requires CHM104; students who complete the  chemistry sequence in their second year will have plenty of NSC courses available to them)
• More information about Chemistry placement is available above.

Although the core Neuroscience courses are not usually open to first-year students, we offer Neuroscience electives with no prerequisites that are open to first-years. Our “Neuroscience in Context” electives are a great way to explore Neuroscience as a discipline and to begin satisfying major requirements. We set aside seats for first-years in these courses and encourage students with strong interest in neuroscience to begin with one of these courses.

Students wishing to learn more about the Neuroscience major are encouraged to reach out to the chair (Dr. Sprayberry).

Tentative NSC Course Plan

Students interested in a Philosophy major should start by taking any  course that counts toward the major and is listed as Appropriate for First-Years (AFY).

Other 200 level courses may be more challenging, but students who feel up to the challenge are welcome to enroll. We encourage you to talk to the instructor of the class to discuss your interests, before registering for a 300 level class.

Next Steps 

We recommend taking one of the following courses in the Sophomore year:

• PHL 110 Principles of Reasoning and Argument
• PHL 211 Formal Logic

Students interested in a major in Philosophy/Political Thought should considering taking:

• PSC 201 Political Philosophy

• One of following:

• PHL 105: Conduct and Character or
• PHL 106: Individual and Society or
• PHL 104: Philosophy East and West (HU, DE)
• PHL 242: Law & Morality

Students considering a major in Physics should enroll in:

• PHY 121 General Physics I
• Calculus (MTH 121/122/223 depending on placement)

Next Steps

• PHY 122 General Physics II should be taken in the Spring
• MTH 122 Calculus II OR MTH 227 Differential Equations
• We recommend postponing CHM 103 General Chemistry I until a later year, unless a student has a strong interest in chemistry

Students considering a major in Physics should enroll in:

• PHY 121 General Physics I
• Recommended: Calculus (MTH 121/122/223 depending on placement)

Next Steps

• PHY 122 General Physics II should be taken in the Spring
• Calculus is required at least through MTH 122 Calculus II

Students interested in Political Economy and Public Policy should consider enrolling in:

• ECN 101: Principles of Macroeconomics OR ECN 102: Principles of Microeconomics
• PSC 101 Introduction to American National Government OR PSC 103 Introduction to comparative Government and International Relations

Next Steps

The following courses are strongly recommended by the end of the first year:

• ECN 101: Principles of Macroeconomics 
• ECN 102: Principles of Microeconomics
• PSC 101: Introduction to American National Government 
• PSC 103: Introduction to Comparative Government and International Relations
• Calculus (MTH 121/122/223 depending on placement)

Students considering majoring in Political Science should start by taking any  course that counts toward the major and does not carry prerequisites. All 200-level courses are appropriate for first-year students: none carry prerequisites and all operate at roughly the same level, regardless of numerical designation. 

Muhlenberg College has a dual degree program in engineering and applied science with the engineering school at Columbia University in New York City. Students who select this program choose from two options: they may spend three years at Muhlenberg and two years at Columbia University, leading to a dual degree (B.S. from Muhlenberg and B.S. in Engineering from Columbia); or they may spend four years at Muhlenberg and two years at Columbia leading to two B.S. degrees.

Students interested in pursuing this program should take:

• PHY 121 General Physics I
• Calculus at the level determined by the College’s math placement test
• Recommended: ECN 101: Principles of Macroeconomics OR ECN 102: Principles of Microeconomics
• We recommend postponing CHM 103: General Chemistry I until a later year, unless a student has a strong interest in chemistry

While at Muhlenberg, the student’s major and general academic requirements must be fulfilled, and also calculus through MTH 223 Calculus III; computer science through CSI 111 Computer Science II; general physics through PHY 122 General Physics II; PHY 241 Thermal and Statistical Physics; CHM 103 General Chemistry I; ECN 101 Macroeconomics OR ECN 102 Microeconomics; and certain other courses depending upon the field of engineering to be selected. 

Columbia will review all applicants in a holistic and competitive review process. A student must receive a grade of B or higher in all pre-engineering courses the first time taken and achieve a 3.3 GPA in pre-engineering science courses and overall.  The student should take this requirement under consideration when selecting courses.

Advisor: Dr. Adam Clark, Associate Professor of Physics

A standard first-semester course load for incoming students interested in the health professions will include either CHM 100 or CHM 103 and either BIO 160 or PHY 121. Please strongly encourage students to register for the Chemistry class into which they are placed. Their choice of Biology or Physics will depend upon their academic interests.

It is absolutely fine if a student prefers to start with one natural science course. In that situation, if they have a preference they should take whichever course interests them most. If they have no preference, starting with Chemistry will give them more choices for other natural science courses earlier in their academic program. Note that CHM 100 is only offered in the Fall.

Students often worry that they will “fall behind” if they start with only one course or start in CHM 100 rather than CHM 103. Please reassure these students that there are many pathways to the health professions. Over 70% of students entering medical school in the US today have one or more transitional years between college and medical school – often gaining valuable experience that gives them a strong foundation in their chosen career. Students who start in CHM 100 or with only one natural science course will still be ready to take the MCAT by the end of their Senior year and begin the application process while they are at Muhlenberg. The most important metric for getting into a program in the health professions is to do well academically, and so it is most important for students to take classes that interest them and are at the appropriate level.

For premed students in particular: MTH 119 and/or MTH 121, any ENG course, and PSY 101, or SOC 101, or ATH 112, are either required or strongly recommended, and would make good options for non-science courses.

For more information, contact Cailín Cordon-Waldman, Director, Health Professions Advising.

Students interested in a career in Law should be encouraged to choose any major that interests them. 

Traditionally, students admitted to law school have come from almost every academic discipline.  Students may choose to major in subjects that are considered to be traditional preparation for law school, such as history, English, philosophy, political science, economics or business, or they may focus their undergraduate studies in areas as diverse as art, music, science and mathematics, computer science, or education.  Whatever the major, students are encouraged to pursue an area of study that interests and challenges them, while taking advantage of opportunities to develop critical thinking, research and writing skills, and oral communication.  Students are also recommended to seek significant experiences in and outside the classroom which are devoted to improving fairness, the quality of justice, and a commitment to public service.

Advisor: Dr. Jack Gambino        

Students interested in Psychology should take:

• PSY 101 Introductory Psychology

Students who have received Advanced Placement credit for PSY 101 can take a 200-level Psychology.

Next Steps

• MTH 119 Statistical Analysis or MTH 121 Calculus I should be taken by the end of the first year.
• PSY 103 Psychological Statistics should be taken the semester after completion of MTH 119 (or MTH 121)
• PSY 104 Research Methods should be taken the semester after completion of PSY 103

Note: Students cannot declare the major or the minor until they have completed PBH 200 Issues in Public Health.

Students considering a major in Public Health are encouraged to complete the following courses by the end of their Sophomore year:

• PBH 200/201 Issues in Public Health
• MTH 119 Statistical Analysis
• One of the following non-majors science course:  BIO 101, BIO 107, BIO 111, BIO 118, ESC 111 or ESC 113, NSC 115
• Note: BIO 160, 165, and 175 do not count towards the Public Health major or minor.

Students considering majoring in Religion should start by taking any  course that counts toward the major and is listed as Appropriate for First-Years (AFY). 

REL 202 Theory and Method in the Study of Religion is required for all Religion Studies majors, and it is recommended that students interested in the major take this course in their first or second year.

No specific major is required for education and training for a religious profession.  Study in Religion Studies, Jewish Studies, English, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Business, Media & Communication, and Education is recommended.  Some religions require that, while in college and before entering a graduate-level program, a student participates in a discernment and formation process. Contact your particular denomination for details.  For further information, contact Chaplain Janelle Neubauer.

See Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

Students interested in majoring in Sociology should consider enrolling in:

•  SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology

We strongly encourage students to study a second language and to study abroad in their junior year.

Students interested in majoring in Sustainabilty Studies should take at least one of the following courses listed below in their first year:

• BIO 111, 126 - Concepts of Biology: Crisis Earth: Causes, Consequences, & Solutions for a Changing Planet 
• ESC 111 - Topics in Environmental Science
• ESC 150 - Introduction to Environmental Science 

 Students may also consider taking:

• SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology
• ECN 102 - Principles of Microeconomics

Students considering a major in Theatre should enroll in:

• THR 105 Performance and Society (seminar and lab)
• Students with a serious interest in Musical Theatre should also consider taking a Voice lesson through the Music Department and a Dance Technique class in the Dance program
• Students may also choose to add one of the following .5-credit courses
• THR 151 Voice and Speech for the Actor
• THR 155 Movement for the Actor
• THR 166 Stagecraft: Scenic Techniques
• THR 167 Stagecraft: Costume Techniques
• THR 168 Stagecraft: Properties
• THR 182 Murder Mysteries from Page to Stage

Next Steps

• THR 107 Dramatic Text in Action is recommended in the Spring semester

If your advisees have questions about the Theatre major requirements, a helpful guide is available on our website.

If your advisees have questions about the Theatre major requirements, a helpful guide is available on our website.

Students considering a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies should start by taking any  course that counts toward the major and is listed as Appropriate for First-Years (AFY). Find courses for this interdisciplinary major in the Workday course offerings by searching on the course tag IDS :: Women’s and Gender Studies.

Next Steps

• WST 202 Topics in Women’s & Gender Studies is a core class for the major

Students who express an interest in a self-designed major in Gender & Sexuality Studies should contact program director Dr. Kate Richmond. There are several students currently completing a Self-Designed Major in Gender and Sexuality Studies through the Women’s and Gender Studies program with advising by WST faculty.

Students considering a minor in Africana Studies should start by taking any  course that counts toward the minor and does not carry prerequisites. Find courses for this interdisciplinary major in the Workday course offerings by searching on the course tag IDS :: Africana Studies.