What is a Pathway?

Pathways are clusters of majors grouped together based on the paths of study other successful Guilford students have followed. As a first-year student, you choose a Pathway that sounds interesting to you. It's just a place to start — you are always welcome to switch to a major that isn't in your original Pathway!

There are important benefits to choosing your Pathway, even if it feels daunting to do so. Although you can switch paths at any time, your Pathway gives you a place to begin — and an image of where you can go. Pathways are also a great way to build relationships because they group you with students who have similar interests to yours. Plus, you'll get to know all of the professors and staff members associated with your Pathway, which will make it easy to transition into your major when you're ready to choose one. Already know what you want to major in? Great! Simply choose the Pathway that includes that major and you're on your way.

New to guilford.edu? Read more about your Guilford Edge.

Pathway 1: Social and Linguistic Sciences

This is the study of languages and how national and global cultures and cultural norms are formed; how big ideas shape our actions; how literature and writing make meaning of the world; how lessons from our history impact us now; and/or how we govern ourselves. It includes:

Pathway 2: Artistic and Human Studies

This is about how we create art, music, and theater; how our brains work; how we create societal rules and policies and how sometimes they produce conflict; and/or the roles and responsibilities of teaching in our school systems. The majors include:

Pathway 3: Natural Science Studies

This focuses on understanding current scientific theory and expanding our knowledge through experimentation — how human and other animals’ bodies work; how we understand the physical universe and the world of living things; and/or how we can maintain and sustain our environment. The following are included:

Pathway 4: Management, Math, and Technology

This is about how numbers impact our ideas and help us make meaning; the possibilities and constraints of technology; how we structure our organizations; and/or the pure beauty of numbers. Included majors are: