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My Design

At McDaniel, you won’t just obtain a top-tier education; you’ll own your entire educational experience. Held exclusively during Jan Term on campus, My Design provides you with timely instruction and experiences that yield a better understanding of your personal and professional strengths and goals, and the resources and people on McDaniel’s campus who can help you cultivate your potential. You will develop and expand areas of interest related to the liberal arts and sciences, wellness, potential college majors, and future career paths. Then you’ll be well prepared to make choices and develop a personalized action plan that sets the stage for the rest of your time on the Hill, ensuring that every step you climb is intentional and purposeful.

The Hill: Yours to Summit.

At McDaniel College, you have the freedom to forge your own path. In every club and organization on campus, you can channel your passion and excitement into personal growth and leadership opportunities as you hone your skills and collaborate with peers. In a community that empowers you to become your best self, you’ll bring out the best in others too.

students in classroom

First things first

First Year Seminars (we call them FYS courses) are designed to give you an innovative, engaging transition to college and an introduction to the liberal arts. You’ll focus on a unique topic through a variety of disciplines, while improving your skills in critical thinking, analytical reading, oral communication, and effective writing. Whether you’re examining scary themes in film and fiction or studying scientific revolutions, the FYS is the perfect introduction to what life on the Hill is all about. Here are just a few recent examples: 

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Technology

Learn to Think Like A Computer

Students set out to discover technical knowhow through exploring and surveying popular technologies.

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Literature

Shakespeare's Game of Thrones

Students discover the connections and similarities between the works of the renowned Renaissance playwright and the wildly popular HBO series.  

Explore
Philosophy

The Examined Life

Students will explore classic philosophical questions while developing the ability to think critically about their own lived experience.

“ My FYS professor was one of the biggest blessings as a freshman. He had regular meetings with each student about not only our work, but about how we were adjusting to college life.”

Veronica J., Junior
classroom student

Your Design What’s your major(s)?

At McDaniel, there are so many majors and minors to choose from that it’s hard to pick just one. That’s why so many students pick two or three. With the help of your advisors, you can pick a combination of majors and minors that is completely unique to you and perfectly aligns with your interests. 

Your major doesn’t dictate what you learn — it starts the conversation. Combine subjects, follow interests, and customize a degree on your own terms.

Find your Passion Design your Future

"When I first came to McDaniel, I did not know at all what I wanted to do. I didn't even know what kinesiology was...I took an intro to Kinesiology class, and ever since I took that first class, I just knew that Kinesiology was the major I wanted to pursue." -Kinesiology student Isabella