For many students, choosing a major or having a career in mind is a source of concern that can affect their personal, academic and social lives. "Undecided" or "Exploratory" students often feel pressure or a sense of urgency about declaring a major. Much research has been done that shows up to 80% of entering college students indicate that they are not certain of their choice of major, even if they have initially "decided" on one. In addition, research has shown that over 50% of entering freshmen change their majors at least once before graduation, and some change many times.

Making a decision about choosing a major is one that should not be hurried and should be made with the benefit of accurate information and advice. Just reading the Undergraduate Announcement about courses required in a particular major is not enough. You will need to do some research and actively participate in your search by becoming involved in the decision-making process. It will require time, information and commitment.

When students talk about choosing a major, they often mean choosing a career (and vice-versa). The relationship of college majors to career fields varies. Obviously some career choices dictate that you choose a specific major. If you want to be a nurse you must major in nursing. Engineers major in engineering. Some people assume that students who major in the arts, humanities or social sciences are either not qualified for any jobs or qualified only for careers in those specific areas. Actually, students who earn undergraduate degrees in history, psychology, English, and similar majors find jobs in business, research, human resources, teaching, the military and a variety of other occupations. Choosing a major does not limit you to one career choice; choosing a career does not limit you to only one major.

Here are some of the tools and resources which will assist you in the decision-making process:

1. Know Yourself

Before you can begin exploring majors and careers, you must first develop a true understanding of you—your skills, interests, values, and personality characteristics. Here are some helpful links:

2. Major and Career Exploration

The following will give you information such as nature of the job, minimum entry requirements, related careers, job outlook and salary information:

In addition you may want to speak to an academic advisor about taking some introductory or other courses related to a specific major as an exploratory option.

3. Making A Decision

Once you have finished your self-assessment and career exploration activities, it is time for you to narrow down your options and make a decision. The steps you need to follow now are: determine your options; weigh your decisions; decide and make a plan.

1. Determine your options:What are your life goals? How does the major or career you choose to pursue fit into those goals? What are the various paths that you can follow that will ultimately lead to those goals? In order to make your choice, you need to have your options in front of you. Spend some time reflecting on where it is that you want to be and how to get there.



2. Weigh Your Decision:Before you can make a decision, be sure to take the consequences into consideration. Maybe one of your goals is to pursue an advanced degree. You would need to consider the possibility of not being accepted as a short-term consequence. As a long-term consequence, you may want to consider the amount of time and money that will be spent on graduate school. It is important to consider the good with the bad and determine if the benefits are greater than the cost.



3. Decide:Now it’s time to make your decision. Remember that whatever choice you make now, it is not carved in stone. If you don’t feel satisfied or you encounter obstacles that you know you cannot overcome, repeat the steps in decision making to help determine an alternate course. Everyone can change their mind if they want to—and many people do every day. However, if you make a well-informed decision now, the chances that you will eventually change your mind are greatly reduced.

Please take the time to make an appointment with a CASL academic or faculty advisor to discuss all your academic options. To declare your major you must complete a Change of Degree Form available at the CASL Office of Advising and Student Records 1039 CB.

Campus resources to help in choosing a major/career: