Some not-so-minor points about
declaring a major
You might not realize it, but you've already
earned an "A" on the first test:
You've chosen to be a college graduate, a degreed
individual. You will join the ranks of the
educated and be prepared for the future that
awaits you.
That's a great start on the big picture. Now
you need to focus on the details: What do I
want to spend the rest of my life doing? ...
Discovering a cure for cancer? Building rocket
ships? Caring for the sick? Educating the next
generation? Running a business?
Choosing a major area of study is not done
on a whim. It is an important life decision,
one that takes lots of thought and discussion.
Ready to begin choosing a major? Here's
how:
Ask probing questions.
- What classes do I most enjoy?
- What activities outside of class are most
important to me?
- What goals have I set for myself?
- What do I lose track of time doing?
That last one is a tie-breaker. People spend
the most time doing the things they are best
at and enjoy the most. Figure out how you can
incorporate those skills and talents into your
future career.
Get informed.
- Know what all your choices are by exploring
our areas of study and investigating the
Undergraduate Studies Bulletin.
- Talk with students and faculty in the departments
that interest you.
- Talk with professionals who are doing what
you think you want to do. Ask them about
the type of education you need to enter that
field.
Test the waters.
- Enroll in a variety of courses to explore
your interests.
- Get involved in co-curricular activities
to expand your breadth of experience.
Stop and evaluate.
- When it's time to declare a major, sit
down and think long and hard. Review all
you've done, how it has affected you, what
you enjoyed the most and how it might fit
into your future.
