Choosing Majors and Careers

Although this information is addressed primarily to concerns of first-year students, some issues may transcend the first year. Choosing an academic major can be challenging. After students gain experience with a variety of subjects, they are in a better position to make this decision. Some will shift from one major to another; others will decide on a major area of study even earlier than the junior year; a few may delay the decision until it is too late to accomplish it in four years.

Most students starting out in college do not have clear-cut vocational goals. Even those who do may change their goals for sound reasons discovered along the way. Since the University has the same general education requirements for each of the three undergraduate schools, students are able to change their academic direction with less difficulty than at many colleges and universities. There is a very good chance that students will change majors while at the University; some students change their plan two, three, or more times.

Changing the major is a serious undertaking for students, and usually a lot of thought is given to it. They may have liked basic science courses in high school but don’t like pre-med as an application of scientific principles. They may find that careers in the business world hold more intrinsic appeal. Other students stumble into a whole new world of exciting ideas in such fields as studio art, drama, English literature, history, political science, music, psychology, and sociology.

In some cases, parents pressure a student to pursue a program that conflicts with the student’s own choice. These young people may submit to parental wishes with harbored resentment. Or, they may stand firm but experience guilt for having defied their parents or anxiety because resources might be withdrawn. Ultimately, young people must develop their own career identity. To impose a choice denies them the opportunity to integrate varied interests, talents and motivations and implies that the student is incapable of making an autonomous decision. Most students appreciate the reassuring support of parents while coming to these important decisions in their lives.

One frequent mistake is to insist on choosing a “practical” major. Almost any major can lead to almost any vocational path. It is better to focus on finding a major the student both enjoys and excels in. The Career Development Center (CDC) can provide assistance in matching students’ academic preparation with their potential career directions. Internships and similar experiences have become increasingly important in today’s job market. Therefore, CDC staff encourage students to contact their office as early as possible (ideally during their first-year). See the Four Year Road map for additional information about suggested career development steps.

Career Development Center site with information on Majors.

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