Tips on Choosing a Major

Utilize your Academic Advisor.

Your advisor is ready to answer questions about choosing a major and direct you to appropriate resources.

Read the College Catalog.

While this seems very basic, it is a resource that is often overlooked. Catalog listings may include course descriptions for you to read, and information on career potentials within the areas of study.

Speak to students in the major.

Advanced students in the major will be able to give you an idea what their course of study has been, what their career goals are, descriptions of professors, etc.

Speak to alumni.

This can be done informally or you may solicit help from the faculty or Career Services staff.

Visit with professors.

Professors are a good sources of information about what students in the major have gone on to do and what kinds of benefits students get from majoring in their subject area.

Talk with Career Services staff.

The Career Services staff are available to discuss different options with you. The Career Services library contains print, video and computer information on majors, career choice, occupations, job search skills and resources, scholarships, graduate and professional schools, volunteer, summer and internship opportunities and academic and professional employment listings.

Read departmental literature.

Which can often be obtained from a department secretary upon request. This is information which the department has put together to give students like you the information you need to make an informed decision about whether this is an appropriate major. It also may list important departmental requirements.

Study Abroad:

Consider visiting the Study Abroad office (International Programs - second floor of Old Main) to learn about a variety of study abroad opportunities.