Whether a freshman entering college or a senior in high school preparing for the application season, you’ve likely been asked more than once, “What are you majoring in?”
For many, this is a tricky question to answer. Choosing a major field of study for a four-year degree is a monumental decision that students should not take lightly, but deciding on a future early in a college education can feel overwhelming or restrictive. Plus, as many students switch or change majors at least once, choosing a major can feel more and more complicated.
These factors explain why many students frequently enter college as undecided or undeclared in their first year. This article will provide undecided students with tips for choosing a college major so that they can feel confident in declaring a major.
What is an Undecided Major?
A student enrolled in a college or university as “undecided” or “undeclared” has not yet chosen their academic major. They have, however, gone through the application process, been accepted, and selected their classes at the university.
Undecided students take general education courses to fulfill their school’s general curriculum requirements and use these courses to explore their interests and degree options across various disciplines.
Common areas and concentrations of general education courses include:
- Composition & Rhetoric
- Fine Arts
- Humanities
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- First-Year Seminar
Why Do Students Enter College as Undecided Majors?
There are many reasons why a student would choose to enter college as an undecided major instead of choosing a major.
Some are interested in multiple majors and career paths and use their first few college semesters to explore all available options. Others may not know what they want to study and choose to enlist the guidance and support of their academic advisors to help them select their degrees. Plus, many undecided students want to get their general education requirements out of the way so that they can put all their focus on the courses in their future major.
Whatever the case, undecided students are just as motivated and dedicated to their studies and future careers as students who have already selected their major.
Explore how University of Bridgeport can help you discover your passion when you enroll as an Undecided student!
Six Tips for Choosing a Major
A major is the specific subject area a student studies at college. It is a significant step in one’s academic career, and students should consider their interests, skills, talents, and overall career goals.
While asking family and friends for advice is helpful, students should not be pushed into majors they are not interested in. Do the research to be informed and educated about all majors of interest.
Tip #1: Get Educated on All Majors
Students should take the time to familiarize themselves and learn about the different majors offered at either their chosen school or the schools they are interested in attending.
For example, if a student is interested in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) career, they want a school with robust science and mathematics degrees. If a student gravitates toward helping others, choosing a school with many behavioral science majors may be a better fit.
Tip #2: Consider Interests and Passions
While obvious, this tip cannot be overstated. Students should take the time and consider their interests and passions, not anyone else’s.
Choosing an area of study and major based on passion helps students avoid burnout and fatigue, especially during midterms and finals. Loving the subject fosters more class engagement and elevates the overall collegiate experience, leading to better grades and connections with professors and peers post-graduation.
Students struggling to know their interests can also look to joining student clubs, volunteering, and internships to explore various interests.
Tip #3: Get Help From an Advisor of Faculty in Different Majors
Academic advisors are faculty members who help students throughout their academic careers, including selecting a major. For undecided students, advisors ensure they take classes in the right disciplines to eventually choose a major they want to pursue.
Set up a time to talk to an academic advisor or a faculty member in possible majors to learn from their experience in the field and in helping hundreds of other students.
Ask questions about which courses to take, career potential, what kind of skills are helpful in this career, and the pros and cons of a career in the field.
Tip #4: Take Intro Classes that Explore Different Majors
Intro classes expose students to the overarching ideas of the major field, which helps them determine if this field of study interests them, fits their professional and personal goals, and if this major is something they want to spend their time and money pursuing.
Keep in mind intro courses may not always transfer or qualify for credit in all major fields if a student changes their major field of study.
Tip #5: Consider Future Careers and Earning Potential
In addition to their interests, skills, and passions, students need to think about their future careers’ salary and earning potential and how important these factors are to them.
While college pays back more than just financially, it is a significant investment, especially for students paying their way. Furthermore, it’s critical to ensure that available career opportunities provide enough money to support future financial goals.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is a fantastic resource where students can search for career positions and median annual salaries.
Tip #6: Talk to Others About Their Majors
In addition to family and academic advisors, many students talk about their majors with fellow students, perhaps upper-level students or recent alums.
Ask them how they chose their major, what they enjoyed and disliked, and how their major is helping them in their current job or career.
While it can feel pressing to decide on a major immediately, students should take the time to consider all their options and do everything they can not to rush the process.
For this reason, many colleges and universities, like University of Bridgeport, offer students the ability to enter a four-year bachelor’s program as undeclared or undecided students. Undeclared students can comfortably spend their first year fulfilling general education requirements and exploring various majors and interests instead of plunging into a field of study that’s not right in the long run.
Learn more about the options and support services available by contacting us today. We are here to help you get through college and into an exciting career.
Together, let’s do something great!