DECLARING A MAJOR

There are many reasons or methods people have for choosing a major.  Consider which of the following conditions are important to you:

• Doesn't require courses I might make low grades in.
• Will be really fun and interesting.
• Is going to have a "good" job outlook.
• Builds on my skills and teaches me new skills.
• Is acceptable to ___________ (my parents, friends, spouse, etc.)
• Is consistent with my values and lifestyle.
• Uses college credits I already have.
• Making the most of your electives

Doesn't require courses I might make low grades in:

• Evaluate your academic strengths and weaknesses, based on previous courses.
• Read descriptions of course requirements in catalog.
• Take an elective in the major on a pass/fail basis.
• Request a syllabus for courses that are required; review texts in the bookstore.
• Audit a class and complete assignments.

Will be really fun and interesting:

• Decide what you consider fun and interesting, then read course descriptions.
• Try a volunteer job, work-study job, summer job or field experience in an area related to that major.
• Talk to upperclass students who are in the major.
• Inquire within the department about field experience offerings.
• Ask professors in the major about their methods of teaching, sit in on some classes.

Is going to have a "good" job outlook:

• Review resources in career library (Career Services), such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
• Talk to professionals in work related to that major.  
• Talk to counselors at Career Services:  review follow-up surveys on graduates.
• Ask academic advisors what other students have done with their majors; what areas of concentration have they designed with employability in mind?
• Career Services:  http://www.sru.edu/career

Builds on my skills and teaches me new skills:

• Discover your skills and those you want to develop by talking with a career counselor.
• Use the computerized guidance system--DISCOVER (Career Services) or the Academic Advisement Center.
• Ask people, in careers of interest to you, what skills they need and use and what courses they would recommend taking.
• Review resources in career library (majors---skills---careers).
• Investigate practical experience opportunities within the major.

Is acceptable to _________________ (my parents, friends, spouse, etc.):

• Discuss your choices with these "significant others."  How well do their expectations match with the goals you have set for yourself?
• Remember that your choices must be realistic and interesting to you. You will be the one that has to live with your choice(s).  
• Provides a good foundation for professional/graduate school.
• Talk to graduate advisors and admission deans to determine required QPA and suggested (or required) courses and majors.
• Read descriptions of programs and requirement in professional/graduate school catalogs.
• Discuss merits or particular majors as graduate school preparation with professionals in the field.

Is consistent with my values and lifestyle:

• Visit the Counseling Center to clarify values and take values/lifestyles/interest inventories.
• Talk to students in the major--do you share similar values and lifestyle preferences?
• Ask professors who teach major courses why they enjoy the major.
• Attend a meeting of a club or professional organization associated with the major.
• Talk to professionals in careers related to the major--what lifestyles do they lead?
• Counseling Center:  http://www.sru.edu/pages/267.asp

Uses college credits I already have:

• Talk to academic advisors about requirements and unique combinations.

Making the most of your electives:

• Take a second major - preferably quite different from your declared major.
• Develop an occupation-related skill. (A liberal arts curriculum is not intended to prepare you for a specific occupation. Emphasis is on general intellectual development). Ex: computer programming, statistics, accounting, technical writing.
• Pursue a special interest or hobby. Ex: writing, choral music, a foreign language, outdoor recreation.
• Pursue a particular issue, topic or problem through different disciplines. Ex. environment via marine biology, urban studies, political science, psychology.
• Spend a semester taking courses in another country.