A Developmental Perspective for Exploring College Majors: A Guide for Undecided Students

For high school and new college students, the question of what to major in can be daunting. It's a rite of passage to be undecided, and even those who enter college with unwavering certainty about their chosen major often find themselves on a winding path of change. The truth is, not having a clear major in mind is entirely appropriate at this stage of life. At age 18 or 19, students are still in the early stages of forming their identities, and there's a wealth of learning and growth ahead of them. This period of exploration and transformation is one of the fundamental goals of higher education.

Understanding the Role of a College Major

College majors play a crucial role in higher education, providing depth and specialization in a student's chosen field. A major typically consists of ten or more courses within a specific academic discipline, ranging from introductory to advanced levels. While they make up roughly a third of a student's undergraduate degree, having a major is essential in fostering expertise and critical thinking in a particular area.

In addition to major requirements, colleges often include core requirements encompassing a wide range of academic subjects and areas of interest. These requirements wrap around the major, providing students with a breadth of knowledge. Major and non-major requirements equip students with essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, advocacy, writing, and problem-solving, which transcend any specific field and are highly valuable in various careers.

Some majors, like engineering or nursing, are more specialized and career-oriented, offering less room for broad education. These programs focus intensely on the chosen discipline, leaving only a small amount of the curriculum to study and explore other subjects. The exact balance may vary from one institution to another.

Considering the Future: Careers and the Unknown

It's natural and logical for students to consider future job prospects when choosing a major. College education comes at a significant cost, so it's reasonable to want that investment to pay off financially and lead to a rewarding career. However, avoiding viewing college education solely through a pre-professional lens is important. The reality is that the jobs of the future don't even exist today. Being educated in a broad range of areas, such as in a liberal arts educational experience, and possessing a diverse skill set is valuable preparation for a wide range of careers, including those that have yet to emerge.

Supporting High School Students in Choosing a College Major

There are numerous ways to support high school students as they navigate the process of choosing a major:

1. Assess High School Experiences: Analyze the courses they've taken, their grades and their favorite subjects. Advanced coursework in areas where they excel can provide clues to potential majors.

2. Explore Extracurricular Activities: Observe their engagement in extracurricular activities, hobbies, and interests. These can shed light on their academic and career inclinations.

3. Utilize Self-Assessment Tools: Encourage using self-assessment tools like YouScience, 16 Personalities, and MyMajors to identify personality traits and strengths that align with various majors and careers. Use these results as a way to learn about and brainstorm possibilities. 

4. Research Majors: Explore lesser-known majors that may not have been introduced in high school. Websites like The Bureau of Labor and Statistics and "What Can I do With This Major?" can be invaluable resources.

5. LinkedIn Profiles: Examine the LinkedIn profiles of professionals doing jobs of interest to see how their educational backgrounds match their careers.

6. High School Programs: Encourage participation in career days, job shadowing programs, and informational interviews with professionals from various fields.

7. Personal Connections: Consider people you know who do jobs that interest you. Talk to them about what they do, and ask if you can shadow a work day. 

Choosing a College for Undecided Students

When compiling a college list, it's crucial to consider schools that fit undecided students well. These institutions should offer support for exploring different majors and provide the flexibility to switch between majors if needed.

The selection process should focus on finding schools that align with the student's needs, interests, and goals. A college's reputation, selectivity, or ranking should not be the sole criteria for inclusion. It's essential to ensure students can pursue their academic aspirations and explore a major of interest at each institution.

• Liberal Arts Colleges and Colleges of Arts and Sciences at universities are excellent choices for students interested in humanities, arts, social sciences, and natural sciences. These institutions typically allow students to pursue any major offered within their college.

  
  

• Special Programs: Universities offering specialized programs and support for undecided students, such as the University Studies Program at the University of Delaware or the Explore Program at Northeastern University, are also great options for those still exploring their major.

  
  

• Open Curriculum Schools: Consider schools with open curriculum policies, like Brown University, which have minimal core requirements and allow students to explore a wide range of subjects.

  
  

Undecided students interested in a highly competitive major such as computer science but with a range of other academic interests should consider applying as an undecided student. Sometimes, demonstrating a broad range of interests can lead to better admission outcomes.

An Action Plan for Undecided College Students

Once in college, undecided students should take advantage of the resources available to them:

1. Academic Advisors: Seek advice from academic advisors regularly to navigate course selection and major exploration.

2. Course Selection: Let coursework guide major selection by exploring various disciplines to identify preferences.

3. Mentorship: Develop mentoring relationships with faculty and staff to gain insights into potential majors and career paths.

4. Continual Exploration: Treat major and career exploration as an ongoing process, taking small steps each week to advance understanding.

5. Networking: Connect with professors, mentors, alumni, and potential employers to learn about majors and careers. LinkedIn can be a valuable platform for networking and exploring professionals' educational backgrounds.

Additional steps that students can take include:

• Visiting the career center

• Attending talks and events related to potential majors

• Conducting informational interviews with professionals in fields of interest

• Reading articles or listening to podcasts about specific majors or careers

• Updating their resume and creating a LinkedIn profile

• Seeking advice from professors in potential major departments

• Engaging with clubs and organizations related to their academic interests

In this journey of self-discovery, students should embrace uncertainty and remain open to new possibilities. College is not just about finding the right major; it's about students evolving as individuals, gaining skills, and discovering passions that will shape their future. As they walk their academic path, let them explore, ask questions, and embrace the changes that come their way. After all, the journey itself often leads to the most profound discoveries and rewards.