4 answers
Destiny
Student
Douglassville, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
803 views
Is it really okay to go to college undecided on a major? Pros/cons?
I have some ideas on what I want to major in but I have so many interests so I'm trying to decide if going in undecided would be the best decision.
#general-college-majors
#college-majors
4 answers
Christie Price-Izcano
Constructor of learning solutions
11
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Christie’s Answer
You don't have to choose a major until really your junior year in college. Stick to taking your basics and sign up for a internship for one or more of those interest to see if it really is a good fit for you.
Julia Belcher
IT Services Marketing
4
Answers
Greenville, South Carolina
Updated
Julia’s Answer
Hello Destiny,
I want to reassure you that it's not unusual to be uncertain about your major. I myself switched majors three times and still managed to graduate on time!
There are a few drawbacks to starting without a specific major in mind:
1. Delayed Specialization: You might find yourself entering more specialized courses later than your peers if you start without a major. This could be a setback if you eventually decide on a major that requires a lot of specific courses.
2. Competitive Majors: Some majors are extremely sought-after and might have limited availability. If you start as undecided, it could be more difficult to secure a spot in these programs down the line.
3. Advising: Although you'll have advisors available to you, they might not specialize in the area you ultimately choose, which could influence the quality of advice you receive.
However, there are also several benefits to starting as an undecided major:
1. Flexibility: Being undecided gives you the freedom to explore a range of subjects before settling on a specific field of study.
2. Discovery: This approach lets you uncover your true passions and interests by sampling various classes, potentially leading you to a major you're genuinely excited about.
3. Adaptability: If you're not certain about what you want to study, starting as undecided can help you avoid the need to change your major later on, saving you both time and money.
My advice to you would be to concentrate on earning the general education credits required for graduation while also exploring potential areas of interest through various courses.
I hope this advice is helpful to you.
I want to reassure you that it's not unusual to be uncertain about your major. I myself switched majors three times and still managed to graduate on time!
There are a few drawbacks to starting without a specific major in mind:
1. Delayed Specialization: You might find yourself entering more specialized courses later than your peers if you start without a major. This could be a setback if you eventually decide on a major that requires a lot of specific courses.
2. Competitive Majors: Some majors are extremely sought-after and might have limited availability. If you start as undecided, it could be more difficult to secure a spot in these programs down the line.
3. Advising: Although you'll have advisors available to you, they might not specialize in the area you ultimately choose, which could influence the quality of advice you receive.
However, there are also several benefits to starting as an undecided major:
1. Flexibility: Being undecided gives you the freedom to explore a range of subjects before settling on a specific field of study.
2. Discovery: This approach lets you uncover your true passions and interests by sampling various classes, potentially leading you to a major you're genuinely excited about.
3. Adaptability: If you're not certain about what you want to study, starting as undecided can help you avoid the need to change your major later on, saving you both time and money.
My advice to you would be to concentrate on earning the general education credits required for graduation while also exploring potential areas of interest through various courses.
I hope this advice is helpful to you.
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
712
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hello Destiny:
A great majority of students do not have any idea on what they would like to major in while attending college. You don't have to feel pressured or make an immediate decision right now. Normally, you choose a major in your junior year, which gives you enough time to research on what you would like to to do. I'd suggest taking the basic courses and selecting good electives.
Best of luck to you!
~ Sheila
A great majority of students do not have any idea on what they would like to major in while attending college. You don't have to feel pressured or make an immediate decision right now. Normally, you choose a major in your junior year, which gives you enough time to research on what you would like to to do. I'd suggest taking the basic courses and selecting good electives.
Best of luck to you!
~ Sheila
Gloria Ortiz
Instructional Designer
845
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Since you are just starting your college experience, you should not feel a lot of pressure to decide on a major just yet. Most of your major work is done during your junior and senior year. I would suggest that you work hard on the general courses that you need to take at your university – English, History, Math, etc. I would also recommend that you challenge yourself with the elective courses that you take. If you do not really know what you want to major in, you should start to look in places where you have never looked. Take the elective that you don’t even know what it is. That will expose you to new experiences that may catch your attention. Or you may find that something you don’t think would be a good major is actually what you want to do. You should not be afraid of majors where you are not quite sure what you will do with it as a job. I ended up graduating with what is the equivalent of a Liberal Arts degree at a lot of universities. And what do I do? I am an Instructional Designer.
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