Choosing a major can be a confusing and overwhelming process. The Office of Career Services assists undeclared majors by providing resources, programs and counseling that support the Undeclared Advisement Program. Our focus is to help you with the important process of self assessment and exploration, not premature selection of a career. Part of our role is to debunk many of the myths about the relationship of major to career. All majors develop core sets of skills that are transferable to a wide variety of career areas. 

The Undeclared Advising Program is directed by Dr. Carol Crafts within the Dean of Undergraduate Studies Office. The program assists students by matching specially trained Academic A dvisors who work with students from summer orientation through declaration of the major.

The Office of Career Services works with the Undeclared Advising Program in providing resources and special programs that aid students in making sound academic and/or career development decisions.

Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to pick a career or know "what you want to do for the rest of you life" before choosing your major. It is perfectly legitimate to select your major based on what interests and challenges you academically as all majors develop competencies and skills that are transferable to the job market.

Consider the following as you explore majors of interest:

• All majors lead to a wide variety of career areas and conversely, all career areas draw from a wide variety of majors. 
• Your undergraduate field of study does not necessarily define your graduate field of study.
• Be sure your information on how majors connect with careers is accurate. 
• A well-rounded liberal arts education, which encourages the development of solid writing, research, communication and other skills, supplemented with a minor or well-planned elective courses and practical internships or related activities, can help you develop your "employment" qualifications.  
• Above all, it is critical that you choose a major based on what interests and challenges you academically, and what you will enjoy studying as an undergraduate, not just "what will get you a job."

If you are unsure of your career goals, you are in good company! Career ideas typically change and emerge over the 4 years of college (and beyond), which is why it makes sense to select a major that will develop you as a broadly educated person, equipped for a long life of learning.

For further help in exploring the "major-career link", or lack thereof, speak with a Career Advisor and make use of our helpful resources and online tools.

As you approach your "major decision," be sure to make good use of all appropriate college resources.  As you work with your Advisor, you will select courses that will help you explore majors of interest. Be sure to take initiative and be proactive in your research process!

Strategies and Resources for Major Exploration:

• Consult with your Undeclared Advisor, Academic Advisor, Director of the Undeclared Program and/or Academic Dean.
• Maintain regular contact with key academic resources who can assist you in exploring and planning your academic options. 
• Develop a list of top choices and thoroughly research them. Our "Undecided" handout packets, contain helpful checklists and research strategies to help narrow your options.
• Do not rule out any options based strictly on career concerns. Career ideas can be explored once you've learned more about specific majors.  
• Speak with Department Chairs and Program Directors in areas of interests. Faculty can describe their disciplines in greater detail, recommend exploratory courses, outline requirements and provide helpful information related to career and/or graduate and professional school options.  
• Speak with Students.  Ask the Chair or Program Director to recommend a student from their discipline - a student's perspective can be helpful. Do your own fact-finding to determine what suits you best! Student Career Assistants, trained student professionals in The Office of Career Services, may also be able to assist you. Refer to About the Office for student Career Assistant contact information. 
• Attend the Major/Minor Fair held annually in October. The Fair provides you with the opportunity to speak with a number of faculty representatives and students in an informal atmosphere. This is especially helpful when you are exploring a combination of options such as how a major will fit with study abroad or a minor of interest.  

Students declare their major by March of their sophomore year, following the declaration procedures and deadline determined by the Undeclared Advising Program.

• Develop a record of success and academic excellence in your field of study.
• Plan electives and/or a minor which compliments your major and enhances your future employability.
• Challenge yourself with upper level courses, team projects and oral presentations, research projects and independent studies, as well as academic internships.
• Regardless of your major, develop solid communication skills, research and analytic abilities, and computer literacy.
• Supplement your academic coursework with extracurricular activities and volunteer work. Experiences that develop leadership and other competencies highly valued by employers.

• Individual Consultation: Schedule an appointment to meet with a Career Advisor regarding self-assessment, major-career issues, etc.
• Workshops:Workshops are offered throughout the year. Check our events link for details. 
• Major/Minor Fair: Held annually in October, the Fair provides students with an opportunity to speak with faculty and student representatives from most academic departments and programs, along with other key resource people.
• Career Books: Career Services has a variety of books that provide general information about majors as well as books about specific majors and career fields available for students.
• Online Resources:Visit our Career Exploration section for popular online resources that will help you with choosing a major.
• Alumni Career Examples by Major: FriarLink is our online database of alumni who have volunteered to be resources to students for career information, shadowing days and networking. You can use FriarLink to view alumni career examples by major, which may be helpful as you explore your options. Many PC academic departments and program homepages also include alumni career examples.