Considerations for Students with Undeclared Majors

The undeclared student brings a unique set of circumstances to the advising forum. There are a number of reasons why students may arrive on campus having yet to determine a major. Understanding these reasons can be the key to guiding students down their own career path. Undeclared advisees flourish best in a caring climate where they are comfortable in identifying problems associated with selecting a major. Advisors are encouraged to be gentle yet firm as they guide a student in a career direction. Strongly encourage undeclared students to visit the Career Counselor in the Counseling Center.

True or False. Undeclared students are less prepared for college and are therefore more at risk than decided students.

False. There is no research that links undeclared student status to poor academic performance. However, undeclared students are more prone to withdrawing from a university as their relationship with coursework, peers and faculty may seem arbitrary. Caring advisors can help to foster a sense of connectedness with the institution. Advisors should gently nudge students towards a degree by the completion or their first year if appropriate.

True or False. Undeclared students are further behind in the developmental stage of making career and educational decisions than decided students

False. Most undeclared students are engaged in the normal developmental stage for making career and educational decisions. However, students may feel behind as many of their peers have selected a degree. Advisors can assist students to move quickly in the direction of selecting a major.

True or False. Students should get all their general education requirements out of the way first.

False. Some general education class selection is based upon a student’s major. Advisors can assist students as they navigate their general education selection.

True or False. Students have plenty of time to select a major. For the first year it is better that they concentrate on their grades.

False. Students and advisors should take selecting a major seriously. Some students are slow to make decisions and need to begin early. Furthermore, the quicker a student has found an academic home, the quicker she feels connected to her campus.

True or False. Picking a major is virtually picking a career.

False. Students are often stuck in the decision making process as they believe each degree is linked directly to each occupation or lack of. For example, jobs in the humanities offer a wide variety of job placement.