How to Choose a Major:
A Model for Major Exploration
The process of choosing a major is often riddled with anxiety and doubt, yet the
experience of deciding on a major or changing from one major to another is common
among many college students. A key thing to keep in mind is that the process of
major decision-making is an active one. Students in this mode must actively pursue
experiences that will give them the information they need to make their decision.
Here are some steps you can take to help you with your major exploration.
Work to clarify your interests, values, and abilities.
- Engage in self-reflection and ask yourself key questions about these three aspects of your
life. Explore your Interests, Values, and Abilities for some of
these key questions. (Adapted from Major Decisions with permission from the author.)
- Consider taking a self-assessment test like the Strong Interest Inventory.
© This test compares your likes and dislikes to those of workers in
over a hundred professions. You can take this test for a small fee through
Career Services.
- Visit Career Services or UESP and learn how to get access to the
Discover web site.
It has an "Inventories" section that contains self-assessment materials (among many other
components) that can help you in your exploration. Click here to download a Discover Brochure
- Engage in meaningful conversations with friends, family, and/or your UESP advisor.
Often your interests, values, and abilities can be clarified if you articulate them to others.
Research the majors available to you at OSU.
- Look in your OSU catalog
or visit the Admissions
web site, to find a list of majors at OSU. Consult the catalog or
the department web sites
to learn about specific course requirements for each major.
- Consider all possibilities. Don't rule out a major
just because you're not sure it will lead to a good job. Most majors in college aren't
preparing you for a specific job, but rather they prepare you for the job market by developing
transferable skills such as reading, writing, researching, and critical thinking.
- Make a list of prospective majors that you want to research further.
- Take introductory or exploratory classes in academic areas that potentially interest you.
Talk with your UESP advisor if you're unsure if there is an exploratory class in your area of
interest.
- Make an appointment with a college advisor
to learn more about a specific major, or find out if the particular
college which houses that major offers general group information or
orientation sessions.
- As you are considering a specific major, revisit the ideas you generated in self-reflection
about your interests, values and abilities. Ask yourself - Is this an academic area that is a
good fit for me?
Implement your decision!
- Consult the department or your UESP advisor to make sure you meet the requirements to
switch to a specific major.
- Take a "Change of Program" form to the department offices
of your new major. You can get this form from the registrar's office
or print one from the OSU
Registrar web page.
- For most majors, you will be assigned a faculty advisor from the department. Try to meet
with your new advisor as soon as possible to outline a timeline for how you are going to
fulfill your remaining degree requirements.
- Continue to have meaningful conversations with people about your choice. In particular,
talk with your new advisor or professors in your new department to gain a better understanding
of how you can use this major to prepare you for the world of work.
- Consult with your new advisor or with a Career
Services advisor to learn about what kinds of internship experiences are available to
students in your new major.
