Steps in Choosing a Major
Step 1: Understand My Need to Make a Choice
- Generate a list of reasons as to why you need to choose a major.
- Review Fredonia's policy with your academic advisor.
- Schedule an advising appointment to discuss all your options.
Step 2: Learn more about Myself
- Explore your interests, abilities, and values. Go to the RESOURCES page for a variety of exploration activities.
- Discuss these areas with your academic advisor and/or the Career Development Office.
- Take the personality and exploration "tests" the CDO has to offer (Examples: Myers-Briggs & FOCUS2)
Step 3: Generate Options/Alternatives
- Become aware of all of your options.
- Review Fredonia's Catalog for majors/minors of interest.
- Search the departmental webpage for majors you’re considering.
- Research courses required for majors of interest.
- Take an introductory course when possible (not every discipline has a course appropriate to this purpose).
- Review the major options offered, and develop a list of at least 3 possible majors then rank them in order of interest.
Step 4: Understand Careers/Majors
- Research academic requirements and course information for a variety of majors and careers.
- Consider conducting informational interviews with upper-class students, faculty members, and career professionals.
- Watch videos of careers you might be interested in
- See what you can do with a major
- Explore internship possibilities—contact the CDO and/or the major's department.
Step 5: Narrow Options
- Compare and contrast the information you have gathered.
- Meet with your academic advisor for guidance when narrowing your options.
Step 6: Develop Plan
- Plan your course outline for future semesters using the "What If" option in DegreeWorks.
- Develop your 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year goals.
- Discuss your goals with your academic advisor.
Step 7: Take Action
- Join a student organization in my academic area of study.
- Stop into the Registrar's Office in the Reed Library to obtain the forms necessary for declaring a major.
Step 8: Feel Confident about My Choice
- Feel confident about your choice and follow through on your action plan.
- Be proud of yourself for making a tough, yet important decision, but remember it's okay to change your mind!