Selecting a College Major

Book excerpt: This innovative text simplifies the process of choosing a major from a sometimes overwhelming array of majors and related career fields. It will assist not only the "undecided" student with selecting a major, but also the "major-changer" who is exploring alternative options. A step-by-step process leads students through personal and academic assessment as well as occupational information searches. Through thought-provoking activities, they can explore their academic, career, and personal interests and goals. Students can investigate academic majors from many perspectives, including a search of majors in general, majors on their campus, and majors based on their academic and occupational interests. Highlights of this text include: A Natural Decision-Making Progression. Students are directly and personally involved in activities that involve exploration, reflection, and choice. Extensive Major Exploration. Three distinct approaches help students narrow their List to realistic alternatives. Incorporation of Academic and Career Interests, Abilities, and Values. Self-assessment gives students information on which to base their choice of a major. Formulation of a Graduation Plan. Students use their academic transcripts to summarize all they have Learned and develop a plan for the future.