Undecided about your major?

If you are undecided about your major, you are not alone. Approximately one-third of students start college without having chosen a major. Furthermore, half of the students who have chosen a major when they start will change it at least once before they graduate. Therefore, you should use your initial time, especially if you are a freshman, to explore your options by taking a variety of courses that seem interesting and to work with your academic adviser.

Taking an introductory course in an academic area that may interest you is often one of the best ways to explore a potential major. A list of exploratory (e.g. introductory) courses has been compiled to assist you in this process. Enrolling in these classes also provides an opportunity to talk with faculty about the particular field of study.

There is no "right" major, but there is a major that complements your skills, values, and interests. The best major for you is one that both interests and challenges you. If you are concerned about career fields that are available to you after graduation, realize that most career fields do not require a specific major, though there are exceptions (e.g. accounting, mechanical engineering). There are many fields where the relationship between your major and your career is not as direct. Using academic advising and career counseling services available at PSU when choosing your major will help identify the many potential career opportunities that exist with your choice of a major.