Reality: Colleges and universities nationwide reveal that up to 80 percent of entering college students admit that they are uncertain what they want to major in, even if they have initially chosen a major. Additionally, over 50 percent of first-year students change their majors at least one time before graduation.*
Reality: Exploring various majors can be extremely positive. Pre-major or "exploratory" students may be more open-minded, willing to consider options, and eager to learn new things. Allowing yourself time for exploration and careful investigation of the academic programs that are available to you is key to finding the major that best suits you. Please remember, however, that a student should be accepted into a major upon completion of 60 credit hours. If you are approaching 60 credit hours and are undecided about a major, please see an academic advisor to discuss potential academic and financial implications. In addition students must have an intended major on record with UB. Log on to MyUB and update your declared major using web registration.
Reality: There are over 100 majors available at UB. Many similar majors can enable you to develop the necessary skills to prepare you for similar work environments or graduate programs. There are also several UB degree options for students to combine their interests. For example, students may pursue a special major, double major, joint major, double degree, or a combined degree. In addition, UB offers over 60 minors and several certificate programs, which can be completed along with a major.
Reality: While some majors strongly relate to career options (e.g., nursing, engineering), other majors are less related (e.g., history, political science, sociology). Remember that the principal qualities employers are looking for in potential employees are skills, rather than subject matter. In college, it is important to acquire marketable skills, such as problem solving, written and oral communication, interpersonal communication, the ability to work in groups, and sensitivity to other cultures.
Reality: Liberal arts majors can find meaningful work in business, research, human resources, teaching, the military, and various other occupations. Liberal arts majors can also prepare students for many graduate or professional schools (e.g., law school, medical school). The specific skills that you develop may be more important than particular degrees. When choosing a major, it is best to consider what skills your undergraduate education will help you to develop.
Reality: While UB's General Education Requirements allow students to explore a variety of fields and disciplines, it is not recommended that students solely concentrate on completing these requirements first. Not every general education requirement is applicable toward a possible major. Additionally, the requirements do not necessarily provide students with the opportunity to take courses in majors that they are thinking of pursuing. Every major at UB also requires that students complete a prescribed set of courses to gain admittance into the major and students need to have a plan as to how they can get these courses completed. Therefore, it is important to meet with an academic advisor to gain assistance in selecting appropriate courses.
Adapted from Ten Myths of Choosing a Major, Loyola University Chicago.
*Major Decisions, Pennsylvania State University, by Michael J. Leonard
Last updated: June 27, 2008 9:08 am EST