Choosing Your Major

Making a thoughtful decision in choosing a major is important. While you are not deciding on a single path for your future nor making decisions that cannot change at later points in life, it is critical to recognize that many majors enable you to develop the necessary skills to prepare for similar careers, work environments and graduate programs.

Before you consult the recommended steps to choosing, first explore the common myths and realities that often influence students when selecting a major.


The Myths and Realities of Choosing a Major

Adapted from Ten Myths of Choosing a Major, Loyola University Chicago.

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Myth #1: Most students enter college "decided" about their major.

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.*

*Major Decisions, Pennsylvania State University, by Michael J. Leonard
Myth #2: There is only one major that will allow me to reach my goal.

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 double major, joint major, double degree, or a combined degree. In addition, UB offers over 75 minors, several certificate programs, and micro-credentials and digital badges, which can be completed along with a major. Visit the Undergraduate Catalog and select Program Requirements (center of page) for more information. You can also visit the Undergraduate Catalog and select Academic Policies and Procedures (left hand side) – Degree Requirements – Major Requirement for further information.

Myth #3: An academic major ties you to a specific career path.

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 knowledge of other cultures and languages.

Myth #4: Students majoring in the arts, humanities, or social sciences are either not qualified for any job (e.g., what do you do with a degree in philosophy?), or are only qualified for careers in those specific areas (e.g., philosopher).

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.

Myth #5: I’ll just take all of my UB Curriculum (General Education) Requirements first.

Reality: While the UB Curriculum (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 UB Curriculum (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. It is important for students to meet with an academic advisor to develop a plan to complete UB Curriculum and course requirements to explore possible majors of interest.

Four Steps to a Major Decision

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Step 1: Assess Yourself

Begin your exploration process by taking a self-assessment! The more you understand yourself, the clearer your life goals and the ways to reach them will become.

Explore your interests and how they connect to a major and career with Focus2. Also, investigate best-fit majors using the My Major/Major Explorer Survey in Navigate.

Challenge yourself to think big about what problems you want to solve by using the Digital Challenge Cards.

Access the Roadtrip Nation self-exploration course to explore your interests.

Talk to a Career Design Center expert to explore your major options, including other self-assessment tools available.

Asking yourself the following questions will also give you some important clues:

  • What do you truly enjoy? Consider the classes, subjects, and activities that you have liked the best.
  • What are you good at? Identify your skills and abilities.
  • What sorts of things do you really value? Is enjoying your work more important than prestige? Is creativity more important than security?
  • What are your motivations? Why might you be considering a particular major and/or career? Are outside influences such as family, friends or your perception of the job market shaping your decisions?
  • Take a minute to envision the perfect workday. What would it be like? What is the coolest job you can imagine?
Step 2: Gather Information and Explore Options
  • Use the Undergraduate Catalog (and select Program Requirements-center of the page) to learn about the majors available at UB and eliminate those that do not interest you or draw upon your strengths. Research those that do by reviewing department’s web pages.
  • Discuss possible majors with a variety of individuals, including departmental advisors, faculty, instructors, students currently in the major, program graduates and professionals in the career field or industry.
Step 3: Evaluate and Make Your Major Decision

Put together the information you have collected:

  • Consider what you have learned, weigh the pros and cons of each option.
  • Is it likely you can finish the major in 4 years?
  • Are you considering majors that fit with your academic strengths and abilities?
  • Narrow your list down to two or three majors.

If you have more than one option on your list consider:

Speak with an academic advisor and career counselor to help you:

  • Evaluate the information you have collected.
  • Suggest additional resources.
  • Guide you through the decision-making process.
Step 4: Take Action & Apply to Your Major

Narrow down your choices and apply to your major.

  • If you haven’t already done so, sample courses in majors you are considering. Are they a good fit for your interests and strengths?
  • Meet with an academic advisor to discuss any requirements necessary to gain acceptance to your major (e.g., application deadline) and enroll in upper-level courses in a timely manner.
  • Determine if there are internship or practicum requirements.
  • Ensure you can chart a path to gain acceptance to your major by no later than 60 credits completed and maintain appropriate academic, state and federal financial progress. For more information on maintaining academic progress, visit the Undergraduate Catalog and select Academic Policies and Procedures – Grading Policies – Academic Standards Review.

Go for it! Apply to your major.

  • Once you have decided on your major, it is important that you formally apply. Gaining acceptance to your major and completing all major requirements is necessary to graduate from UB.
  • Once accepted, your HUB Student Center will be changed to reflect your Approved Major status.

Once admitted to your major:

  • Meet with your departmental advisor at least once a semester until graduation.
  • Discuss with a career counselor the importance of your networking plan.

Last updated: May 12, 2023 10:04 am EST

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