Central Classroom, Room 104; Tel.: (303) 556-3680, Fax: (303) 556-6480, Email: advising@mscd.edu Walk-in advising: Mon.,Thurs., 8-6; Tue., Wed., Fri., 8-5.

Discovering Your Major

This page is aimed at undeclared students, and those who continue to reconsider their selection of a major. After meeting with an Advisor, students who have decided on a major should meet with an advisor in their major department to check for major requirements and receive other current materials.

Choosing a Major

Choosing a major is serious business. You are saying to yourself: "This is the subject I want to study now, and to do for the rest of my life." At the same time, "officially" declaring your major is a lot of fun! You are no longer an undecided person; your college experience becomes focused: you know what major requirements to fulfill, you may begin thinking about internships, specific employment opportunities, what your future salary is going to be, etc..

MSCD Advisor's role is to assist you in making this momentous decision. The Center Advisors have personal experience in many fields of study. They can also point you in the right direction, so you can talk to a Metro professor who is an expert in your unique area of interest.

So--how does one even begin with the major selection process?! The formula is straightforward: Focus on what you do best, study the subjects that give you most pleasure and you will be successful. If you love what you do, the money will come! As the father of a successful politician had said to his son: "Whatever you do, do what you think is right for you. Somehow the material side of life will take care of itself." It's as simple as that!

Determining what you really love to do
or
How Academic Advisors will Help You Make Use
of the General College Requirements

"But how do I know what I am best at? How can I be sure I really LIKE to do some specific thing?" To find out what your academic strengths are the General College Requirements are a good place to start. These are a collection of courses/requirements in eight fields: Composition, Mathematics, Communications, History, Arts & Letters, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Multicultural Studies. The complete listing of General College Requirements is available in the booklet you can obtain at the Advising Center (room CN 104), or at any departmental office. Every student, no matter what her or his major, is required to fulfill a class or two from each of these eight fields. The purpose is twofold:

1) you become a well-rounded person

2) You get a chance to try out various disciplines--from physical sciences to humanities. You cannot avoid taking at least some subjects that you're really good at, courses you will like.

Attention! Major Soul Searching Required!

Also, when looking for a major consider what it should do for you:

-- Your major should be yours. You must really want to do it. You must be excited about it! Never mind what others want for you. It's your life we're talking about!

-- Your major should make sense to you. Are you prepared to make sacrifices to attain B.A. degree in the major (e.g. take more math courses)? Are you ready to work in this field 5,6 days a week, 8 hours a day? Does the major agree with your life philosophy?

-- Your major should address your needs and wants about life. For example, is your major going to satisfy your financial expectations? Ask yourself: "With B.A. in this major in hand, can I reach my life goals more easily?"

Tapping Right Sources for Major Information

Identifying a major is a process that may take some time. Since you are designing your future, talk to as many people as possible to make the choice that you are comfortable with. Consult:

-- Yourself. Deciding on a major is an important exercise in introspection--no one knows what your goals, aspirations, and expectations are, better than you.

-- Your Advisor at the MSCD Advising Center (CN 104). Your Advisor will discuss with you your background, interests, and will review the questions you've asked yourself about your options. Then, the Advisor may also refer you to:

1) departmental advisors (Academic Departments)
2) faculty members
3) books/magazine articles about majors (also, see Library section on this site)
4) internships
5) career resources (MSCD Career Services)

Also, contact professionals who work in the area that interests you. Talk to peer (student) counselors at the Advising Center about their choices.