Choosing Your Major

Selecting a degree plan is an important decision. It can also be a challenging one. Here at the University of Arkansas, we want you to be confident in your choice, and this page is designed to guide you through the process of choosing a major. Regardless of your classification, we are here for you.

Choosing a Major

There are a variety of ways to choose a major. Take some time to look through what is offered and explore all your options to see what’s available to you.

Majors Offered

  1. If the choices seem overwhelming, try printing off a list of majors, then cross off all you are not interested in, and rate the rest.
    1. 1 Point = Need More Info
    2. 2 Points = Seems Interesting
    3. 3 Points = Definite Possibility
  2. Now, thinking about your ratings, ask yourself the following questions, and try to determine patterns in your answers.
    1. What draws you to majors that are of interest?
    2. What are some similarities between these majors?
    3. For what reasons do you immediately say no to some?
    4. Are there any majors that you are curious about, but need more information on?

Major Exploration

To explore major options a little further, visit the Career Development Center where you will find a list of all the majors offered at the U of A. You can then browse areas of interest, employers, and education and career strategies associated with that major.

Tips

  1. Take a look at the helpful resources listed below, ranging from self-assessments to Career Exploration classes.
  2. Bookmark or print the Major and Career Path page. Visit it often, and work your way through to find a major that will work for you.

What to Expect as an Undeclared Student

If you’re not ready yet to declare a major, that’s okay! Taking a little time to make a well-informed decision is a good thing. Here’s what you can expect at the U of A as an undeclared, undecided student.

  1. After you select Undeclared Undergraduate (UDUG) within your chosen college of interest:
    1. You will have an advising hold on your account, which means that you will be required to meet with an academic advisor each semester before scheduling your classes. This will encourage discussion regarding your progress toward a major decision and your degree.
    2. You will be expected to narrow down your options, and select a major by the end of your 3rd semester or by the time you have completed 45 credit hours.
      1. After selecting a major, if you are not making progress toward your degree for one semester, an academic advising hold will again be placed on your account.
      2. If you do not make progress toward your degree for two or more semesters, an academic advising hold will be placed on your account, and you may need to reconsider your chosen major.
    3. You will need to actively pursue deciding on a degree plan of choice.
      1. Meet with the Career Development Center to discuss and discover your best options.
      2. Enroll in VAED 1011 by the end of your second semester. It is a fun class that will explore who you are in order to help you decide on a path.
      3. Job Shadowing is an excellent way to learn about the day-to-day work life of a professional in a career field of your choice. It offers you the chance to "test" a career without the risk of long-term commitment, and can help you get your foot in the door for a competitive internship program or job.

Changing Majors

If you believe the current program you are in may not be a good fit, exploring your options is a great idea.

  1. Utilize the same resources available for undeclared students, and look into other possibilities.
  2. You are also encouraged to actively seek advice from professionals here at the University who can help you make a sound decision.

Resources for Undecided

Here is a list of the many resources and offices on campus that can help you in your journey: