Choosing a Major

As a beginning college student it is natural to feel at least somewhat uncertain with your intended major because you have not yet experienced the variety of subjects on fields of study that make up the college curriculum.

Familiarize yourself with the programs at the University of Hartford:

Major Decisions

Facts about being undecided:

•  75% of entering students are undecided about their academic/career plans (PC, The First Year of College, 2003)
•  Over 2/3 of new students change their mind about their major during the first year of college (Cuseo, 2005)
•  Many employers are more concerned with the person they are hiring, rather than the name of that person's major

Did you know?

Here are some research findings related to student decisions about college majors that may be worth keeping in mind: 

As a general rule of thumb, you should reach a fairly firm decision about your major during your second (sophomore) year in college. However, in order to reach a good decision within this time frame, the process of exploring and planning should begin during your first year in college.

How do I Choose a Major?

Undecided About Your Major?

Please call the Office of Career Services at 860-768-4287 to make an appointment with a Career Advisor. Career Advisors are available to assist you with academic and career-related issues.

 

Other helpful resources for choosing a major:

• University of Kansas - offers insight into a variety of majors - as well as links information to occupational titles and related skill sets
• Florida State University - sample career possibilities and work settings are given based on major along with references to appropriate professional organizations
• CareerOneStop - explore career options and learn what it takes to do the job through occupation descriptions