Help Teens Choose a College Major

Encourage Teenagers to use College Resources to Select a Major

May 14, 2008

A majority of first time college students are unsure about choosing a major. Academic advisors, faculty and career counselors are available campus resources.

Dr. Fritz Grupe, founder of MyMajors.com, stated in an article for MSNBC that eighty percent of college-bound students have not yet chosen a major. Gupte continues, "It is little wonder 50 percent of those who do declare a major, change majors — with many doing so two and three times during their college years."

Before declaring a major, college students need to explore campus resources including academic advisors, faculty or department chairs and career counselors.

Academic Advisors

Academic advising offices offer a wealth of information about college programs, minors and course schedules and selection. They exist primarily to help college students maneuver through the sometimes complex academic landscape and choose a major. Teens and new college students should know that academic advisors are not just there to pick classes, but to advise students about college programs. Academic advisors know the college catalog thoroughly. New college students should be encouraged to connect with and become acquainted with academic advisors as soon as they arrive on campus.

Faculty and Department ChairsUniversity faculty and department chairs can share insights and nuances about a major that a college student might not have considered. Visit professors during office hours and ask questions about faculty specialties, research interest and classes in the major. Faculty can tell college students new directions within careers and ultimately the majors required to succeed. Faculty also can connect students with recent alumni and make a recommendation for someone with whom a student could do an informational interview.

Career Centers

Last, but by no means least, students need to become familiar with the college career center. Career counselors do not serve just graduating seniors who need help with a resume. Career counselors, career associates or career advisors as they might be called, are an amazing campus resource, full of information about majors and careers.

Career counselors are not alarmed by college students who are undecided about a major or career; in fact they welcome these students. Students can get help with major and career selection by asking the following kinds of questions:

Finally, college career center staff will not only guide teens with the decision to select a major or a career, but have the tools in place to help students make successful transitions from major into career.

The copyright of the article Help Teens Choose a College Major in Parenting Teens is owned by Marcia Robinson. Permission to republish Help Teens Choose a College Major in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.