Resources for students exploring majors

Too often students consider themselves an "undecided major," when a better description of the student's status is "exploring majors." Students need to take an active role in deciding upon a major and shouldn't put this decision off! The following steps can help guide you through the decision making process and the resources listed can assist you in investigating your options.

Step 1. Define the decision you need to make and determine your alternatives. Have you been able to narrow your options down to a few possible majors, or are you unsure of your options? If you are considering numerous majors your first decision should be to narrow your options to two or three possible majors. These five questions may help you narrow your focus.

Step 2. Obtain sufficient information about each major so you can make a knowledgeable decision. Resources to help you gather information are below.

What can I do with a major in... This page lists all the possible majors at St. Thomas and provides a description of the skills you will gain through studying this subject and possible career options.

Career Development Center The website has career information you can browse. You can also go to the CDC to research careers in their Resource Center or you can sign up to take an interest inventory and have a counselor interpret your results. The CDC also surveys alumni to get information on employment status, employment organization and salary. View their post-graduation survey here.

Department Chairs, 2006-2007 (Adobe) A great resource for learning more about majors are department chairs and faculty; make an appointment to talk with them about requirements for the major and what students do upon graduation.

Occupational Outlook Handbook Investigate careers, job outlooks, average salaries, and skills necessary for a variety of careers.

If you are still looking for information, try the Northern Illinios University weblinks site. They have links to many different career information sites according to major and list several job search resources (however most are in the Chicago area).

Step 3. Evaluate your alternatives in light of the information you have gathered, and make the decision that is best for you. Rank your options in terms of values most important to you (such as work environment, potential salary, lifestyle, etc).

Step 4. Make a plan. Officially declare your major and plan the classes you will need to graduate. Stop by Academic Counseling in 119 O'Shaughnessy Education Center to declare your major.

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Last updated:  May 21, 2007

Undergraduate Academic Counseling
119 O'Shaughnessy Educational Center
2115 Summit Avenue Mail#4016 St. Paul, Minnesota 55105
Phone: (651) 962-6300   (800) 328-6819 ext. 26300
Fax: (651) 962-5965

Comments, questions, or feedback can be directed to gkwilbur@stthomas.edu

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