. The choice of an academic major is an individual and personal choice. As the person declaring the major, you will be accountable for:
Therefore you, and you alone, should decide what you will major in while attending Cypress College.
How do I begin the process of choosing a major?
The best place to begin with your choice of major is to think about your
- Interests
- Values
- Skills
- Personality
Can you imagine dreading the thought of going to class each semester because you are bored by the material or you have no real interest in the field?
When you consider the amount of time you spend studying in courses related to your major -- your interests and a desire to learn the material becomes critically important.
The Career Planning Center utilizes several different
assessments in combination with
career counseling and/or
career classes which can help you learn more about yourself and your options.
No “test” or inventory can tell you
what you should do, but these tools
can be a good place to start for
those who are undecided.
The
counseling and
class sessions will help you:
- Assess yourself
- Learn major career development theories
- Explore career and major options
- Gather information about the world of work
- Establish short-term and long-term goals for career and life planning.
What if I don't think I'm ready to declare my major?
The choice of an academic major is not an easy choice and many students believe that once they choose a major they are "locked" into that course of study.
This is not true.
You may change your major as many times as you would like. Declaring a major is never a final choice. There are, however, a few precautions to consider about changing a major too frequently or declaring late in your college career.
- Some departments may restrict enrollment in courses to majors only
- Other courses may have prerequisites that must be taken before enrollment is possible
- There could be a limited number of courses open to you outside of the courses required in the general education program
- If you declare or change your major late in your college career, your date of graduation may also change in order for you to complete the necessary graduation requirements for your new academic program
Don't rush the decision and choose your major out of thin air . . . But don't delay learning about yourself to help in the decision making process.
You may find it easier to procrastinate because you are focused on completing general education requirements, but you need to realize that choosing a major is a decision you will need to make – and no one else can make it for you.
Are there benefits to declaring my major if I'm hesitant?
There are benefits to declaring a major.
-
When you declare a major, you are assigned to a major-specific counselor. This gives you an opportunity to get to know which courses to take, and receive assistance and advice from a counselor familiar with the department and the curriculum.
- You will learn about the recommended sequences in which to take courses, and how frequently they are offered.
- You will be better able to network with faculty and others in your major and have access to student organizations, scholarships and departmental activities.
- Saves time and money by enrolling in courses in which you are truly interested.
Are there additional resources to help me choose a major?
Listed below are links to information you may find useful: