Starting at SHU without declaring a major is a unique and exciting way to begin your college career – there are numerous resources and opportunities to explore. We are here to help you to find the right major and career path for you! We understand that you may be considering several different career pathways, and we want to help you navigate them! We believe that early-industry exploration is the key to long-term success. This is why we developed Career Communities. You can think of these communities as interest-groups of like-minded individuals that may be considering a similar path, but do not necessarily share the same major as you. For example, English, Marketing, and Sociology majors may all have one thing in common – an interest in Public Relations – and now they can all join the same career community to further explore the PR industry! By joining one (or more) Career Communities will give you VIP access to industry-specific content, including virtual resources, on-campus events, job/internship opportunities, and specialized career advisement centered around your interests – not your major. By joining a Career Community, we know you will gain confidence in your ability to network and have a better understanding of your options
Is it OK to be unsure?
Yes – it is perfectly fine to enroll at SHU and not have a major declared. There are many advantages to starting as an exploratory student. A study conducted at Western Kentucky University found that students who enter college without declaring a major may have a better chance of graduating in four years. In the study, students who started without declaring a major, but selected one by the end of sophomore year, had a graduation rate of 83.4%, whereas students who started at school with a major and never switched at a graduation rate of 72.8%. This discrepancy can be attributed to the fact that the undeclared students took the time to research and gather information and choose a field/major that best suited them. The Center for Career & Professional Development is here to help and support you while you explore different majors and career paths!
The Benefits of Beginning College Undeclared
- You will have the opportunity to explore all majors and minors offered at the University
- We will help get you connected to different classes, professors, and fields that might spark an interest you didn’t know you had!
- You will still be able to graduate on time
- By meeting regularly with both your academic advisor and your career counselor, you can track your progress to graduation regularly and make informed decisions on your registration plans
- You will gain beneficial skills valued by future employers
- Undeclared SHU students will develop the necessary toolkit of skills that employers in various industries seek including critical thinking, problem solving, oral/written communication, collaboration, and professionalism.
What Steps Can I Take to Find a Major and/or Career Path?
- Request an appointment on Handshake with Amy Novak
- Join the Discover You program
- Connect with Alumni through the Pioneers Connect platform
