Undecided About a Major?

If you haven't picked a major, don't worry. You're not alone.

Each year about 30 percent of the new students arriving on campus haven't chosen a major. They enter the university as "undeclared majors." Other students choose a major and later change it. Some change majors a couple times.

That's OK. A liberal arts university like UW-Superior is the ideal place to explore topics, ideas and professions that may be new to you. As your knowledge and experience grows, you'll find a major that fits your interests.

UW-Superior offers many resources to help you choose a major:

The Center for Academic and Career Advising
Our Center for Academic and Career Advising offers information, classes and advice to help you in choosing a major.

The center offers a class named IDS 297 that we recommend for students who haven't decided on a major or who want to clarify their choice of majors or careers. You earn course credits while taking self-assessment tests that help you understand personality preferences and how these preferences affect major, career and relationship choices.

You also can meet privately with a staff member to talk about your interests and options. Also, the center's website (click here) provides information and links about academic programs and careers.

When you are ready to declare your major or if you wish to change your major, you do so at the Center for Academic and Career Advising. The Center is in Old Main, room 134. Career and IDS 297 questions may be referred to e-mail career@uwsuper.edu

Your academic advisor
All students are assigned an academic advisor. Your advisor can guide you in setting academic goals, understanding degree requirements and selecting courses. Once you choose a major, you may wish to change your advisor to a faculty member in that area.

Faculty
Our professors are always willing to meet with you to discuss their academic programs and careers in those fields. If you are curious about an academic field or careers related to an academic field, make an appointment to talk with a faculty member in that area. Once you're on campus, you can find office locations and telephone numbers for all academic departments and faculty members in your campus telephone book or on the UW-Superior website.

General Education Program
To graduate from UW-Superior, you will complete 42 to 48 credits of General Education coursework. These classes ensure you have a well-rounded university education that will be the foundation for future academic and career success.

General Education courses are usually completed during your freshman and sophomore years. You have many choices when fulfilling the General Education requirements, and your academic advisor can help you pick courses that are right for you. Many students use these courses to help determine their interests and to explore different fields of study.

Hands-On Experience
Another way to explore different majors and careers is through the hands-on experience you gain by volunteering with campus and community organizations. You can explore new fields and potential careers by joining any of the dozens of student-run academic or social organization on campus. It also looks good on your résumé.