Are You Undecided on a Major?
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Chelsea Lomartire
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Worried about being undecided on selecting a major? Relax! At Belmont it is ok to explore different academic pathways before you land on a major. In fact, we don’t require undergraduates to declare a major until the end of their sophomore year. And during this time of self-exploration, we offer support and resources to help students find the right major that aligns with their interest, goals and professional aspirations.
Undeclared, Undecided, Exploratory!
Generally speaking, you can think of yourself in one of these categories:
- Undeclared – This is the broadest term used at Belmont. Approximately 100 students enter Belmont each year as undeclared freshmen. Several more will join the ranks of undeclared throughout the year.
- Undecided – This is the group that likely has some ideas but wants more information or experience before they choose a major. Some of these students know the end result (Physical Therapy/Law/Pharmacy), but haven’t decided on the best way to go forward.
- Exploratory – For many reasons a student may want to pursue an exploratory route. Looking at options, identifying their own strengths, finding people that are like minded or “monetizing/creating something that allows you to fulfill a purpose” are examples of students who want to explore.
What difference does It make? What is different about being Undeclared?
This is a question that is unique to each student. Many students feel great pride in being undeclared knowing that college is a time of academic and personal discovery. Other students may feel pressured as if they must decide because they believe “everyone else knows what they are doing with their lives!” Let’s discuss the differences:
- Curriculum/Classes
- Advising/Advisors
For new college students the difference between classes for those who “know” their major vs. undeclared are generally negligible. You will have 12 to 16 hours (4 to 6 classes) made up of BELLCore or Honors Core (general education) and perhaps 1 or 2 classes in a major. For Undeclared, you choose 1 or 2 additional BELLCore courses or courses that help you explore. These may lead to a major or this may count toward your degree as Free Electives. Here’s the reality – every course you take in the first term at Belmont will help you to obtain your degree!
Advisors are assigned on the basis of major. They are most usually full-time faculty members or special staff members with training to help you understand your journey at Belmont. If you declare a major, your advisor will be someone from that academic department. However, if you choose to remain undeclared your advisor is a full-time, research librarian or one of Belmont’s specially trained staff. This team will guide you through the entire process of the Belmont education along with the discernment/investigative process.
All in all, there are very few differences in the experience of those who declare majors vs. those who choose the undeclared/exploratory route!
The Belmont Experience for Undeclared Students
At Belmont we believe our role is to help you identify and pursue your purpose. Below is a listing of resources available to undeclared students.
- Faculty Advisors
- Office of Career & Professional Development
- GPS (Growth & Purpose for Students)
You will have Faculty Advisors who are specially trained and work hard to understand the issues and concerns of the undeclared student.
From day one you will have access to this office that specializes in connecting students to internships and careers. Career and Professional Development staff have expertise in helping you determine the professional path that interests you and the steps you want to consider in pursuit of this path.
An office unique to Belmont is the GPS Office – what tool is better to help you on your journey! The GPS office has experienced staff members who have access to exploratory tools and lead you through intentional conversation to help you decide the best majors for you. The first rule of any journey is to know your destination OR to know that you are exploring. Either way, your GPS can help you know the resources and has the experience to help you find your way at Belmont and Beyond!
What can I do to prepare for and think about majors?
It really is about what makes you unique; your interests: your desires, your goals and your experiences. We encourage you to think about, pray about, ask your friends and family about the way they perceive you and the way you want to be perceived.
- Ask yourself and others these questions?
- What are my “natural tendencies”?
- What are the issues that cause people/friends to seek you out?
- What are your passions/gifts/talents?
- What were your favorite high school classes?
- What are your favorite past time activities?
- What type of reading material do you like? What is the subject matter?
- What are some of your favorite life experiences?
- Who, in your life/experience, has a really cool job?
There are so many good reasons to remain undeclared/undecided! It really has more to do with your comfort level for being undeclared than with any additional semesters. Belmont is an excellent choice of an institution for many students and if you are undeclared, you can be successful while attending Belmont.
FAQS
Being undeclared may raise questions for you or your family. Here are some of the most common.
- Do all other students have a major?
- How long do I have to decide?
- Is it more expensive to go to college when you don’t know your major?
- Are there any majors that span across different interests?
- What are hybrid majors? Could this be a good choice for me?
While some students know exactly what they want to major in, many may change their major once they see the options that Belmont offers.
Most students will make their decision of their major in the first year. You must decide before you end your sophomore year but for most programs you will want to decide earlier to prevent additional semesters/years of school.
That depends on your decision timeline and the program(s) you choose. Your advisors are committed to helping you, and they can offer advice on what steps you may be able to take to graduate in the same timeframe as your peers with previously declared majors.
There are many majors where you have the opportunity to move forward in a general way and then decide as you gain information. An excellent example of this is in the Massey College of Business. The basic core of courses for the first 2 years provide exposure to the primary areas followed by the final 2 years of focused work on your chosen area. The BELL Core at Belmont allows students the opportunity to move forward in obtaining a degree while taking some time to explore and investigate opportunities while on campus.
Belmont offers several programs which allow students to merge their undergraduate and graduate/professional programs. Popular programs in the 3+3 Legal Studies and Belmont Law and the 3+3 program in Exercise Science that can lead to graduate programs in Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy are amongst the innovative and student-centered thinking that is found across Belmont’s curricular offerings.