Several students talking in a classroom.

MAJOR EXPLORATION PROGRAM

Freshmen Students

Are You Undecided? That's Not a Problem

As an undecided/ undeclared student in the ME program, you will be encouraged to think critically about your interests with the help of multiple resources. From there, Academic Advisors and University Career Service Specialists will work together in order to best assist you in the major decision-making process.

Are you in the process of trying to figure out which major to declare? Or perhaps you are thinking of changing your major?

GSU 1010 Undecided Course

Undecided freshmen may register for an undecided Freshmen Learning Community (FLC). The GSU 1010 course is included in the undecided FLC schedule and is taught by an academic advisor who has experience working with undecided students. The course incorporates a multitude of self-exploration activities to help you choose a major that relates to your values, skill sets and academic, personal and professional goals.

Undecided Mandatory Advisement Presentations

All freshmen that enter Georgia State must meet with their academic advisor at least once during their first year. You may satisfy this requirement by attending one of the specified mandatory group advisement presentations which are presented in conjunction with University Career Services and designed to assist you through the major declaration process.

Changing Your Major

Choosing a major can be challenging. Many new students begin college uncertain about their choice of major and benefit from the counseling services available at Georgia State.

To help you in your selection, the staff of Georgia State’s University Advisement Center, University Career Services and Counseling Center are available year-round. Once you have selected a major, undecided students should schedule an appointment with an advisor in the University Advisement Center to declare your intent. In addition, check out the resources below to help you with your own research.

Georgia State Undeclared Major Policy

All Georgia State students must officially declare a major by the end of their 2^nd semester. All students are encouraged to declare a major as early as possible; however, it is especially important for students following a track in natural sciences, health science or mathematics. Students must meet with an academic advisor to officially change or declare a major. Academic advisors are able to help students research various majors available at GSU, career options and future opportunities, and with the overall advantage of utilizing the University Career Services. (also in the catalog section 1340.30)

LEARN MORE

Major Exploration Program: Step-By-Step

Deciding on a Major can be a challenging and exciting task. The M.E. Program is available to help assist you in making that decision by introducing you to a step-by-step process to help you determine your major.

STEP ONE: SELF KNOWLEDGE
Before making any Major decisions, you must get to know yourself. Step One in the M.E. Program will give you access to…
- Take numerous free assessments available to you.
- Meet with a career counselor to learn more about yourself.
STEP TWO: GATHERING INFO
Step two of the M.E. Program will look closely at the results of your assessments to allow you to continue to gather info about yourself and make informative decisions as you move forward in the major decision-making process. This step also allows you to…
- Research the different careers that match your personality.
- Attend different workshops and major fairs given by the University Advisement Center.
- Get involved with clubs and organizations that are related to your major/career interests.
STEP THREE: ACADEMIC EXPLORATION
Step three allows you to directly apply the new information you have learned about yourself as you explore academically by…
- Figuring out if the major you are interested in offers an introductory class, and see if it is a part of the core curriculum. If that is the case, take the class to help you find out if that is the major you are interested in.
- Looking at the list of majors and beginning to cross off the majors you know you aren’t interested in.

STEP FOUR: EDUCATIONAL KNOWLEDGE
Step four will allow you to narrow your major search down to 2-3 majors. At this point in the M.E. Program you will…
- Meet with a career counselor.
- Learn more about how those majors can lead to careers you would be interested in pursuing after graduation.
STEP FIVE: DECIPHERING OUTCOMES
Step five takes what you have determined in steps 1-4 and begins to let you research your interested majors further by…
- Taking courses from the areas of interest that would count towards the Core Curriculum you have not yet satisfied that area.
- Conducting informational interviews with people who work or teach in the fields you are interested in.
STEP SIX: INVOLVEMENT
Step Six is all about finalizing your decision and making a commitment to a specific major. Once you have decided on a major you will want to…
- Get involved with clubs and activities (on and off-campus) associated with your new major.
- Join career-related student organizations, volunteer within the community, and study abroad.