Choosing/Changing Majors

Choosing a major is sometimes challenging and we want to help you with the process. You are the only person who can decide what major is best for you. 

You can generally take between 30 and 60 hours of coursework before having to decide on a major.  It is expected that students will choose a major by the time they have 60 hours because after that point, you run the risk of taking courses that may not count, and wasting your time and money.

Click a topic below to learn more about:

Strategies for choosing a major

  • Meet with an advisor to discuss your thoughts, plans, hopes, dreams, strengths, weaknesses and concerns. The advisor for undeclared students in the college is located in WCH 1.106. Other advisors for specific majors are also available.
  • Browse through the Course Schedule. Take note of all of the courses that sound interesting to you. An advisor can show you how they count toward specific degree requirements. 
  • Look at the Undergraduate Catalog. It contains  degree requirements for every undergraduate degree at  the university. It also has descriptions of each course offered. 
  • Take your general education requirements. Even within the basic coursework requirements for every degree there are choices. Explore areas that interest you in science, fine arts, social sciences and foreign language.
  • Don’t be afraid to take electives. An elective course today may ultimately lead you to finding your major. And, in the long run, it may be part of your major requirements, rather than an elective.
  • Do some research. Talk to friends, professors and employers in areas that interest you. Learn more about the areas of specialty, job market and career opportunities.
  • Take a career inventory test. The Career Center in Jester (471-1217) has a variety of diagnostic tests designed to help you narrow down your interests and strengths. They are available for a nominal fee. OR, sit down at the computer and visit the following web sites for on-line (and free) career testing.
                    http://www.collegeboard.org/career/html/searchQues.html
                    http://cgi.review.com/birkman/ivillage/birkman2a.html#about
                    http://www.utexs.edu/student/careercenter/

Changing your major

Students within the College of Natural Sciences may change their majors in WCH 1.106 or in the advising center they are changing into. Most majors require students to attend an information session prior to changing majors. Students transferring to another college go to the Dean’s office of that college by the 8th class day in a long session or the 4th class day in summer in order for the change to be in effect for the current semester. Some colleges may have a specific grade point average and/or other requirements.

What can I do with a major in...?

The following PDFs will help you get a sense for what you can do with each major after you graduate and who your potential employers could be.

Astronomy
Biochemistry
Biological Sciences
Chemistry
Clinical Laboratory Science
Computer Sciences
Human Development and Family Sciences
Mathematics
Microbiology
Nutrition/Dietetics
Physics
Textiles