Some students struggle to choose a major because they believe it could determine their entire future.
About 80 percent of students change their major at least once, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Many change it at least three times over the course of their time in college.
“To avoid students changing majors constantly, we offer workshops and academic advising,” said Stephanie Johnson, an academic advisor at the University of Memphis.
Advisors want students to decide by the end of sophomore year, so they can graduate on time, Johnson said. She loves helping students who may be a little behind achieve a timely graduation.
“We like to think we can help students graduate in four years,” Johnson said. “We help students select a major from things they are interested in. Seeing those who think they couldn’t finish graduate is exciting.”
Jessica Flanigan and Justin Dodson, both academic counselors at the U of M, hosted a “Discover Your Major” workshop for registered students who may be second-guessing their college path. They discussed ways to help one decide on what they wanted to do at the workshop and administered a questionnaire where students could choose their interest and see what major best suits them.
“Choose a major you’re good at,” Flanigan said.
In addition, students should familiarize themselves with courses and requirements for their major and what skills are needed.
About 20 to 50 percent of students do not declare a major when they start college, and 75 percent of students change their major at least one time before graduating, according to data from the College Board.
Students having issues deciding on a major can visit the Academic Counseling Center on the second floor of Wilder Tower. Students at the workshop were encouraged to go to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website to look up current career trends.
