Exploring Majors and Minors
How Do I Choose a Major?
Many students embark on their college journey without a clear idea of their intended major. It’s entirely normal to enter your freshman year “undecided,” as declaring a major is among the initial milestones on the path to your career. Discovering the right major may require some exploration, and that’s perfectly okay! When contemplating the choice of a major, it’s helpful to reflect on both the subjects where you excel and those that spark your interest.
Additionally, you may have a specific profession in mind but are uncertain about the steps to achieve it. If you have a particular career in sight, delving into the educational requirements, including degrees and licensure, is crucial. While certain professions mandate specific degrees, many offer flexibility in educational paths.
Your Talents + Your Interests + Your Values
= The right major for you!
To Help Select the Right Major
Think about your talents, interests, and values. These factors can help provide direction towards the right major.
- Take an introductory course in a major of interest and connect with the professor of that course.
- Consider enrolling in EDUC 111 Career Exploration.
- Review the Catalog to explore different majors and minors offered at UNC.
- Consider taking the Focus 2 Assessment and discussing the results with a Career Coach at University Career Services.
- Schedule a meeting with your Academic Advisor to discuss your interests and skills and how those interests and skills align with majors offered at UNC.
- What Can I Do With This Major and the Occupational Outlook Handbook are both great resources to help you decide on the major and career that is right for you!
- If you are interested in health professions, consider connecting with Health Professions Advising to discuss your interests. Biol 117 Considering Health Professions is a great course for those interested in health professions.
- When you are ready to declare a major, schedule a meeting with your assigned Academic Advisor. Your advisor can declare the major you wish to pursue, discuss the major requirements, and help you with course planning.
What about Minors?
A minor often complements a major or allows students to explore another discipline of interest. A minor is an additional credential that a student can pursue that requires fewer classes to complete than a major does. Keep in mind that minors are not required but you can declare a minor if you wish. You can view the minors offered at UNC by viewing the Catalog.
What about Certificates?
Certificate Programs are intended for matriculated, degree-seeking students in graduate programs or in one of the professional schools for undergraduate students, or for non-degree-seeking students at UNC-Chapel Hill whose objective is the development of specialization in the field of the certificate program. These programs signify accomplishment, specialization, and achievement.