The Benefits of Declaring a Major

Choosing a major is one of the biggest decisions you make in college, but remember: people change their minds all the time. It's hard to know whether a major is right for you without trying it out, talking with professors, and taking upper-level classes. Many introductory level courses are taught in large lecture format and cover a broad range of topics. Upper-level courses usually have a narrower focus and can sometimes be smaller. Enrolling in upper-level courses is the best way to confirm your true interest in a subject you may currently be enjoying at the introductory level.

That being said, many departments restrict access to upper-level courses to declared majors only (Psychology, Economics, and Sociology are some examples, but there are many others). If you are considering a major that does this, now might be a good time to declare before registration begins for spring. Remember, you can always change your mind--if you decide to change your major at a later date, it may be possible to roll your initial declared major into a minor or certificate program, thereby broadening your degree. What's most important is making progress toward a degree and exploring the options you have so you can make an informed decision.

Now is a great time to talk to advisors before the registration rush begins! Make an appointment to discuss your interests, assess department restrictions, and decide if declaring a major before registration is right for you!