By Aaron Reincheld
Each year more than 1,000 students enter Ohio University without a declared major. While it may concern parents that their son or daughter does not have a major declared, it might actually be beneficial.
Laura Chapman, assistant dean of University College, said 60 percent of all students change their majors at least once during their college careers, so experimenting with different classes early on can work to a students advantage to find the right one.
"We assure them that this is not only normal, it is probably a good thing," Chapman said. "Students need to explore many areas and may even be introduced to subjects and majors they've never heard of."
Students with undeclared majors must decide before earning 90 credit hours or gaining junior status. So while the pressure is starting to increase for second-year students who are still undecided, freshmen still have time.
"This is still very early in their college careers and we don't want them to begin to panic when they've just begun to explore and to adjust to the demands of college life," Chapman said. "On the other hand, we don't want them to disregard this issue either."
One key to students finding the right field of study is consulting with their academic advisers.
"Students who meet often with their advisers will receive assistance with the decision making process, referrals to faculty and resources on campus, and information about colleges, majors and curricula at Ohio University," Chapman said.
She also suggested undecided students take courses in the areas they are considering as a major and talk to the professors and students in those courses. Out-of-the classroom experiences through volunteer and job opportunities can be just as valuable to help students narrow down their options, she added.
Parents can help their undecided students through encouraging them to meet with their advisers and exploring the information available at the Career Service's Web site or through talking to a Career Service's counselor.
Another aid for students will be the first-ever Majors Fair, scheduled for Jan. 22, from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. in Nelson Commons Dining Hall, where faculty and staff from each college and other University divisions will meet and offer information with students.
Ultimately, Chapman said finding the right major slowly is more important than finding any major quickly.
"The bottom line is students should major in what they enjoy," she said.
Aaron Reincheld is a graduate student writer with University Communications and Marketing.
