Page 7 - Orientation Exploratory Studies Booklet

II. COMMON MAJOR MYTHS

Myth 1: Choosing a major will force you to give

up other options.

Just because you have to choose one major does not mean that
you cannot study other subjects. There are a variety of ways to
combine your interests in different areas. For example, you may
want to pursue a minor (18-21 credits) or a double major
(completing the requirements for two majors). Another option
is to complete your degree and then pursue your other interests
through a variety of post-baccalaureate programs.

Myth 2: The major you select will determine your lifelong career.

Within 10 years of graduation, most people find themselves in careers that are not
directly connected to their undergraduate majors. Many change not only their places of
employment but even their vocations several times in a professional career. It is likely
that your major will neither determine your career nor limit the vocations that are
possible in your future.

According to a recent article, the top Fortune 500 Companies most desirable
professional skills include: verbal and written communication, honesty and integrity,
interpersonal skills, teamwork, strong work ethic, motivation and initiative, flexibility
and adaptability, computer skills, analytic skills, and organizational skills. In many
cases the degree is the start of the career. By selecting and completing a degree
program, you demonstrate your proficiency to master and apply a given body of
knowledge and your ability to persist and succeed.

Myth 3: The only way to find out about a major is to take a class
in it.

On the contrary, many of the introductory classes in a given subject are survey courses
and not typical of the higher-level course offerings in the subject area. Students often
find these courses are not representative of the area as a whole.

Instead of judging a major by introductory courses, consider researching a major by
talking with a professors or searching on the Web.

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