Exploring a Major
Your major is a significant part of your intellectual experience at EKU; so you will want to select a department that is a good fit for your values, interests, personality, and skills. Remember, also, that what you learn in your major will be complemented by your other coursework, minors or certificates, co-ops & internships, study abroad experiences, and extracurricular activities.
We encourage you to thoughtfully explore different departments in your first two years at EKU before deciding which one is best for you. Even if you feel certain about one major, it’s wise to have alternatives in case you have second thoughts, encounter unexpected obstacles, or simply discover you like another field even more! Below are some tips and resources to help you in your exploration.
Explore Majors at EKU
Gather Information About Majors
- Do some fact-finding. Browse through the EKU Academic Programs and Curriculum Guides or EKU Undergraduate/Graduate Catalogs to learn about degree options, admission requirements, and coursework.
- Explore EKU DegreeWorks. Conduct a “What If” audit for a potential timeline for graduation with each major, as well as specific courses you need for degree completion.
- Visit the department. Schedule an appointment with a department chair, adviser, or faculty member to get your questions answered.
- Network. Talk to upperclassmen or alumni about majors of interest.
Explore Your Options
- Sample majors. Enroll in courses in a variety of majors during your Freshman and Sophomore years. Keep in mind general education requirements!
- Visit a class. If your schedule doesn’t allow you to take a course for the entire semester, contact a professor about sitting in on a class or two.
Whether you’re exploring majors or searching for information about your chosen field, What Can I Do With This Major will help you connect majors to careers. Learn about typical career areas and types of employers that hire people with each major, as well as strategies to make you a more marketable candidate.
How to Choose a Major
So, you’re not sure what you want to major in? You are definitely not alone. National data shows that three out of four students are unsure of their major and over half of those students entering college with a major will change it before they graduate. Follow these 5 steps to explore what major is best for you.
- Discover your interests
- Gather information and explore options
- Evaluate and make your decision
- Take action
- Do it! Declare or change your major
*Adapted from Mary Lou Taylor, “Choosing Your Major.”
Exploring Careers
The more you know about a career, the better positioned you will be to make a fulfilling and informed decision. Learning not only about individual careers but also the job market can help you answer some important questions:
- Which jobs are available in my interest field?
- What do these jobs entail?
- How many job openings are there?
- Which jobs are in demand?
- What is the job outlook?
- What is a typical salary?
- How is a career related to my values, interests, personality, and skills?
Gather Information About Careers
- Do some fact-finding. Research multiple careers and find answers to the questions above using Career One Stop, O*Net and the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
- Visit the department. Schedule an appointment with an EKU department chair, adviser, or faculty member to get your questions answered from their perspective.
- Talk to a professional. Consider conducting an informational interview with someone who does a career in which you’re interested.
- Do a job search. Use popular job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn to learn who’s hiring, what they’re looking for, and what the jobs entail. Remember, each industry may also have their own job boards, as well.
Explore Your Options
- Try it out! Once you have identified an option you are really interested in, follow a professional around for a few hours, a day, or even a few days!
- Find a co-op/internship. Once you declare a major, you can get vital and necessary experience through trying it out – all while possibly getting paid and getting academic credit!
One on One Major and Career Exploration Appointment
The journey to a successful and fulfilling career starts here. We use a personalized approach, our staff can help you clarify your preferences, explore your options, and make meaningful decisions.
Major and Career Exploration typically consists of 3-5 appointments each appointment lasting at least an hour. The major and career exploration process can take anywhere from a couple of weeks or longer, depending on your availability.
Schedule an appointment here.