|
Changing your major can be a stressful process. The list of questions below should provide you with answers to frequently asked questions about majors and degrees. Check out the many links that will direct you to sites with other important information.
Cocky is learning more about Road Trip Nation
which will help him explore his career interests. |
| Q: How do I choose a major that is right for me?
A: In order to select a major that is right for you, you will need to invest some time researching your options. Answering the following questions should help you learn more about various majors.
- What will I learn in this major?
- What are the strengths of professors in this major?
- Are there opportunities for field study or internships?
- Are classes in this major hard to get into?
- What is the most difficult class in this major?
- In this major, how many years does it take to graduate?
- What are the most popular courses in this major?
- What skills do you need to do well in this major?
- What do students with this major typically do after they graduate?
From the University of Delaware's Center for Counseling & Student Development. |
Q: What if I want to change my major?
A: Changing a major is not an uncommon or negative process. Sophomore year is the most opportune time to change your major because it is likely that the bulk of credits you have earned so far are general education and applicable in most degree programs. Use the information above to help narrow down your choice to one that fits your wants and needs. It may also benefit you to take classes in a field of interest so you can grasp core knowledge of a possible new major. This process is one that centers on what you want out of your remaining college years, but remember there are several administrative steps necessary to complete the change. Visit Change of Major for valuable resources that lead you step by step through the process. |
Q: What is the difference between a double major and a dual degree?
| Double Major |
Dual Degree |
| Selecting two majors from the same college |
Selecting two majors from different colleges |
Post to your transcript and show on your diploma, one diploma from one college
|
Post to your transcript and show on diplomas, two diplomas from different colleges |
| Requires a minor or cognate |
Requires a minor or cognate for both schools, can use the same minor or cognate for both college |
| Must complete core requirements of one college |
Must complete core requirements of both colleges, can be applied to both sets of requirements |
| Slightly increases the number of hours required for graduation |
Significantly increases the number of hours required for graduation |
|
Q: What is an intensive major?
A: An intensive major requires taking more classes that will increase the number of hours required to graduate. The classes may not all be in your major field of study. They might include language classes or other classes that are similar to your major field. An intensive major will not appear on your transcript or degree. To be sure of the requirements check with the undergraduate coordinator in your academic major. |
| Q: What is a concentration or emphasis?
A: A concentration or emphasis is a course of study within a specific major. Only a few majors at the University of South Carolina require this distinction – choosing a focus within your major course of study. For example, in the School of Music you will receive a Bachelor of Music but you must also select an emphasis in Performance, Theory, Composition, Jazz Studies, or Music Education all with various and differing requirements. Other colleges and schools on campus require the same. The College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management offers several degrees some requiring a specialization, for example, a Bachelor of Science in Retail with a focus in Fashion Merchandising or Retail Management. In the Department of Art, Studio Art majors pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts must select an option in design, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, painting, 3-D studies or photography. While each college or school may refer to this specific requirement in different terms, it means that you must select a path to follow in order to focus your studies. |
Q: What is the difference between a minor and a cognate?
| Minor |
Cognate |
18 credit hours
|
12 credit hours |
Generally 200 level and above
|
Generally 200 level and above |
| Must pass with a grade of C or better |
Must pass with a grade of C or better |
| A pre-determined selection of classes from the same department |
A cluster of classes, not necessarily in the same department |
| Basic knowledge in a 2nd area of study |
Support of your major through different subjects |
| Appears on your diploma |
Does NOT appear on your diploma |
| You can select from a set of classes you would like to take |
Must be approved by academic advisor |
The process for finalizing your minor or cognate is different depending on the college. Talk to your advisor and check the Minors Bulletin for specific information on what classes are necessary for each minor. |
Here are some other ideas to help you get started in your new major search…
- Head to the Career Center (6th floor of the BA Building) to take one or more of their four interests surveys – The Strong Interest Inventory, Myers-Briggs, FOCUS and SCOIS
- Check out the extended list of departments at the Registrar’s website to see what piques your interest
- Explore the course titles to see what sounds interesting
- Talk with other students in that major and the professors in the department.
- Scan through books like The College Majors Handbook, (ISBN 978-1563705182) that outline career options and earning summaries
- Visit Monster.com to use the Career Converter – select your major to see real available job opportunities.
- Take some classes in that field to see if you really like the subject.
- Sit in on graduate level classes in the field you are considering.
- Seek experience – look for jobs, internships, volunteer opportunities or co-ops to experience what that work field is like.
|
Here are other great resources for Academic Success:
|
|
