Many students are uncertain of what they want to study when they are admitted to a university, usually because they are unaware of their options or unsure of their own strengths. Some students may begin with the major they feel best suits their interests and change their major later. Freshmen can also choose to begin at Indiana University Columbus as Exploratory students and declare a major in their sophomore year. Exploring possible options early in college is common and a better than changing direction in the junior or senior year. At IU Columbus, students can receive guidance from their academic advisor and a Career Services advisor when they are interested in changing their major or declaring a major for the first time.
Exploring majors and careers
30%College students who change their major at least once
10%College students who change their major more than once
1 IN 7IU Columbus freshmen are exploratory majors
Ways you can support your student's major and career exploration
- Talk about your student’s values, interests, personality, and skills rather than pushing a certain major or career.
- Point out what your student does well and how those skills can be used in a career.
- Encourage your student to try different jobs and explore as many careers as possible.
- Talk to your student about your own job and experiences.
- Help your student think about the long term, beyond jobs that are trendy right now.
- Encourage your student to get involved in campus life and attend career fairs and other professional events.
- Give your student time and space to learn from their choices. Lessons come from experiences.
- If your student changes their mind about a major, be willing to listen and support through the change.
- Encourage your student to explore degree maps for various majors to ensure courses align with their expectations.
