PHOTO: Black graduation cap with the words "I never dreamed about success I worked for it" in silver with gold accents on the edges. Photo courtesy of UHCL Marketing and Communications. — UHCL hosts two graduation ceremonies for the fall and spring semesters. Students who graduate with a minor still walk with the college of their major. Photo courtesy of UHCL Marketing and Communications.

How to choose your major: A minor step to a major direction

By Editorial Board Last updated Sep 9, 2021 274 0

Determining your major is an important process that is necessary for a successful future. Selecting a major can be stressful, and it can potentially be mental and emotional imprisonment if chosen incorrectly. Your major is the foundation of your future, and it should be chosen after serious research and careful consideration.

UHCL has resources available to help minimize stress and make choosing a major less complicated. The University Academic Advising Center (UAAC) offers advisors to guide you through the process of exploring various majors.

PHOTO: Student wearing a black graduation cap with the words "I never dreamed about success I worked for it" in silver with gold accents on the edges. Photo courtesy of UHCL Marketing and Communications. — UHCL hosts two graduation ceremonies for the fall and spring semesters. Students who graduate with a minor still walk with the college of their major. Photo courtesy of UHCL Marketing and Communications.

“Since choosing a major is a decision-making process, it does require some thought and research,” said Mary Ramos, director of UAAC. “Students may want to know about the pay, the duties and tasks, the work environment, how much education is needed, and if additional licenses and certifications are required.”

In addition, the Office of Career Services is a campus resource available to help you discover your interests, values, personality preferences and strengths. Discovering these characteristics correlate with choosing a major. Focus 2 is a system consisting of a series of assessments that identify your work interests. It correlates those interests with job clusters, which direct you to actual majors offered at UHCL.

“It is never too early to come in, to assess and develop a career plan,” said Chuck Crocker, director of career services. “It depends on the individual and whether he/she is motivated that determines when he/she should choose a major. I think it’s good to begin the process at some point in your freshman year. You may need to do some research and talk to some people, and that takes time.”

The Focus 2 system is free to students with UHCL access code; however, there are other tests and also career discovery workshops that are beneficial but have small fees associated with them. These fees are small investments for a greater return.

The choice is yours to make. Utilize the resources offered here at UHCL to help you make an informed decision. Time is money, and time saves money. Remember the seeds you plant today will determine the fruit you produce tomorrow.

Choosing a minor

In addition to choosing a major, you also have the option to choose a minor.

A minor is a secondary field of study declared as part of your undergraduate degree plan. You can receive credit for the minor by meeting with your academic advisor and completing a Minor Declaration Form and 15 hours in the minor field, with at least nine of your hours at the 3000 level or higher.

If you are interested in declaring a minor, you must see your academic advisor for the Minor Declaration Form and detailed information. General information is also available on the UHCL website’s homepage, under the Academics tab.

Students choose minors for various reasons. Some choose minors as a hobby or to explore personal interests. They think of it as something fun to do that offers an escape from the serious coursework associated with their major degree plan. Other students see a minor as an opportunity to improve a skill or add to their resume. Whatever the reason, if chosen carefully, a minor can be beneficial.

“After you know the direction you want to go with your major, it is wise to choose a minor,” Crocker said. “A minor should be strategically chosen to compliment the chosen career path you are going to pursue. A good minor can add value to you and make you more marketable.”

Ramos agrees that a minor can be beneficial if you can fit it into your degree plan.

“Minors provide students with opportunities to prep for additional certifications, to expand job prospects and study areas related to the career,” Ramos said.

It is not mandatory or critical that you choose a minor; however, the option is available to you. Not every student decides to include a minor, but if you do, the minor chosen should benefit you.

Pursuing your undergraduate degree

Obtaining a college degree is a major step. You should utilize all the resources available to ensure your college experience is a successful one.

In addition to earning your degree, to be successful, Crocker suggests you learn how to be a professional and what that means. The Office of Career Services can assist you with this; furthermore, Ramos adds that you should be an advocate for yourself, and take responsibility for your learning experience.

Remember that choosing the right major is the foundation for your future, and adding a minor can strengthen the foundation and make it more durable. A minor step today helps to make a major decision tomorrow.

Also published on Medium.