Counseling and Career Center

It is important to remember that choosing a major is a process and not a single event. You have most likely been involved in this process since elementary school or even before. Through the years you have become increasingly aware of things that you are "good at", activities that seem to hold your interest more than others, as well as ideas or characteristics that you value. You may have recently tried to "match" your skills, interests, personality, and values with a university major or even a specific career path. If you have been doing any of the thing mentioned here you have probably caught a glimpse of just how seemingly difficult, confusing and perhaps overwhelming the major/career decision making process is.

The process of choosing a major can be enhanced by increasing both self-awareness (interests, values, skills), awareness of BYU majors (what types of classes will I take, what can I do with this major after college), and occupational awareness (what does an accountant do, how much do they make, do I need a graduate degree). The advisors at the University Advisement Center are here to assist students negotiate this complex process and make a well informed decision. Please feel free to schedule an appointment to meet with one of our academic and career advisors. Early contact with an advisor can increase the likelihood of a timely graduation.

The following is a list of strategies that students can employ to help them with the major/career decision making process:

-Look at a complete list of majors offered at BYU and "mark out" those majors you know you are not interested in. Then take a look at the remaining majors and investigate them further by reviewing the Major Academic Plans (MAPS). Once you have your list narrowed down to 3 to 5 choices you may now benefit by visiting with an advisor in the College Advisement Centers where the major is located. If at any point you feel like talking through the process would be helpful, please make an appointment to visit with a UAC advisor.

-Attend a free 50 minute workshop offered by the Career and Learning Information Center (2590 WSC: 422- 2689) on "Choosing a Major and a Career".

-Take Student Development 117: Career Exploration (a 2.0 credit class)

-Take advantage of the University Core/General Education requirements and select classes that correspond to your interests and majors you would like to investigate.

-You may wish to take a career interest inventory and review the results with an Advisor from the University Advisement Center.

-Sometimes students find it easier to begin a minor. Perhaps you could begin working on two. At some point one of the minors could be turned into your major.