Choose Your Major

• What is a major and when should I declare it?
• How do I choose a major?
• How do I declare or change a major (or minor)?
• How can I see an adviser? Whom should I ask to speak with?

What is a major and when should I declare it?

Students are required to complete at least one major to graduate from the UO. You can read about the various majors in the list of majors and minors. You should declare a major when you are ready. However, it is a good idea to declare it by the end of winter term during sophomore year in order to avoid adding extra time and expense to your college education.

Keep in mind that many majors require the completion of core requirements. For example, science students, though undeclared, must take mathematics and, usually, general chemistry in the freshman year. Postponing foundation classes can extend the time it takes to earn a degree in some majors.

How do I choose a major?

Many students are undecided about their majors when they enter college - and many who are decided change their minds more than once before they graduate (an average of three times). Although advisers, parents, and friends will keep asking you what you're majoring in, you shouldn't feel pressured to make a decision. There is a lot to choose from at a university this size, and there are many factors you need to think about as you consider potential majors.

Asking yourself the following questions will give you some important clues:

1. Self-assessment of your interests
   What types of things excite you? What types of jobs or careers appeal to you? What books or magazines do you like to read? Where have you worked or volunteered? What did you like about these experiences? What are your hobbies? If you are not sure, please visit the Career Center. The UO Career Center offers a variety of self-tests you can take to help you answer some of these questions
   
2. Examination of your abilities
   What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What kind of skills do you have? You can begin this self-examination by looking at the courses you took in high school and college. What were your best subjects? Is there a pattern there? What kinds of extracurricular activities did you participate in while in high school or collegel? What kinds of things did you learn from part-time or summer jobs?
   
3. Examination of your value in work
   Examples of values include: helping society, working under pressure, group affiliation, stability, security, status, working alone or with groups, having a positive impact on others, and many others.
   
4. Career exploration
   If you are interested in exploring careers, try the Career Assessment Program. This service is free to enrolled students through the Career Center. You may either work individually with a counselor or enroll in a career exploration class. Please call the Career Center at 346-3235 for more information.
   
5. Reality check
   You need to honestly evaluate your options. Do you value physicians and have an interest in being a doctor, but have little skills in science? Does your desired occupation require an advanced degree, but your future commitments preclude graduate study? Do you have a strong interest in the arts, but your family is convinced you will become a CPA like your father? There are often ways to get around some of the obstacles during the reality check, but it is still important to face these obstacles and be realistic about whether you can overcome them.

Until you have decided on a major, taking a variety of courses that sound interesting and/or satisfy general education requirements can help you explore different majors and make progress toward graduation. In addition, don’t forget to check out our free workshop, Choosing a Major offered every term. If you need any further assistance choosing a major, make an appointment with an adviser (346-3211) or a career counselor (346-3235).

How do I declare or change a major (or minor)?

First, go to the department office for the major or minor that interests you. If you are not sure how to find that office, you can click on Advising at UO and click on Declared Advising which will take you to a list of the departments and links to the department web pages. The Office of Academic Advising (364 Oregon Hall) is your new ‘department’ if you are changing to ‘undeclared’ from some other major.

At the department , let them know you would like to declare or switch into the major. Before you do this, it is a good idea to meet with an advisor in that department, even if it is not required by the department. Some departments are quite selective about who they accept into their programs, so you might need to familiarize yourself with an application process, deadlines, etc…

Complete any paperwork the department requires and follow their procedures.

If you already have declared a major and you are declaring a ‘second major,’ make sure you clearly state this intention to the new department. You don’t want them to misunderstand and tell the Registrar’s Office to drop your ‘old’ major as they add the new one.

If you would like to drop your old major, please inform the department you are leaving. If you are concerned that they might not communicate with the Registrar’s Office about it, you can go directly to the R.O. and ask to have that major dropped there.

You may change your “professional objective” at the Registrar’s Office. A professional objective is not required, but if you have one, it should be included in your records. Please remember to drop or switch your objective if you change your mind.

Why can’t I see the change in DuckWeb? If you change your major, minor or professional objective before the 10 th day of the term, your transcript (and the fees you pay for the term) will be updated for the current term and reflect your new choice. If it is after the 10 th day of the term, your Degree Audit (DAR) will be updated, but your transcript, General Info in DuckWeb, Blackboard, etc… will not reflect your choice until the conclusion of the term.

How can I see an Adviser?

Professional advisers provide advising by appointment in the OAA.  appointments may be scheduled by calling (541) 346-3211.  You are encouraged to check in regularly to evaluate educational achievements and set goals for the future. In addition, if students have a professional objective in health care, law, social work, education, or business, OAA advisers can assist you with curriculum planning.

In addition to the resources of the OAA, undeclared students are assigned an adviser from the College of Arts and Sciences. You can locate this person on DUCKWEB; select the ‘View General Student Information’ option.

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