Deciding a major is a big decision, and there’s no harm in taking your time. Here’s why it’s ok to leave that major undecided.
You might change your mind.
Research shows that around 30% of students will change their major within the first three years of college. That means time and money lost.
“I came into fall semester of freshman year planning on majoring in computer science … I assumed that it would be something I would enjoy because I like technology and I like working with computers,” says Jennifer Rangel, sophomore. “I later learned that it was something I actually really disliked, and realized that I solely chose that major because I was too scared to go into a university undecided.”
Jennifer came to this realization while in University College (UCollege), which allows students at UMKC to explore their interests among the 100+ majors, emphasis areas and minors and then transition into academic units with a plan for graduating.
"I have been able to learn more about myself to realize and understand that going the business route with design is something that I would be more interested in."
It's a good opportunity to learn more about yourself.
Exploring your interests, pinpointing your skills and considering different careers offers options for finding a major (and career) that you’ll enjoy and excel at. Besides, isn’t college is a time for personal growth?
“[UCollege] allows you to take your interests, your dislikes, your learning style and many other things into account when you are thinking about your career,” Jennifer says. “I enjoy graphic design and the creativity that comes along with it. And while I have thought about studying graphic design in art school, through UCollege, I have been able to learn more about myself to realize and understand that going the business route with design is something that I would be more interested in.”
Students in UCollege choose one of four mega majors and participate in a journey career assessment and seminar series with faculty and advising staff.
No judgment.
Don’t let having an undecided major scare you. There are a lot of career and major options out there. Research fields that you’re interested in, learn more about majors offered and when you’re ready, make the choice you feel is right for you.