Undecided Students

Major and Career Exploration Program

The Major and Career Exploration Program (MCEP) is a signature program of the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE). MCEP is designed to support students who are undecided about their majors. Students often feel pressured to choose a major and career path before entering college. However, ACE understands that this expectation is not always realistic, and it is normal to have some unreadiness about choosing a major. Thus, through MCEP, ACE offers self-assessment tools designed to support undecided majors with the major and career selection process. Through consultation, coaching, and assessment, ACE helps students plan more fulfilling lives by helping them to develop a stronger sense of self, understand their strengths and interests, and identify additional skills needed to develop and achieve their goals.

This is an opportunity to explore your career and educational goals based on your interests, personal style, and work preferences in preparation for declaring a major. Students must take the SuperStrong Assessment and complete VitaNavis prior to scheduling this appointment. 

Choosing a Major

A major is a series of courses (consisting of 24 to 39 credit hours) required for a concentration in a specific department. A minor is a combination of courses (usually 15 to 18 credit hours) taken to support the major or broaden your perspective.

If you have not already chosen a major — don’t panic! Nearly half of entering freshmen and many sophomores and juniors are not sure of their major, even if they say they are. Choosing a major takes time, persistence, and critical thinking about your future.

If you are not sure of your major:

  • Discuss your concerns with your advisor, faculty members, and/or counselors at the University Counseling Service or Career Services offices.
  • Learn about yourself — your interests, skills, and abilities; consider exploring a new area by auditing a course (participating without credit or grade). Think about what you want to be doing 10 years from now. Find out about the job market and opportunities for particular majors after graduation.
  • Consider how you feel about attending graduate or professional school, which is a requirement for certain professions.
  • Determine which courses and programs will take you where you want to go.
  • Choose a major that best expresses who you are and who you would like to become.