In The A Center, we serve thousands (yes, thousands!) of freshmen and sophomores every year. Why? Because choosing a major requires research and reflection. 

Up to 75% of students nationally and 50% of students at the University of Arizona change their major at least once. By starting undeclared, you're taking intentional time to get to know yourself and explore your options before making an informed decision.

Most students take the same types of classes during their first 2-3 semesters of college: General Education courses. These courses are required of all students regardless of major. Taking General Education courses in areas of interest is a great way to explore potential majors! 

If you're worried about being behind in your first few semesters, meet with your academic advisor to get a sense of what is expected of you during those first four semesters. If you have a specific area of interest in mind, we will assist you in selecting classes toward that interest.

It is true that some occupations require that you pick a specific major: Want to be an accountant? Yes, study Accounting. Most of the time, however, the relationship between majors and careers is much more dynamic. Most majors relate to jobs only as much as you want them to. For example, a student pursuing a Psychology major may choose to enter a psychology-related field, such as counseling, but they could also choose careers in event planning, entertainment, non-profit work, or advertising, for example. 

Here's the thing about college: It is not a vocational school, teaching you how to do any one specific task. College is about becoming educated, learning about the complexity of the world around you, learning to communicate ideas, and taking part in research and discovery. These skills are what employers looks for in their employees.

Fun fact: On average, people have 12 different jobs over their working life and change jobs every 4 years (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019). It can be helpful to focus on what's next rather than what's forever.

Instead of thinking about what major is the best for you, think about making an informed decision. There is no perfect fit. There may be classes in which you struggle or classes you don't like that are required for your major, but that's okay. What matters is that you enjoy the majority of your coursework. There might also be several options you're considering that you feel would be a good match for you. Talk to your advisor about potentially combining those interests; perhaps you major in one area and minor in another.

You are the one earning the degree - your values, your academic strengths, and your interests are key. You may seek input from your support network, but the decision is ultimately yours. When you research major and career options, you will feel more confident explaining to your family why your picks are the best choices for you!

You can major in anything and go on to medical school or law school, as long as you complete the prerequisite courses. In 2017, the most accepted major to medical school was English! Law schools have fewer requirements, and want you to choose an academic path that suits your interests. They will teach you how to understand and argue the law when you get there. Professional schools are interested in the skills you acquired from your major, not the label it carries.

Yes, it is required that you declare a major before you transfer to the University of Arizona; however, The A Center is here to help you learn about different major options. In addition, we recommend working with Transfer Advising to discuss potential pathways to your desired major.