Declaring your major and/or minor is a key component to furthering your future achievements and academic success.
Students have to make countless decisions upon attending college, and on this list would be deciding on a major and/or minor. Students could possibly attend school for years without ever declaring themselves to a designated degree, but what goals will be accomplished unless they do so?
Allie White, academic adviser for College of Humanities and Social Science said: “A good starting point would be going to the Career Center and discuss some of your goals that you have. I also think [students] need to consider the timetable of different majors and minors and what that might add to your time for your degree.”
There are various factors that play into deciding one’s degree path, but there are multiple resources offered to students who are in need of assistance, White said.
Students can also take part in doing their own research in aiding the decision process to what degree path would be most suitable for them. Discovering self-interests, hobbies and skills students have are all valuable aspects to take into account when beginning the process of finding a degree.
“Something a lot of people don’t realize is talking to professors who actually have experience in their industries can be really beneficial too because they can see what might be a good fit for [students],” White said.
Students should make a point to declare their major and minor in order to further advance their educational and career goals, White said. When making this decision, you should be mindful of what is important to you and will align with your desired achievements.
White said a useful resource that students can use to their advantage is the Dixie State Path finder search tool located right on the DSU website. This tool allows students to search majors that will align with certain careers, allowing students to get a further understanding of what they are in search of.
Lexie Dalton, a junior English major from Kanab, said she can relate to students who may be struggling to declare their major because of a wide variety of interests.
“I loved everything, so I had a really hard time deciding between two majors, so I took a couple of classes in each to figure out which one I liked more,” Dalton said. “I took beginning level classes in each to help narrow it down.”
Taking entry-level courses for majors you are interested in could aid in the decision-making process when trying to differentiate between multiple degrees in which you may find interest.
Dalton said because she made the choice to take entry-level classes for potential degree paths, she was able to make a decision to declare her major as English.
“Taking some of those beginning classes really helped me decide I wanted to go with English,” Dalton said. “I think starting out and trying and seeing if you’re interested in it is a really good idea before you declare your major.”
Without declaring your major and/or minor you are inhibited from progressing further toward a degree of your choice, Dalton said. There are speculations that have to be met in each degree plan, so it is important for students to find a degree best suited for them.
As previously aforementioned, there are resources located right here at DSU to be used at students’ disposal. If you are uncertain of where to start, begin with the Academic Advisement Center with any questions in regards to a major/minor degree path.
The Academic Advisement Center stated: “Dixie has an advisor who can help you as you choose your major and start on your path to graduation. Our advisors are trained to answer your questions, and they’re knowledgeable about your area of study. Find out which advisor you can reach out to for guidance.”
Get connected with resources around campus, talk to your adviser about future ambitions, and begin to blaze your trail Trailblazers.
