Introduction to Educational Planning and Decision Making As a beginning college student, it is only natural to feel uncertain about your intended major because you have not experienced the variety of subjects or fields of study that make up the college curriculum. Being undecided about a major is nothing to be embarrassed about. Despite any pressure you may be receiving from others to make an early decision, we encourage you not to officially commit to a particular major until you gain more self-knowledge and knowledge of your options. When Should You Reach a Firm Decision? Most students at ECU tend to vary in terms of when they make a decision about a major. For example, some entering students are ready to decide on a major immediately upon entering the university, while others remain open and flexible to changing their original choice. It is important for students to know that they always have the right to change their mind and not get locked into a major/situation where they feel that there is no turning back. But, students also need to understand that there can be a downside to changing majors, which might include added tuition costs and additional courses required for the newly chosen major. Thus, as a general rule, you should strive to reach a firm decision about your major during your second (sophomore) year in college but begin the process of exploring and planning during your first term at ECU!
Making a Decision about a College Major Reaching an effective decision about a major involves three processes: 1. Gain awareness of yourself—your abilities, interests, and values (see Web-based resources below). 2. Become aware of your options—academic fields available to you (listed in the pages of this guidebook). 3. Develop an awareness of what options best match your personal abilities, interests, and values (consult your academic advisor for assistance in decision making).
Web-Based Resources for Educational Planning and Self-Assessment Listed below are some online resources to assist you in the decision-making process for selecting your college major. These Web sites include tools for self-assessment and information on careers and employers:
www.ecu.edu/e3careers www.ecu.edu/aec online.onetcenter.org stats.bls.gov
Campus-Based Resources for Educational Planning and Awareness of Options •C ontact the Academic Advising and Support Center at 252-328-6001 or by e-mail at uadv@ecu.edu to speak with an academic advisor about course planning related to a college major. •C ontact the Career Center at 800-391-0506 (toll free) or by e-mail at career@ecu.edu to learn more about career exploration and occupational information. • Go to www.ecu.edu/advising and search for more information about majors in which you have an interest. •G o to the ECU Undergraduate Catalog online at www.ecu.edu and read course descriptions to see which appeal to you. Find the major that incorporates those classes.
Self-Help: By Using the Intended Majors Guidebook Use this booklet to explore your options by using a simple three-step approach. (See page 7 for “Selecting Academic Majors by Career Interest Areas.”)
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