Navigating the College Major Maze: Tips and Resources for Making the Best Choice
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Selecting a college major is a crucial decision. Learn about factors to consider, options at Texas Tech University, and consequences of delaying or changing majors. Discover useful strategies to make an informed choice.
Navigating the College Major Maze: Tips and Resources for Making the Best Choice
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Presentation Transcript
SELECTING A MAJOR One of the Hardest Decisions in College
Observations • Often seen as the most important decision in college (Is it really?): • Usually it is not imperative that you decide a major in the first year. • Often second year decisions do not delay graduation. • Texas Tech has more than 150 majors (see http://ram.tosm.ttu.edu/advising/resources/degrees.php) • Narrowing your interests to a specific college is a good first step Selecting a Major
COLLEGESTexas Tech Has 12 Colleges • Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources • Architecture • Arts & Sciences • Business Administration • Education • Engineering • Honors College • Human Sciences • Mass Communications • Visual & Performing Arts • Graduate School • School of Law Selecting a Major
Texas Tech Degrees http://ram.tosm.ttu.edu/advising/resources/degrees.php Selecting a Major
SELECTING A MAJORFactors to Consider • Does the major have activities that interest me? • Can I use this major to obtain a career that I will find meaningful and enjoyable? • Will this major lead to a job that yields a salary I consider to be adequate? Selecting a Major
SELECTING A MAJORFactors to Consider • Should I: • Double Major? • Minor? • Considerations: • Will I gain an employment advantage? Higher salary? • How much longer will it take? • Will graduate school be more beneficial? Selecting a Major
SELECTING A MAJORFactors to Consider Do I know? • Job opportunities for graduates • Job market for graduates • Starting salaries for graduates • Expectations for the future in the profession Selecting a Major
SELECTING A MAJORat Texas Tech University Texas Tech has websites and programs to help you select the best major for you: • Website: http://ram.tosm.ttu.edu/advising/discovery/index.php • Programs at Discovery!: • Major Map • Academic Physical Selecting a Major
Investigating a Major Selecting a Major
Analysis of MajorExample: Civil Engineering AREAS • Structural • Urban Planning • Construction • Environmental • Water Resources • Transportation and Pipeline • Geotechnical • Surveying and Mapping • Materials • STATEGIES • Learn to work within a team. • Develop communication skills. • Develop physical stamina for outdoor work. • Get experience directing workers • Get experience organizing materials • Have ability to visualize in three dimensions • States may require licensing/registration. • EMPLOYERS • Construction • Engineering firms • Architectural firms • Utility companies • Oil companies • Telecommunication • Manufacturing • Consulting firms • Railroads • DESCRIPTION • Provides service to the community through development and improvement. • Works extensively with other professionals involved with the community. • Provides opportunity to work outdoors. Selecting a Major
Consequences of Delaying and Changing Majors • Waste of time – delays graduation • Waste of money – extra tuition • Waste of other people’s money – • Tuition funds 23.3% of TTU budget • State funds 76.0% of TTU budget Selecting a Major