Exploring/Undecided

Nationwide, approximately 70% of students make at least one major change and many change their majors multiple times as they try to find the right fit. You are not alone in being unsure what path you want to follow, but reactive major changes can result in more student debt, unused credits and a longer time to graduate.

Making a major change is a process of self-discovery, requiring thoughtful consideration of your skills, interests, values and goals. Exploratory advisors are trained to advise you through that process and minimize credit loss and time to degree. The Exploratory Center, working in partnership with both the Career Center and Student Affairs, helps you craft a flexible program of study that provides experiences in the majors you are considering while keeping you academically on course. 

Simply fill out the Referral Form, then change your major to Unspecified in Athena. An advisor from the Exploratory Center will be in contact with you to make an appointment.

 

What does "Unspecified" mean?

Unspecified is the term UGA uses when a student is not ready to declare a major/concentration yet. Each college has an unspecified major and advisors that can work with students who are unsure about the major options in that college. If you are unsure about what college to select, please email us at the Exploratory Center.

How long can I be undecided?

The first two years of your college experience will focus on fulfilling the general education core. The core requirements are the same for all majors at UGA; you can use these requirements to explore majors, minors, certificates and college requirements throughout the University. Completing the core requirements, you will expose you to many of the concentration options available at UGA. Most students begin working on major course requirements the first semester of their junior year.

What does the Exploratory Center do?

The Exploratory Center has professional advisors trained to work with students across all majors at UGA. Our goal is to help you discover what majors will best suit your passions, interests, skills, strengths and goals, while still progressing toward degree completion. The services we offer include cross-major advising, advising intended-business and intended-journalism students, and connecting students with campus resources. If you are interested in being advised in the Exploratory Center, please complete the referral form.

Can I graduate "on time" if I don't declare a major right away?

The first two years of your college experience will focus on fulfilling the general education core. The core requirements are the same for all majors at UGA; however, some course selections within the core requirements are specific and sequential for certain majors. If you are trying to decide between two or more majors, please see an academic advisor in the Exploratory Center. Our advisors can suggest specific course options that will work for the majors you are considering, and they can help connect you to the colleges or departments for all UGA majors. 

I have a major in mind, but I'm afraid I won't have good job prospects after graduation if I choose that major. What should I do?

Most employers are looking for employees who have critical thinking skills, oral and written communication skills, problem-solving skills, the ability to work cooperatively in a group, and the ability to be innovative and creative. Students can gain these skills through any major at UGA. We also have an excellent Career Center that can connect you with resources to aid you in your job search, including internships, access to job search sites like LinkedIn and Handshake, mock interviews, and workshops for writing resumes and cover letters. 

What should I major in if I want to be a doctor?

 Medical schools do not have a preferred major, but they do require certain prerequisite classes that all their applicants must take. For more information about the pre-health requirements, please see our helpful Pre-Health Advising Office.

What should I major in for law school?

Unlike medical schools, there are no prerequisite classes for law school. However, applicants to law school must take the LSAT, which evaluates students’ critical reading, verbal reasoning, and analytical thinking skills. If you are pre-law, you should choose a major that will foster those skills and that you can be happy with even if you eventually change your mind about law school. UGA also has a wonderful Pre-Law Advising Office that can help students prepare for law school applications.