It can be hard to settle on a career path right out of high school, and a lot of students start off with an undeclared major. And that's fine - you can use a semester or two of general education requirements to help discover what's best for you. You should work to settle on a major as soon as possible. Choosing a major and applying for admittance to the right program can save you time and money by helping you graduate faster.

Explore Your Options

The first step in identifying a major is deciding what your career goal is after college. You can start by talking to an enrollment advisor at your school, or meeting with academic advisors in a few different areas that interest you. Try to take general education classes that overlap with one or more fields you think you may want to major and eventually work in.

Research Careers

You can also research programs of study, and careers, with the Alaska Career Information System (AKCIS).  AKCIS has interactive quizzes, called assessments, that match you to occupations with similar interests, skills, and work values.

AKCIS provides comprehensive information on almost any career field:

• How much does it pay?
• What is the future outlook in Alaska and nationally?
• What is the most relevant major?
• What is the best degree level to earn to be competitive in this field?

If you've started studies at a school before you've chosen a major, or if you spent your first few years at a community college to keep costs low, you may need to transfer to a different school to complete the major that will lead to your career choice.   Transferring to another school is a serious decision. Follow these important steps:

• discuss your transfer with your parents and enrollment or academic advisor
• select the right school to transfer to, and verify the school's requirements for accepting transfer students
• discuss with an academic advisor at the new school how many of your credits will transfer, and how to transfer them
• if you receive financial aid, make sure that you will continue to be eligible for the same aid
• apply for admissions at the new school
• work with your new financial aid office and your providers to ensure your financial aid is not delayed