Choose and Declare a Major
Your major is your area of strongest academic interest, and it will be your main focus during your last two years of college.
It should not be confused with determining your specific career, but of course the kinds of thinking and skills you develop as you pursue a major will be an asset to you as you determine your career. Maybe you've looked at all the
John Jay majors and know exactly which one you want. A lot of students aren’t so sure, and wonder about the “best” way to choose a major. There isn’t one strategy followed by everyone, but here are some tips to make the process easier for you:
--It's important to choose a major that matches your interests and goals, as well as your academic strengths so you can develop the knowledge and skills most valuable to you. Start there, with you.
--Understand the kinds of majors available at John Jay, so you choose one with an emphasis that appeals to you.
--Be clear about the requirements and work involved in the different majors. Don't assume anything!
--Many students ask what majors will prepare them for certain careers--something we call the academic/career connection. Be careful about making assumptions. You will likely be surprised when you do our Fact or Fiction exercise.
--If you're having trouble deciding about your major, you're not alone. Various factors can make choosing a major challenging. Remember that the Academic Advisement Center and the Center for Career and Professional Development have staff who are happy to talk with you about your interests, goals, and questions. Also, don’t forget the wonderful on-line resources available to you as you create an academic plan that gives you the kind of skills and experiences that prepare you for life after college.
Tips about majors and academic planning
Fact or Fiction: Test your assumptions about how college relates to career
Major FAQS
Undecided?
Declare a Major