Majors & Careers

Not sure about your major and career options?

Having trouble declaring your major? Did you know that some careers require a specific undergraduate major and others do not? We are here to help. While some careers require a specific undergraduate major, many do not. Nursing and Accounting are examples of careers which require a specific undergraduate major. Meanwhile, a degree in Liberal Arts (for example, History, Humanities, Chicano/a Studies) might take you in several directions.

You can begin exploring the connection between majors and careers by using the information in this section as a starting point. Download our Two Year and Four Year Plans to help you stay on track and keep your career goals a priority.

The Decision Process

1. Self-Assessment

Identify important skills, interests and values
Make an appointment with a career coach in the Career Center for career coaching and vocational assessments
Use our Focus 2 program, a helpful online assessment tool
(Your access code is "gotoros")
Meet with an academic advisor for additional guidance

2. Researching Majors and Careers

Use the O*Net Career Information Program
Learn about job requirements, employment trends, and appropriate majors
Attend job fairs and use the Career Center Digital Career Toolkit to learn more about potential career paths
Obtain internship experience, either paid or unpaid

3. Analyzing Your Results

Organize and evaluate all your information
Consider possible outcomes, consequences, and probability
Identify the best alternatives
Conduct additional research if necessary
Develop a short list of possible careers/majors

4. Choosing Options

Select a primary and secondary career option, based on what career is best suited for you at this time in your life
Discuss your findings with a career coach
Maintain an open mind to new and changing factors that may impact your career choices
Remember: What you decide today will probably not be your lifelong career; it's just the beginning!

Career Exploration