Don’t let being undecided on a major stop you from committing to college. It’s totally OK and normal to still be looking into college majors while you’re on campus. Here’s what you need to know about starting your journey with higher education as an undecided or undeclared major.

It’s completely normal to be undecided 

First of all, it’s extremely common to not know what you’re going to major in at college. About 80% of students change their major at least once and, on average, students change their major up to three times in their college careers. So while it can feel like you’re the odd one out if you don’t have a college major, the opposite is actually true. 

Some students may worry that being an undeclared major will hurt your chances of making connections in college, but this isn’t the case. There are so many ways to get involved and make friends that have nothing to do with college majors. You can join an intramural or a student ministry, live and work on campus and make friends in your general education courses. You’ll still be able to find your people even if it takes a year or two to find your passion.

Earning a degree pays off

Even if you start as an undecided major, going to college is a smart choice that pays off. A recent study showed Iowa college graduates experience one of the highest returns on investment of college graduates from any state. UNI graduates with a bachelor’s degree also earn an average of $22,700 per year more than Iowans with a high school degree alone. So by enrolling in college now, even while you’re undecided, you’ll be setting yourself up to earn a better salary faster.

In addition, there are many valuable parts of college that are priceless including the connections you make both professionally and personally. College exposes you to new experiences and broadens your horizons. It helps shape who you are in ways you may not experience if you choose to skip it. This is true even if it takes you some time to find your perfect major.

Going to college also teaches valuable skills like teamwork, time management, communication and critical thinking. These skills will be important no matter what career path you take.

There are lots of ways to explore college majors

Going to college is actually a great way to find the major that’s right for you. Colleges like the University of Northern Iowa want to help you find a major that excites you and gives you purpose.  If you want to figure out how to choose a college major, the easiest way to start is by exploring UNI’s college major list. This will give you an idea of the programs offered and who knows? Something may spark your interest! UNI also has a quick career test to help you find an area of study.

There are plenty of people at college who would love to talk with you in person about your interests and help you find a major you enjoy. The Office of Academic Advising is filled with friendly faces to help you navigate this exciting — though sometimes nerve-wracking — journey. They also offer a dedicated program called the Exploratory Program for students just like you who are uncertain about their major. You’ll find assessments and fun events like Majors in Minutes that go beyond what a simple college major list can show you. 

Going to college helps you explore career options, too

Of course, your long-term goal is to find a career, not just a major. Luckily, college helps you explore career paths as well. UNI is known for providing students with hands-on learning experiences. From internships to undergraduate research, college gives you a better idea of what you’ll actually enjoy doing for a living someday. And UNI is known for providing these experiences to students early on in the college process, not just during their senior years.

This means you can come to college and quickly get a feel for what a particular career looks like. By getting real-world experience with a career early, you’re more likely to find a job you excel at and love. In addition, colleges host events like career fairs. It never hurts to show up at these events and get some practice networking. You might find companies or career paths that interest you. Don’t forget to check out campus events that have guest speakers. This gives you a chance to find out about career options you may not even know exist.

You might ultimately feel more confident in your career choice

While committing to a major right away can be great for some students, it can also cause more doubts later on in the college years. It’s better to be undecided in the beginning of your schooling and get your general education courses out of the way than to start taking major courses and experience doubts about your choice. 

In this way, starting out as an undecided major can actually be to your advantage. You can test the waters with different college majors through general education courses and campus resources rather than committing right away. This might help you feel more confident in your future career when you do choose to declare a major.

Discover your next step at the University of Northern Iowa

The bottom line is going to college is a smart choice regardless of how confident you’re feeling in your college major. It’s the first step to finding out about college majors and career options.

Now is the time to commit to a school! If you’re trying to figure out what to do next, campus tours are the way to go! Being on campus at the University of Northern Iowa will help you feel a little more at home, and this will help you feel more confident committing to a college.