Choosing a college major can feel like a huge decision—one that feels like it determines the rest of your life. But here’s the truth: it doesn’t have to. Many students need extra time to explore their interests and decide to enroll as “undecided.”
The Benefits of Being Undecided
In the undecided program, you can complete your General Education University Requirements during your first two years while exploring different academic paths. UIS requires these foundational courses for all students. General Education courses provide exposure to various disciplines.
General Education Courses (Required for All Majors)
- Written Communication (2 courses)
- College Writing and Civic Engagement; Rhetoric and College Writing
- Oral Communication (1 course)
- Math (1 course)
- Discrete Structures; Applied Statistics; College Algebra
- Life and Physical Science (2 courses) — One must be a life science and the other a physical science, and one must include a lab. These courses introduce concepts in biology, chemistry or physics.
- Practical Astronomy Lab, Environmental Biology, Introduction to Forensic Science
- Behavioral and Social Sciences (3 courses) — Students must take courses in at least two disciplines such as psychology, sociology or political science.
- What TV Has Taught Us: Exploring Leadership and Societal Change through Popular TV Shows; Juvenile Delinquency; Comparative Political Cultures
- Humanities (3 courses) — One course should be from the visual, creative, or performing arts and at least one from other humanities like history, philosophy, or literature to enhance critical thinking.
- Bible and Qur'an; Introduction to Digital Media; Ethics, Love, & Goals of Life
- First-Year Seminar (1 course) — This seminar reviews college survival skills in any discipline and counts toward a general education humanities or social science requirement.
- Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (3 courses) — Choose from U.S. Communities, Global Awareness, and Engagement Experience.
- Latina/o/x USA; European Cinema; Professional Skills
Exploring Different Fields
Your academic advisor can help design a course schedule that exposes you to potential major-specific courses.
- Thinking about business? Try Introduction to Financial Accounting or Principles of Marketing.
- Curious about technology? Take Computer Programming Concepts I.
- Love storytelling? Explore Introduction to Mass Media or Audio Production.
By taking a variety of courses, you’ll discover what subjects you enjoy (and which ones you don’t). Some courses may feel natural to you, while others might be challenging. Recognizing your academic strengths can guide you toward a major that aligns with your skills.
Getting Involved Beyond the Classroom
Exploring different interests doesn’t stop at academics. Get involved by researching clubs on UIS Connection. Joining various clubs may introduce you to new career paths:
- Active Minds might inspire a passion for mental health advocacy.
- Mock Trial Team could reveal a deep interest in the legal field.
- Leadership roles in clubs (like secretary, promotions, financial chair, or scheduling) can help you uncover strengths in organization and management.
Work Experience Matters Too
Discovering your interests doesn’t have to come from clubs or classes; job experiences can also provide valuable insight:
- Working in the cafeteria might spark an interest in the food industry, customer service, or business operations.
- A job at the library could foster a love for research or organization.
- Tutoring may reveal a passion for teaching and mentoring.
These experiences not only build valuable skills but also expand your network beyond campus.
The Bottom Line
Being undecided isn’t a setback—it’s an opportunity. College is a time for growth, discovery, and new experiences. Give yourself the freedom to explore, and trust that you’ll find the right path in time. Once you’re confident in your course of study, your advisor can help you declare a major that fits with all you’ve discovered about yourself.
So, if you’re feeling unsure about what you want to study, take a deep breath. You’re exactly where you need to be!