MAPS

Do I Need to Know More About My Academic Options?

What subjects do I like learning about? (Interests)
What subjects do I do well in? (Skills)
What general education courses can I schedule that will help me explore my options?
What academic skills do I possess?
What academic skills do I need to improve upon?
Do I want my major to lead to a specific career or am I looking for a major that will prepare me for a variety of careers?
What extracurricular activities will help supplement my academic work and improve my skills?
How do my academic self-discoveries relate to my personal self-discoveries?
What myths do I need to understand about majors and careers?
What majors does Shippensburg University offer and what skills do they require?


What can I do?

During Semester 1:

checkTake the PACES course to learn more about the majors offered at SHIP

checkEliminate majors that are definitely "wrong" for you.

checkExplore major options by taking required GenEd courses--what do these courses (and the grades you earn in them) tell you about your skills, interests, & motivation?

checkReduce your number of potential majors to a maximum of three. Focus on them

During Semester 2:

checkTake an upper level course in a subject that interests you.

checkContinue to evaluate and refine majors according to your values, interests, and skills.

checkInvestigate relevant extracurricular activities

Ongoing:

checkMeet with your academic advisor to discuss what you discover.

checkMeet with faculty in the subjects that interest you.

checkAcquire a mentor.

checkAttend informational sessions sponsored by different academic departments and by the Division of Undeclared Majors.

checkAttend upper-level course lectures (as a guest)

checkTalk with upperclassmen in majors in which you are interested.

checkDiscuss your options with your parents and/or other adults.

checkConduct an informational interview with someone who has the major or job you're interested in.

checkReference the following web sites:

MAPs content managed by: David I. Henriques
Asst. Dean of Academic Programs and Services