MAP V

TIME IS RUNNING OUT!

Congratulations on reaching your second year at Shippensburg! You have reached the point where you have exhausted almost all of your General Education course requirements. In order for you to remain on schedule for graduation in a reasonable period of time, you must declare your major by 10/02 or you will not be permitted to schedule courses for Spring Semester 2003.

Here is what you should do:

  1. Make sure you meet the GPA as well as any other requirements for the major you desire.
  2. Obtain a Change of Major form from the Division of Undeclared Majors, Horton Hall, room 112.
  3. Obtain the necessary signatures from the appropriate departments.
  4. Return the form to the Division of Undeclared Majors, room 112.

You may declare any major except for impacted majors at any time prior to scheduling.

An impacted major requires a higher GPA to declare These majors may only be declared during the first three weeks of the semester. They include:

  • Biology 2.5-2.8
  • Communications Journalism: 2.3
  • Criminal Justice: 2.3
  • Education (Elementary & Secondary): 2.8
  • Social Work: 2.2-2.5
  • Psychology: 2.0, but requires an interview

These majors may have additional requirements as well. Check with your advisor, the Division of Undeclared Majors, or the specific department involved. 

What Major is "Right" for You?

If you have spent the summer following the advice that we have periodically sent you about discovering yourself--your values, goals, level of motivation, interests, skills and abilities, you should have a pretty good idea what major would be appropriate for you. If you still need help, check out the following sources of information:

  • Career Contacts, Rife House, x. 1218
  • Career Development Center, CUB, x. 1484
  • Counseling Center, Wright Hall, x. 1481
  • Division of Undeclared Majors, Horton Hall 112, x. 1395
  • Computer Web Sites (Reference previous MAPs)
  • Your Advisor
  • Department Chairpersons & Faculty
  • Your Own Instincts

There is no perfect major! Your objective should be to find a major that combines the most benefits with the fewest liabilities. For each of you, that combination will vary. Ask the following questions when considering a major:

Does this major interest me?

Is what I'm learning in this major important to me?

Do I have the academic ability to succeed in this major?

Will this major help me acquire the skills I need for my career?

Do I have the motivation to persevere in this major?

Will this major help me achieve the goals I set for myself?

If you are hesitating about choosing a major because you believe it may not be appropriate for a career, relax! In the majority of cases, the skills you acquire are what gets you hired-not a specific major. A judicious combination of academic and extracurricular activities and work/internship experience can help you acquire the skills you need. These skills include:

  • Communication Skills
  • Analytical Ability
  • Computer Skills
  • Organizational/Management Skills
  • Leadership Ability

Futurists believe that 80% of you will be working in jobs that do not yet exist. What major can prepare you for work that doesn't exist? It is skills that help you adapt to change and meet new challenges. As time passes and you proceed in your career, your undergraduate major becomes less relevant and your job performance more relevant. After ten years, most of you will be doing something entirely different, regardless of your major. Your major is not forever! It is merely a means to an end--a degree. Our best advice to you is to major in something you enjoy; we believe that if you enjoy something you will be motivated to succeed in it and the skills and abilities you need will come with much more satisfaction.

Choosing a major is an important decision, but it is not something to agonize over. Choosing your spouse, your job, and whether or not to have children are infinitely more important choices that you will make during your life. Evaluate yourself, make your decision, and don't look back!

If you still have questions, contact an advisor within the Division of Undeclared Majors or any of the other sources listed above for an appointment.

GOOD LUCK!

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