Choosing A Major

Purchase College offers its students a wide variety of majors.  Choosing a major can be a difficult, and often daunting task, but with the right planning and research, it can also be exciting.  By asking yourself some simple questions, you may be able to narrow your search down to only a few majors:

• What are my interests?  What topics are exciting to me?
• What are my strengths?  Which majors capitalize on these strengths?
• What majors relate most to my chosen career path?

If you're having trouble deciding on a major there are several ways to go about investigating possible majors:

• Talk to the counselors at the Career Development Center.  They can help you figure out which careers match your personality, interests, and values.  Visit their exploring majors webpage to locate information on majors and careers.
• Research the fields using the world wide web.  There is a plethora of information at your fingertips about any chosen field.
• Browse the Purchase College Course Catalog 2005-2008.  This catalog lists course descriptions as well as a brief description of the major.
• Talk to someone on the board of study for a particular major.  This person can describe to you the many facets of the field and possible career choices post-graduation.
• Finally, see an Academic Advisor in the Advising Center.

Choosing a major early can not only give you focus and direction in your academic progress, but it can also allow you to take electives that interest you outside your major.