Steps to Take in Choosing a Major

1. Look through the Dickinson Bulletin.

• Read about the various majors
• Read about the classes offered for each major

2. Take at least one course in the major in which you are interested.

3. Talk with your current Academic Advisor or a Career Counselor.

• Ask: Is this major a good match with my interests?
• Ask: Is this major a good match with my academic strengths?
• Ask: Will I be able to meet the requirements for the major?

4. Talk with faculty members in the department.

• Ask: What is the structure of this major, what do I need to do?
• Ask: What is this major about?
• Ask: Will I be able to go abroad my junior year?

5. Talk with students currently in the major.

• Ask: What is interesting to them about the major?
• Ask: Do they have any suggestions as far as electives in the major?

6. Contact alumni

• Ask: Did studying this major influence their career?
• Ask: If you could do it over again, what would you do differently?

7. Talk to the Chair of the Department

• Ask: Besides course requirements, what are some other requirements
• for the major (ie. an internship, community service, research project)
• Ask: Are there concentrations or thematic focuses within the major?
• Ask: Who would be my advisor?
• Ask: What other courses and/or majors related to this major?

Adapted from the Worksheet for Major Declaration Decision from the Academic Advising and Registrar’s Offices.