It’s Okay to Be an Undecided Major
As higher ed professionals, we understand that most prospective students don’t have their career futures all mapped out quite yet.
We may agree, theoretically, that it’s okay to be an “undecided” or “undeclared” major, but how well do our practices support this? Do our marketing and admissions approaches encourage freedom to explore and discover? Or do we unintentionally add to the pressure these students are already feeling?
As the mom of a high school senior, 5° Writer and Research Analyst Tara Miller has been giving this a lot of thought lately, and we’re handing her the reins to the blog to share her reflections and tips for higher ed marketing teams.
A Parent’s Perspective
I’ve been enthusiastically accompanying my daughter on campus visits for the last year. Countless times, I’ve heard the default introductory question, “So what are you planning to study?”
While this well-intentioned conversation starter may seem like a pleasant icebreaker, below the surface for many students, it stirs teenage angst. Why don’t I have this figured out yet?
The discomfort is fueled even further in a group context where most everyone has a prepared answer to the question. Why does everyone else have this figured out, and I don’t? By incorporating some new approaches—from your website to campus visits and maybe even your application process—your school’s perspective on choosing a major can set you apart. You can show you really mean it when you say college is a time to discover and grow. As a parent (who also happens to have worked in higher ed for more than 10 years), I have a few ideas.
Create a Freedom Framework
Some prospective students may be feeling overwhelmed with the 50+ majors every school is touting, unsure what many of those academic-sounding titles even mean, much less what they can do with those degrees.
Adding some friendly touches to the academic programs page of your website is a great way to make the list less intimidating.
The University of South Carolina, for example, offers a clever interactive search. Students can choose from a list of interests—like “Being Creative,” “Collaboration,” and “Places and Culture,” and the site identifies majors that fit those interests.
Students can further explore Areas of Interest to find connections between broad academic areas and career paths.
Carson-Newman University includes a list of careers on every program page. Students can find inspiration on the spot as they realize they really can get a job with a degree in Art or Philosophy or Social Entrepreneurship.
Foster Exploration
The college experience is a time of transformation and personal growth. Why not encourage academic and vocational exploration as part of this journey?
At MIT, ranked #2 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, all students start their freshman year as undeclared majors. MIT offers academic fairs, lectures, seminars, and other programs to help students choose a fitting major.
For students intentionally seeking a personalized educational experience, small and mid-size schools can excel in offering this kind of guidance. Incorporating touchpoints and programs for helping students choose a major is a great way to show your commitment to student success.
St. Thomas Aquinas College in New York optimizes the personalized aspect of their school, promising a community where each student can “learn by doing, discover your gifts, and ignite your passion.”
Communicate Better
Finally, perhaps the most meaningful of all new approaches is simply reframing your communication.
When you ask prospective students to share their intended majors during group visit days or even in one-to-one meetings, you may not really be fostering the connection you think.
The reality is that many of those confident-sounding answers you’re hearing have been carefully formulated in anticipation of these uncomfortable inquiries. Perhaps students say something just to sound self-assured at the moment. Or, to relieve the pressure, they may decide a major prematurely and head down a pathway that will ultimately be rerouted or regretted.
How can we encourage more productive thinking? When students come to campus or meet with you virtually, consider better introductory questions:
What are you most looking forward to about college?
What do you like to do?
What are some of your academic areas of interest?
What are some of the career paths you want to explore?
You may just open the door for a robust and memorable conversation! Be prepared to share with these students the many ways your school will encourage them to explore, to try new things, and to imagine more than traditional pathways.
By incorporating some simple changes in your approach to majors, you can assure prospective students—it really is okay to be undecided.
Let's talk about ways to optimize your recruitment and marketing strategies. 5° Branding can bring fresh eyes and expertise to your institution’s challenges.
