Sources of Information
Accurate information is essential to enable you to make informed decisions. This is true for choosing a major as well. There are a variety of sources that you can approach to obtain the information that you require to guide your decision:
- Career counselors are able to discuss major and career options with students. They can help you to assess your personalities, and tell you what options are available to you. Based upon the input you provide, they can also guide you on the feasibility of any options you may have considered.
- College catalogs and prospectuses contain course descriptions and tentative outlines of the subject matter of the course. It is commonly believed that, since this information is subject to frequent change, by the time you are ready to take the course the information has become obsolete or invalid. While this is true, the course content and subject matter still remains within the parameters prescribed in the catalog or prospectus, and this source should not be overlooked.
- Students are currently enrolled in the majors will be able to guide you on what courses have been offered, and what career options they foresee, as well as descriptions of the courses taught and quality of the lectures.
- Alumni will be able to guide you on the job market and the scope of the career you are considering
- Professors will be able to guide you on the job market and the scope of the career you are considering
- Academic advisors will be able to answer your questions, and, if necessary, pinpoint other sources that you may tap for additional information.
- Departmental literature, which is typically put together by departments as an additional source of information, also contains information to assist your decision making. You might also find important departmental requirements in this literature to let you know what you need to obtain admission.
