What colleges are best for undecided majors?

Colleges with excellent career services, personalized career planning, and diverse skill development programs are best for undecided majors. Institutions like Butler University, Pennsylvania State University, and University of California - Berkeley provide substantial support for students exploring their career options.

What is the best degree to get if you are undecided?

For undecided students, degrees that offer broad skill development, such as Liberal Arts, Business, or General Studies, can be beneficial. These degrees provide a versatile foundation, allowing students to explore various interests and career paths.

How do you pick a college when you are undecided?

When undecided, choose a college with strong support for career exploration, such as career services, mentoring, and internship opportunities. Look for colleges that offer flexibility in changing majors and a wide range of academic programs.

Is it harder to get into college if you are undecided?

Being undecided does not typically make it harder to get into college. Many institutions understand that students are still exploring their interests and provide resources to help them decide on a major.

What is the best course for undecided student?

For undecided students, introductory or general education courses in various disciplines can help explore different fields. Courses that promote critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills are also beneficial.

What is the best degree to get if you don't know what you want to do?

Degrees in Liberal Arts, Sciences, or Business provide a well-rounded education, making them suitable for students who are undecided. These degrees offer flexibility in career choices and the opportunity to specialize later.

What classes to take if you don't know your major?

If you're undecided on your major, take a variety of general education classes to fulfill degree requirements and explore interests. Consider classes in different disciplines such as humanities, sciences, and social sciences to gain a broader perspective.

Colleges Helping Find Careers for Undecided Students

Apr 30

Written By Lynne Fuller

For many high school students making the colossal leap to college, and selecting a college major can be as daunting as it is critical. The shimmering array of academic paths, leaves students to ponder which road should I take.

But what if I told you there are colleges out there with career services so outstanding, who redefine guidance with an empathetic arm, gently steering the uncertain towards clarity, confidence, and, most importantly, a decisive career direction? There are many who offer excellent support for students from the moment they step on campus.

Defining Superb Career Services

Let's understand what makes a college's career service truly exceptional. After all, it is not just about CV-building and interview prep—though essential—it is about having a comprehensive network of resources that shape students' futures.

Here's what top-notch career services offer:

Personalized Career Planning: Tailored sessions that identify individual strengths, interests, and goals, coupled with individualized coaching sessions.
Diverse Skill Development: Programs that nurture a variety of employability skills, from critical thinking to cross-cultural competency which are practiced in mock interview sessions.
Industry Insights: The inside scoop on emerging trends, market demands, and future job prospects by career professionals tapped into current industry data.
Real-World Experience: Internship and co-op opportunities to gain practical experience.
Transition Support: The bridge from college to career, equipped with advice on starting salaries, job locations, and negotiation... think using platforms like Handshake, PeopleGrove, and 12Twenty.
Alumni Networking: Access to a broad alumni network where you can connect with mentoring and job shadowing opportunities.
Career Center Job Listings: Access to potential jobs and on-campus interviews.

These aspects not only provide invaluable support for current students but also shape them into confident and qualified candidates for future employers. It's like having a personal career coach throughout your entire college journey.

Now, with the blueprint set, let's spotlight institutions that are particularly supportive of undecided students as they embark on finding their way.

Thirty-Five Best Colleges for Undecided Students

Butler University (Indiana): This university stands out for its comprehensive career development program, called the "Real Life Career Series," which includes personalized coaching, employer networking events, and alumni connections.
Pennsylvania State University (Penn State): Penn State's Career Services offers a wide range of resources such as workshops, job fairs, and online tools to assist students in their career exploration and decision-making process.
University of Virginia (Virginia): UVA's Career Center provides individualized career coaching, workshops and seminars, and online resources for its students to explore different industries and find job opportunities.
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia): With a focus on career education, Georgia Tech's Center for Career Discovery and Development offers students personalized career coaching, internships, networking events, and job search resources.
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (Michigan): The University of Michigan's Career Center provides students with access to career advisors, workshops, networking events, and an online job board to support their career exploration and decision-making process.
Carleton College (Minnesota): At Carleton, the 'Pathways' initiative helps carve a trail for the truest aspirations, blending academics with practical skills. Whether you're exploring a startup, nonprofit, or a courtroom, Carleton offers internships and career advice, as well as alumni mentorship to make the right connections for your future.
University of California - Berkeley (California): UC Berkeley's Career Center offers a wide range of career development opportunities such as workshops, job fairs, and personalized coaching to help students gain clarity and confidence in their career paths. Additionally, they offer resources specifically for undecided students to explore their options and make informed decisions.
Boston University (Boston): BU's Center for Career Development offers a comprehensive career exploration program, including self-assessment tools, career workshops, networking events, and job search resources. They also have specialized resources for international students and alumni mentorship programs to assist in the transition from college to career.
Washington & Lee University (Virginia): Rooted in a legacy of cultivating leaders, W&L's Washington and Lee Edge promises to sharpen your career projection. The innovative Johnson Scholarship Program provides academic and career support, including a funded summer experience, mentoring, and industry networking.
University of Delaware (Delaware): UD's Career Center offers students personalized career counseling, resume and interview preparation, job search resources, and on-campus recruiting events. With a focus on experiential learning, UD also provides students with opportunities for internships, co-ops, and service-learning experiences to gain hands-on experience in their chosen field. Additionally, the university hosts career fairs and networking events throughout the year to connect students with potential employers.
University of Portland (Oregon): The University of Portland's Career Center offers students a variety of resources and services to help them achieve their career goals. These include personalized career counseling, workshops on resume building and interview preparation, job search resources such as online databases and job fairs, and networking events with alumni and potential employers.
Kansas State University (Kansas): The career services at KSU are some of the most comprehensive of any university, they include career counseling, job application documentation support, co-op, internship, and on-campus employment information, job fairs, events, and workshops, interview preparation, career assessment tools, graduate school preparation, job search platforms, data quantifying the track of their post-graduates, and a career closet.
Clemson University (South Carolina): Clemson's career service center is home to more than thirty full-time staff who guide students on a variety of skills from career development to assessment to internship programs to on-campus recruiting. Clemson has consistently ranked in the top ten for career services and rightfully so, over 90% of their graduates are employed within 6 months of graduation.
Samford University (Alabama): Samford University's Career Development Center offers a personalized approach to helping students achieve their career goals. This includes one-on-one career counseling, resume and cover letter assistance, mock interviews, and access to job search resources such as Handshake and LinkedIn Learning. The center also hosts workshops and events on topics like networking, salary negotiation, and graduate school preparation.
University of California - Santa Cruz (California): The career center at UC Santa Cruz offers a variety of services and resources for students to explore their career options, build professional skills, and connect with potential employers. This includes personalized career counseling, job and internship search assistance, resume and cover letter review, mock interviews, career fairs and events, and access to online resources such as Vault Career Intelligence.
Colorado School of Mines (Colorado): The Mines Career Center is dedicated to helping students develop the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers. This includes providing individual career counseling, resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, and career development workshops. The center also offers a variety of resources such as job search databases, on-campus recruiting opportunities, and networking events with alumni and industry professionals.
University of Denver (Colorado): The University of Denver's Career & Professional Development (CPD) department offers a comprehensive range of services to help students succeed in their chosen career paths. This includes personalized career coaching, job and internship search assistance, resume and cover letter review, interview preparation workshops, and access to online resources such as Big Interview and LinkedIn Learning. The CPD also hosts networking events and career fairs to connect students with employers and alumni.
Quinnipiac University (Connecticut): The Career Development Center at Quinnipiac University is dedicated to helping students explore, prepare for, and achieve their career goals. This includes one-on-one career counseling, resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation workshops, and career fairs and events. The center also provides access to online resources such as Handshake and Big Interview to assist with job and internship searches.
American University (DC): The Career Center at American University is committed to helping students build successful and fulfilling careers. Through personalized career coaching, resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, and workshops on various career development topics, the center prepares students for their professional journeys.
Flagler College (Florida): Flagler College's Office of Career Services is dedicated to supporting students in their career development. The office offers individual career counseling, resume and cover letter critiques, mock interviews, and workshops on topics such as networking and job search strategies. They also organize career fairs and guest speaker events to connect students with potential employers. The office provides access to online resources like Handshake and CareerShift to assist with job and internship searches.
DePaul University (Illinois): DePaul University's Career Center is committed to empowering students in their career journeys. Through individualized career coaching, resume reviews, interview preparation workshops, and networking events, the center helps students explore their interests and translate them into meaningful careers. The center also offers access to online tools such as Handshake and LinkedIn Learning to aid in job searches and professional development.
Grinnell College (Iowa): Grinnell College's Center for Careers, Life, and Service (CLS) is dedicated to helping students navigate their career paths. The center offers one-on-one career advising, resume and cover letter critiques, mock interviews, and workshops on a variety of professional development topics. They also provide resources such as Handshake and Big Interview for job searching and interview preparation.
Tulane University (Louisiana): At Tulane University, the Career Center is committed to supporting students in their career exploration and preparation. The center offers individualized career coaching, resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, and workshops on networking and job search strategies. They also host career fairs and employer information sessions for students to connect with potential employers. Additionally, the center provides access to online resources like Handshake and GoinGlobal for job and internship opportunities.
McDaniel College (Maryland): The McDaniel College Career Center is dedicated to equipping students with the necessary skills and resources for successful career development. Through personalized career counseling, resume and cover letter critiques, mock interviews, and professional development workshops, the center prepares students to confidently enter the workforce or pursue further education. The center also offers online tools such as Handshake and GoinGlobal to aid in their job search.
University of Massachusetts - Amherst (Massachusetts): The University of Massachusetts - Amherst Career Services office is committed to helping students achieve their career goals. Their services include individualized career advising, resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, and workshops on topics such as networking and job search strategies. The center also hosts career fairs and events where students can connect with potential employers and learn about different industries.
Western Michigan University (Michigan): At Western Michigan University, the Career and Student Employment Services (CSES) office provides comprehensive resources to help students achieve their career goals. From one-on-one career advising to resume critiques and mock interviews, CSES is dedicated to preparing students for success in the job market. The center also offers workshops on various topics including networking strategies and job search techniques.
Monmouth University (New Jersey): The Monmouth University Career Services office is committed to guiding students toward fulfilling careers. With individualized career counseling, resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, and professional development workshops, the center prepares students for success in the job market. They also offer online tools such as Handshake and GoinGlobal to help students explore career opportunities globally.
Dickinson College (Pennsylvania): At Dickinson College, the Career Center is dedicated to empowering students to achieve their career goals. Their services include personalized career counseling, resume and cover letter critiques, mock interviews, and workshops focused on networking and job search strategies. The center also offers resources such as Handshake and Vault for students to explore potential career paths and connect with employers.
University of Rhode Island (Rhode Island): The University of Rhode Island's Center for Career and Experiential Education (CCEE) is committed to helping students succeed in their career journeys. CCEE offers individualized career advising, resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, and workshops on topics such as networking and job search tactics. Students can also utilize online resources like Handshake and Big Interview to explore career possibilities.
Marquette University (Wisconsin): Marquette University's Career Services Center (CSC) is dedicated to assisting students in reaching their career goals. With personalized career counseling, resume and cover letter assistance, mock interviews, and professional development workshops, the center equips students with the necessary skills to thrive in the job market.
Gonzaga University (Washington): Gonzaga University's Career and Professional Development department is committed to helping students achieve their career aspirations. The department offers personalized career coaching, resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, and workshops on various career-related topics. Students can also access online resources like Handshake and Focus 2 to explore different career paths and connect with potential employers.
University of Vermont (Vermont): The University of Vermont's Career Center is dedicated to supporting students in their career development. Through personalized career counseling, resume and cover letter assistance, interview preparation, and workshops on topics such as networking and job search strategies, the center helps students prepare for success in the workforce. Students can also utilize online tools like Handshake and Big Interview to explore different career options and connect with potential employers.
University of Texas at Austin (Texas): The University of Texas at Austin's Career Exploration Center is committed to guiding students toward fulfilling and successful careers. With personalized career counseling, resume and cover letter assistance, mock interviews, and professional development workshops, the center equips students with the necessary skills to excel in their chosen fields. Students can also utilize online platforms such as Handshake and CareerExplorer to discover potential career paths.
Rhodes College (Tennessee): The Rhodes College Career Services department is dedicated to helping students achieve their career goals. Through one-on-one career coaching sessions, resume and cover letter critiques, mock interviews, and workshops on various professional development topics, the team provides personalized support for students' career journeys. Additionally, students have access to online tools like Handshake and MyPlan to explore different career options and connect with potential employers.
University of Maryland - Baltimore County (Maryland): The Career Center at the University of Maryland - Baltimore County (UMBC) offers a wide range of resources and services to help students navigate the job market starting on their very first day of college. From career counseling and resume assistance to interview preparation and networking events, UMBC equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers. The center also offers online tools like Handshake and MyPlan for students to explore career paths and connect with employers. In addition, UMBC has a strong alumni network that provides valuable mentorship and networking opportunities for current students. With the support of UMBC's Career Center, students are well-prepared to enter the workforce or pursue further education after graduation.

How These Colleges Guide the Undecided

These colleges whisper stories of success—Success that blooms not from the 'ideal' major but from a personalized, often flexible, academic endeavor that caters to individual strengths and passions.

Personal Probing: Through a series of personality assessments, introspective seminars, and counseling panels, the career offices in these institutions facilitate a deep dive into self-awareness, a crucial starting point for any successful career.
Major Exploration: With flexible curriculums and cross-disciplinary programs, students can dip their toes in various fields before taking a plunge, ensuring that what one thought was gold is indeed the one true precious metal.
Industry Showcases: Regular career fairs and industry meetups bring the world of work to campus, offering a firsthand look at what could be, should you choose to venture into a particular path.
Alumni Mentorship: Anecdotal wisdom from those who trod the same uncertain path is invaluable, and these schools ensure that the transitions from undergrads to professionally fulfilled alumni are carefully threaded with mentorship programs and alumni networks.

Embracing the Path: Why Undecided Students Flourish Here

To merely identify undetermined students is not the aim of these colleges; rather, they endeavor to mold them into intentional individuals, fostering growth through a multitude of platforms:

Innovative Support Programs: Tailored workshops, cohort programs, and support groups shoulder the students' angst as they navigate toward clarity.
Practical Experience: Internships, research opportunities, and global initiatives not only enrich resumes but also burgeoning careers.
Flexible Academic Journeys: The possibility of exploratory paths within robust, supportive frameworks allows for intellectual maturation without the fear of academic detriment.

The Success Stories: Real Lives, Real Impact

Imagine Ashley, a freshman at Harvey Mudd College, undecided between physics and computer science. By engaging fully in the 'Exploring a Technical Career' program, she combined her love for problem-solving with AI ethics—an emerging sector with societal repercussions. Now a content intern at a tech startup, she's well on her way to a productive and fulfilled career.

Or Sam, in sophomore year at Notre Dame, oscillating between a business degree and public policy. Notre Dame's comprehensive career office opened doors to meetups with corporate giants and social service seminars, ultimately leading to a summer internship at the White House and a newfound passion for policy work.

Each college boasts a plethora of narratives where indecision was framed by clearly outlined steps that helped bring clarity to one's direction, passion, and a future filled with purpose.

Lynne Fuller https://www.collegeflightpath.com