4 answers
Jack
Student
North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
4
Questions
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What are the benefits of starting University within the Undeclared Arts, as compared to starting in one area of the arts, Does give the same experience?
Thinking of going into the arts and social sciences, but I am unsure of a single area as compared to the undeclared arts. #undeclared arts
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4 answers
Kiah Guilford
UX Designer
14
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Kiah’s Answer
What a great question! In my experience, it is totally fine to start university as an undeclared major. It is hard to know what is out there and what you might be interested in when you haven't gotten to explore yet. I was an undeclared major (in the US) and used my first and second year to take some of the general courses that are required to graduate (such as math and science), and a few classes that sounded interesting to me. One of my classes was so interesting, that I decided to make it my major. I was able to graduate on time with no consequences, so I actually recommend starting as undeclared if you don't feel strongly about a major right away. One potential downside, however, was that it did seem like some of my friends and roommates who had majors were able to make connections and friends with people in their classes sooner; but there are plenty of ways to make friends outside of class. You are going to do great!
Caroline Fogg
Designer
6
Answers
Arlington, Virginia
Updated
Caroline’s Answer
Hi Jack,
If the undeclared arts just means you're not declaring in a subject right away, starting off school as undeclared is a great way to try out a few different subject areas to study before investing a lot of your time and money in one area.
If you think you'd like to study the arts and social sciences, be sure to take the entry-level courses in those subjects, but try out a few in some other subjects as well. You could find that you are much more interested in a whole new subject than what you originally thought. Most schools require students to take a number of credits in a few different subject areas, so that will help you experience as much as possible before moving forward in a subject area (or two!).
When I went to college, I thought I would major in historic preservation, but ended up really enjoying the art history courses much more and ultimately got my degree in art history. Something similar could happen to you!
I hope this helps. Good luck!
Caroline
If the undeclared arts just means you're not declaring in a subject right away, starting off school as undeclared is a great way to try out a few different subject areas to study before investing a lot of your time and money in one area.
If you think you'd like to study the arts and social sciences, be sure to take the entry-level courses in those subjects, but try out a few in some other subjects as well. You could find that you are much more interested in a whole new subject than what you originally thought. Most schools require students to take a number of credits in a few different subject areas, so that will help you experience as much as possible before moving forward in a subject area (or two!).
When I went to college, I thought I would major in historic preservation, but ended up really enjoying the art history courses much more and ultimately got my degree in art history. Something similar could happen to you!
I hope this helps. Good luck!
Caroline
Yujian Yang
Senior Consultant
4
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Yujian’s Answer
Hi Jack,
Another undeclared major in college to start here :) Another aspect to think about is the career path coming along side with each major, which I didn't really know when I started college. In the first two years, I utilized my school's career center as well as various job fairs held in school to talk to the professionals in the field that I am interested and learn about what the potential each major holds.
The first two years general cover basic required courses for all new college students so you have plenty of time to think through and make your decision. I declared my major closing to the end of my sophomore year and there was no issue at all.
In short, be curious to try and explore with the resource you are given during your time in college. I am sure you will do great!
Yujian
Another undeclared major in college to start here :) Another aspect to think about is the career path coming along side with each major, which I didn't really know when I started college. In the first two years, I utilized my school's career center as well as various job fairs held in school to talk to the professionals in the field that I am interested and learn about what the potential each major holds.
The first two years general cover basic required courses for all new college students so you have plenty of time to think through and make your decision. I declared my major closing to the end of my sophomore year and there was no issue at all.
In short, be curious to try and explore with the resource you are given during your time in college. I am sure you will do great!
Yujian
Dan deCoen
Accounting & Data
7
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Dan’s Answer
Hi Jack,
I went into college with an undeclared major (in the College of Arts and Sciences). It allowed me the flexibility to take several different types of classes as I didn't really know what I wanted to do. After changing majors several times (i.e., from Spanish & Communication to Sports Management to Finance to Accounting), I can say that starting out undecided made it easier to pivot to each different major.
I can also say that not being forced into a specific path when I started college allowed me the freedom to figure out what I wanted to do. By all means, pick a major and start on that track right away if one is passion about it and knows what he or she would want to do with the rest of his or her life.
Also, I found it very helpful to take some of the basic college level courses just to see if I enjoyed them (i.e., Intro to Psychology, Intro to Philosophy, and Intro to Sociology).
Just for full context, my changing of majors did slow down my graduation a bit, but one doesn't need to have as many majors as I did. The most important thing is that today I have a good job that I enjoy very much.
Good luck in your college studies.
Dan
I went into college with an undeclared major (in the College of Arts and Sciences). It allowed me the flexibility to take several different types of classes as I didn't really know what I wanted to do. After changing majors several times (i.e., from Spanish & Communication to Sports Management to Finance to Accounting), I can say that starting out undecided made it easier to pivot to each different major.
I can also say that not being forced into a specific path when I started college allowed me the freedom to figure out what I wanted to do. By all means, pick a major and start on that track right away if one is passion about it and knows what he or she would want to do with the rest of his or her life.
Also, I found it very helpful to take some of the basic college level courses just to see if I enjoyed them (i.e., Intro to Psychology, Intro to Philosophy, and Intro to Sociology).
Just for full context, my changing of majors did slow down my graduation a bit, but one doesn't need to have as many majors as I did. The most important thing is that today I have a good job that I enjoy very much.
Good luck in your college studies.
Dan