Frequently Asked Questions About Undeclared Advising

There are many reasons for being undeclared. Students may have many interests or may be unsure of how their interests may relate to a major. First Year Students are often unfamiliar with the PC curriculum and want to explore before declaring. The Undeclared Advising Program provides an opportunity for guided exploration of the curriculum so that students can assess their interests and talents in relationship to a major.

Absolutely! Nearly 250 students matriculate at PC every fall as Undeclared students. The Undeclared Program provides students the opportunity to explore their interests before they declare their majors. Some students have already narrowed the field to a short list of potential majors. Others need to learn more about the majors offered at the College. In either case, there is more than enough time to explore your academic options and complete your degree in the four-year program at PC.

All Undeclared students are assigned academic advisors who will work with them from First Day in Friar Town until they have selected their majors. Advisors come from all academic departments and offices across campus. These advisors are trained to better understand the uncertainties of first-year students and have the resources available to assist these students make sound academic decisions. All the Undeclared Advisors are knowledgeable about every major at the college. They all know what resources are available and where to refer students for specific information or academic assistance.

Students should select courses that interest them and allow them the opportunity to explore a future major(s). They should not try to fulfill their general degree requirements right away but should select courses that will provide some insight into areas of major study.

Generally, at the undergraduate level, there is not just one specific major required to enter a career field. While some careers require specific academic preparation, most fields of interest require skills that develop in virtually any major. These skills may include but are not limited to the ability to think critically, organize and integrate information, speak and write effectively. The liberal arts curriculum at PC develops these skills in all of its students.

A student who plans to become an accountant needs courses in accountancy. A student who plans to become a physician needs to take science (STEM) courses. However, not all physicians were science majors. Potential lawyers do not need to be political science majors. Businesses do not restrict hiring to students in business majors.

One of the primary goals of every Undeclared Advisor is to help students make informed decisions in the process of selecting a major. The Fall- Career Expo, sponsored by the Chirico Career Center, includes a Major/Minor Fair. This allows students the opportunity to explore all majors and minors, speak directly to faculty within those areas of interest, and to determine how students can connect their studies to a future career. Additionally, Undeclared Advising is always available to any student who has questions or concerns about selecting a major(s) or minor(s).

Students are required to declare a major before they begin their junior year. The Undeclared Advising Program tracks the progress of all undeclared students so that they have selected a major by the middle of the second semester of sophomore year. Students will then be assigned a new advisor in the major department who will assist in academic planning and course selection during junior and senior year.

Careful selection of exploratory courses will help determine if your interests and talents are well suited to the selected major. However, if the choice is not a good match, students may change majors after consultation with the departments involved and the Student Success Center-Academic Advising Team.