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Choosing and Declaring a Major
The College of General Studies is a starting point for undeclared students. Eventually, everyone must declare a major in one of the University’s colleges: Agriculture and Biological Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Education and Human Sciences, Engineering, Nursing, and Pharmacy. All majors at SDSU are open to GS students who meet the minimum standards for that major. It is important that at least a "C" average is maintained in all course work at SDSU. Your grades and the specific classes you have taken will be evaluated when you transfer to one of the degree-granting colleges at SDSU.
Academic and Career Planning Resources
Individual Career and Academic Counseling – Call 688-4153 or stop in North Medary Commons to make an appointment with a Career Counselor.
Visit the Career Center online – The site contains numerous resources for any stage of career development.
Academic Advisor - Your academic advisor is an excellent source of help when exploring options and making decisions. Your assigned advisor is listed on your WebAdvisor Profile.
Academic Departments/Faculty Members - Talk to your instructors or visit academic departments on campus to find out more information about their academic program and career opportunities. Questions to Ask When Exploring Majors (.pdf)
Briggs Library - The Briggs Library contains many books and other resources to help you learn about majors, careers and occupations. Ask a librarian for assistance.
Other ways to help make career and major decisions
· Obtain related work experience through an internship, part-time job, volunteer work, or cooperative education. Visit the South Dakota Department of Labor in the lower level of Medary Commons for details.
· Take introductory courses which your advisor can recommend.
· Search the Internet. Use terms careers in your interests (google: careers in health)
· Attend campus events.
· Join a club or organization on campus. For more information about SDSU clubs and organizations visit the Office of Student Activities in the University Student Union, call 688-6129 or visit the online directory.
· Current SDSU students and alumni are an excellent source of information. Talk to them about their course work, experience, and career plans.
· Join a club or organization in the Brookings community.
· Job shadow and/or interview people working in fields that you would like to know more about. Use the guides below to plan your experience.
- Guide to Informational Interview (.pdf)
- Guide to Shadowing (.pdf)
Once you have made your decision:
· Set up an appointment with your advisor to discuss your choice.
· Go to the College of General Studies in North Medary Commons or the College you will be transferring into and ask for a change of major form.
Advantages of declaring your major:
· You will be assigned a new academic advisor in your field of study.
· Your major advisor will be able to assist you with out-of-class experiences to enhance personal and professional development.
· You will be able to tailor your coursework to meet the requirements of your new major. Since some majors have sequence courses that take several semesters to complete, it is best to declare your major and get started on the requirements for your new major as soon as possible.
· You may be eligible for scholarships from your new College.
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College of General Studies
1047 Medary Avenue, Box 511 • South Dakota State University • Brookings, SD 57007
605-688-4153 • Fax: 605-688-5631