Choosing and Declaring a Major - College of General Studies


SDSU Home		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 Science, Education, Engineering, Family and Consumer Sciences, Nursing, and Pharmacy. All majors at SDSU are open to GS students whose grades 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 Academic and Career Exploration (GS 101) – This is a one credit elective course designed to assist you in making decisions about career selection, career change, and academic programs. The course helps you assess your interests, values, and abilities and the impact that each of these may have on career selection. Individual Career and Academic Counseling – Career and academic counseling is available at the Career Center. Call 688-4153 or stop in North Medary Commons to make an appointment with a Career Counselor. Career Resource Library - The Career Resource Library in the College of General Studies in North Medary Commons contains books on how to change, develop, and plan careers, books with specific information about career fields, occupations and majors, as well as information about each SDSU major. In addition there are books with information on resumes, cover letters, and employment development. Many of these books are available for check out. Academic Advisor - You will be assigned to an academic advisor to help you explore your options, make informed career and major decisions, choose classes, and understand university procedures. Please contact your advisor to help you with your academic and career plans. Your advisor is an excellent resource. Your assigned advisor can be found on WebAdvisor by clicking on My Profile. Academic Departments/Faculty Members - Call or visit academic departments on campus to find out more information about their academic program and career opportunities in their fields of study. Set up an appointment with a faculty member or talk with your instructors to gain career and academic information. Briggs Library - The Briggs Library contains many books and other resources to help you learn about majors, careers and occupations. Search using Vocational Guidance and your interest area. Ask librarian for assistance. Current and Former SDSU Students - Current SDSU students and alumni are an excellent source of information. Talk to them about their course work, experience, and career plans. Other ways to help make career and major decisions Majors Fair: Contact the College of General Studies, (SMC) 120, for specific information at 688-4153. Obtain related work experience through an internship, part-time job, summer job, volunteer work, or cooperative education. Visit the South Dakota Career Center in the lower level of Medary Commons to look through their listings. Take introductory courses which your advisor can recommend. Job shadow and/or interview people working in fields that you would like to know more about. Read books, journals and magazines related to your interests. Search the Internet. Use terms careers in your interests (google: careers in health) Attend campus events such as career fairs, PRT plays, special speakers, comedians, musical performances, athletic games, etc. Join a club or organization on campus. For more information about SDSU clubs and organizations visit the Office of Student Activities in the SSU (University Student Union) or call 688-6129. Find a mentor. Join a club or organization in the Brookings community. Questions to Ask When Exploring Majors (.pdf, 13.4kb) Conducting an Informational Interview (.pdf, 14.1kb) Shadowing (.pdf, 14.5kb) 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 (i.e. Ag/Bio, Arts & Science, Engineering, etc.) and your new department (i.e. Mathematics, English, Animal Science, Political Science, Economics, etc.) Return É SDSU Home

	College of General Studies 1047 Medary Avenue, Box 511 • South Dakota State University • Brookings, SD 57007 605-688-4153 • Fax: 605-688-5631