Undecided/Exploratory

In addition to the information below, you may also want to visit our registration information page, scope of advisement page, first generation, or frequently asked questions page for more information. 

 

UCAC advisors have received specialized training designed to develop their helping skills, knowledge of online resources, occupational information, and trends. Additionally, UCAC Advisors gain overarching information on the undergraduate curriculum in order to recommend courses that are acceptable for various majors in areas of interest. Continuous training includes networking with college advisors to remain abreast of all UNM majors and staff development each semester which focuses on skills needed to work with Exploratory/Undecided populations.

UCAC advisors normalize the decision to be Exploratory/Undecided and partner with students in their exploration of interests and hopes for the future. Advising sessions are not answer driven, but rather question driven. Advisors offer resources and tools for students to research interests. We stress students gain skills sought by employers rather than solely focus our discussions on majors. There is intentional thoughtfulness in searching and researching likes and dislikes, thus UCAC advisors empower students on a path to select a major.

University College believes that Exploratory/Undecided students should have at least three semesters of exploration allowing time to find areas of strong interest. The time exploring is productive so a student graduates at, or without greatly exceeding, 120 credit hours with coursework applying toward their eventual major. We believe that rushing or pressuring students to decide on a major before they are ready can result in frustration and poor course selection.

Three Semester Plan

A deliberate advising strategy by semester can help students accomplish their goal and is laid out as follows:

  • Discuss Math and English placement
  • Consider delaying science General Education if not interested in STEM-H
  • Consider an Academic Community of interest or FYEX 1110
  • Select General Education courses based on interest
    • General Education is an exploratory tool
    • General Education classes can be a foundation that builds a major
    • General Education classes can be a means for finding a passion
    • Taking General Education classes can help stay on track toward graduation
  • Rule out options based on dislikes
  • Consider an elective of interest that can be used for a major or minor
  • Consider and rule out areas absolutely not interested in using the UNM Catalog and UNM Degrees sites
  • DIscuss what you have considered
  • Utilize Career Services’ “What can I do with a Major” site
  • Select further General Education classes based on interest (See Semester 1 for strategies)
  • Consider “What have you learned this semester?”
  • Be reassured that you still have time to explore
    • Coursework thus far is productive
    • Those with chosen majors may not yet be in their coursework either
    • Most second semester freshmen are taking General Education courses
  • Exploratory homework:
  • Utilize Career Services for
    • Finding jobs in area of interest
    • Summer internships
    • Shadowing professionals
    • For assessments and sessions with a Career Development Facilitator (CDF)
  • Consider industries
    • Types of jobs within (e.g. health care)
    • Skills needed vs. majors needed
  • Start with career of interest, then what major(s) can get them there
  • Revisit results from Semester 2 homework
  • Visit departments or programs of interest
  • Begin or continue talking to professionals in careers of interest
    • Shadowing
    • Informational Interviews
    • Volunteering
  • Consider courses in areas of prior success

Here are a few degree plans based on areas of interest:

Exploratory/Undecided Students - Myth vs Reality

There are many misconceptions about Exploratory/Undecided majors. Click here to read about commonly held myths.  

Exploring major options

This website lists the many different undergraduate degrees offered by UNM and the college/school which offers each degree.  Instructions on how to schedule prospective appointments with other advisement centers may be found here.  

First Year and New Student Resources

This website provides guidance and information for you as a new Lobo, and the College Enrichment Program (CEP) provides programs that directly impact students’ success at UNM. 

 

Declaring a major

When you are ready to do this you will need to meet with the college or school who offers the program you want to declare.  This website lists the many different undergraduate degrees offered by UNM and the college/school which offers each degree.  Instructions on how to schedule appointments with other advisors may be found here.  

Other advisement center websites may also be found here: