Administration Building

Interdisciplinary Studies

Liberal Arts Building, Room 218
Phone: 601.266.6891
Fax: 601.266.6541

Mailing Address
The University
of Southern Mississippi
Interdisciplinary Studies
118 College Drive #5004
Hattiesburg, MS 39406

Undeclared Majors

R.A.P.:
Resource and Advising Program for Undecided Majors

If you’ve not yet chosen a major, don’t worry ... You’re not alone! Up to 80 percent of students entering college, including those who declare a major, are unsure about their academic or career goals. Up to 50 percent of students will change their major at least once before graduation; others will change several times.

What is R.A.P.?

  • R.A.P. is a four-stage process that helps Undecided majors narrow their choices and move toward selection of an academic major as well as a focus for their career aspirations.
  • R.A.P. is a program run by faculty and staff in the College of Arts & Letters ... BUT we can help students in all areas of the University by providing referrals and support for majors in every academic college.

 

Begin Now ...

  • Phase One involves self-exploration. Prior to your first advising appointment, you will complete a series of short quizzes to help you discover your learning style, interests, and strengths.
  • Phase Two is a time of career focus. Prior to your second advising appointment you will explore career possibilities and learn more about what degrees can prepare you for future employment.
  • Phase Three is a time of narrowing your choices. Prior to your third advising appointment you will review more detailed information about the possible degrees selected during Phase two. This phase may last for several semesters.
  • Phase Four is the selection of your major and transfer of your advising files to your new home department. Ideally, students enter Phase four prior to completion of 62 hours.

 

Phase One: Explore

Who are you? What do you enjoy? General Career Exploration is the first step on your journey toward selecting an appropriate academic major. Check out these online Career Sites:

 

Phase Two: Focus

By this time in your journey of self-exploration, you should have several “lists” of possible career fields or interest areas. Now is the time to begin asking serious questions about each one. Doing focused research will allow you to lean about careers. Visit two or more to find out about job prospects in each (# of expected jobs) and possibly learn more about what the jobs are like:

 

On to Phase Three ...