Interdisciplinary Studies
Liberal Arts Building, Room 218Phone: 601.266.6891
Fax: 601.266.6541
Mailing Address
The University
of Southern Mississippi
Interdisciplinary Studies
118 College Drive #5004
Hattiesburg, MS 39406
R.A.P.:
Resource and Advising Program for Undecided Majors
Reality Check: It’s time to TALK!
First, talk to your family and friends about your possible career areas. Be careful to consider varying opinions, but trust your own judgements as well! Find out if they know people who work in your interest areas. Using these or other contacts, try to arrange phone or in-person discussions with persons who work in areas you are considering. Bring the results of this search and your interviews to your next advising appointment.
Phase Three: Narrow
By now you should have identified not only possible career interests, but likely majors as well. It is time to do some research on the requirements of each one, to help narrow your choices further by examining your overall “fit” within various majors.
Check out each degree plan in the University Bulletin. Examine the requirements of each one. Read some of the course descriptions. Does this sound like a program you would enjoy? If so, schedule a visit to speak with the department chair, undergraduate director, or a faculty advisor. Bring a list of questions to ask about the program requirements and services offered (such as internship placements, tutoring, or research opportunities).
Phase Four: Selecting A Major
At some point in this process, you will select a major. For some students, this is scary: What if I make the wrong choice? Don’t worry, because you can always change your major again later if you find your decision wasn’t best or if your needs change.
Some General Advice ... Unless you want to enter a career field that requires a specific degree (such as Accounting or Nursing) you often are better off selecting a major you can do well in and enjoy, and then using internships, summer jobs, and networking to connect your skills in research, analysis, and communications to career opportunities in your targeted fields.
Afterword: How do I change my major?
Go to the department offering the new major. Bring a copy of your advising sheet, fill out the form, and they will do the rest. Don’t forget to contact the RAP office to let us know so that we can send all your advising files to your new department.
