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Undeclared Resources
Being Undeclared or undecided gives you the flexibility to explore all the academic, career, and personal interests you have while working to identify, and declare, the best major for you. As an Undeclared student, you will receive academic advising from a full-time professional advisor. Whether you have many interests already and are trying to choose, or perhaps you're not sure where to begin, you will be guided, encouraged, and supported through your exploration.
- Support you during your transition to Humboldt
- Guide you as you explore your personal, professional, and academic goals
- Connect you with all the ways you can make the most of your college experience.
Undeclared Advising Resources:
- Undeclared Major Academic Plan (MAP) - Recommended classes for Undeclared students.
- Undeclared Major Academic Plan STEM (MAP) - Recommended classes for Undeclared students interested in STEM majors.
- Global Humboldt - a 'Place Based Learning Community', PBLC, for first year students who start Undeclared.
When do I have to declare a major?
Humboldt requires students to declare a major once you have earned 45 units. If you have not declared by completion of 45 earned units, a "Must Declare" hold will show up on your student center and you must declare a major before you can register for the following semester. Visit Office of the Registrar for Major Change and Senior Major Change forms: https://www.humboldt.edu/registrar/plan-your-degree/changes-majors-minors.
How can I get help deciding the best major for me?
Part of choosing the right major is developing your unique Identity, exploring academic opportunities, and expanding decision making abilities.
- Meet with your advisor to discuss why you chose to attend college at Cal Poly Humboldt and ways to get involved beyond the classroom.
- Find on-campus opportunities through clubs, activities, housing, and more. These interactions help define who you are.
- Talk with friends and loved ones about what they think are your best qualities.
- Take GE classes that truly interest you.
Academic Exploration
- Review the Cal Poly Humboldt catalog for Degrees & Academic Programs requirements and to identify majors and minors you want to explore.
- Visit academic departments to learn more about majors and the opportunities they offer. Read bulletin boards and meet with students, staff, and faculty.
- Meet with your academic advisor to discuss your major interest requirements and to create a "what if" DARS Plan.
- Visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/.
Decision Making
- Reflect on how you have made decisions you've felt confident with in the past. What allowed you to feel confident in those decisions?
- Consult with other students, faculty and mentors to gain insight and advice.
- Learn how to use decision making tools: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/decision-making-tools
Can I change my mind after I declare a major?
Yes, and the goal is to have you find the best fit with your first major and avoid having to change your major a second time. However, if things change you can complete a “major change form” to change your major. If you are a senior (90+ units earned) wishing to change your major, you will need to create a plan for the new major or concentration in DARS Degree Planner demonstrating how you can complete the new program in less than 140 total units.
Tips to Declare a Major with Confidence
- Identify specific interests within the major you would like to declare.
- Meet with your academic advisor to understand the major requirements for graduation.
- Connect with other students in the major to share interests and goals.
- Consult with faculty in the major to learn about the program and confirm interests and fit.
- Take introductory courses within the major.
- Attend department events and/or meetings.
- Identify careers that are connected to the major, as well as your own values, interests, skills, and goals.
- Gain experiences related to major while completing requirements. (Volunteer, job shadow, intern, employment, informational interviews, etc.)
- Spend time reflecting, questioning, and seeking advice/feedback from loved ones and professionals.