Undeclared Students
The question undeclared students ask most frequently is, "What classes can I take?" Although you cannot graduate from SDSU as an undeclared student, you do not have to declare your major immediately to make progress at SDSU. For example, you may begin fulfilling your General Education, Foreign Language, American Institutions, and testing requirements without having a declared major. (See Graduation Requirements for more information.)
However, it is in your best interest to begin to narrow your interests and begin progress on a major as soon as possible. Sometimes, the classes required in preparation for a major will overlap with General Education classes. If you identify your major early in your college career, you may be able to shorten the length of time you're in school by choosing your classes carefully with an advisor.
If you are having difficulty selecting a major, help is available. |
- Contact the Office of Advising and Evaluations (A&E)
- Visit Career Services for:
- "How to choose a major" workshops
- Career Counseling
- Assessment tools for making career decisions
- Career resource library complete with Salary Estimations
- Internship information and employment opportunitites
- Contact SDSU Faculty Advisors - See the Directory of Advisors
- View the list of Frequently Asked Questions. (FAQ)
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There are many myths and misunderstandings regarding being an "undeclared" student. Below you will find some of the common myths and the correct information related to those myths.
| Myths about Undeclared Students |
Myth: |
Everyone has a major. |
Fact: |
About 20% to 50% of all entering college students are undecided about their major, and 50% to 70% change their major at least once. |
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Myth: |
An academic major leads to a specific career. |
Fact: |
Many individuals are employed in positions that are not directly related to their academic major. A few majors, such as Accounting, Computer Science, Engineering, and Nursing, prepare students for specific career fields. However, most majors give students a variety of options. |
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Myth: |
You will have one career in your lifetime. |
Fact: |
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person changes careers five times. |
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Myth: |
You must pursue a specific undergraduate major to gain admission to a post-baccalaureate program. |
Fact: |
While some post-baccalaureate programs require or recommend certain academic prerequisites, in most cases they do not require a specific major. You should contact your advisor to determine the appropriate major for graduate programs in which your are interested. |
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Myth: |
You can graduate as an undeclared student. |
Fact: |
You must declare a major and meet specific major requirements to graduate from San Diego State University. |
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