Upon entering UF as a freshman, students are encouraged to declare the major that they are most likely to pursue. Students may declare Exploratory if they are unsure. In their first few terms, students should take courses to explore multiple academic areas. Many students have varied interests and will graduate with minors, certificates, double majors, dual degrees or combination degrees.
Exploring Areas of Interest
Exploring areas of interest early helps students determine whether they want to pursue additional academic programs. In addition, quite a few students change majors in their first or second year, so exploring multiple areas early helps students to confirm their choice of major or identify a more desirable major.
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Declaring an Exploratory Category
First-year students with no major preference can declare one of three exploratory categories (humanities and letters, social and behavioral sciences, or science and engineering) for the first three Fall/Spring terms. Exploratory students are advised by the Academic Advising Center and affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Exploratory students should be purposeful in all of their decisions, particularly when it comes to choosing classes for each semester to be sure they are taking courses to explore potential majors. They must also actively work to narrow down UF majors to one that fits their aspirations and abilities.
It's not unusual for students to change their minds about majors and career paths as they gain educational and practical experience. To help ensure that students make the best choices regarding their major and degree, UF provides guidance, information, and technical assistance. Students should proactively determine their major to obtain the degree that fits them best instead of being forced to select a major due to pending academic deadlines.
There is often little relationship between undergraduate degrees and specific types of employment. A specific major does not guarantee employment in a specific field, nor does a specific major limit employment to a specific field.
Ways to Explore Areas of Study at UF
Review the Undergraduate Majors
Students should search for majors that interest them and explore required courses; they should also speak to faculty or advisors in those departments.
Use ONE.UF to Explore Majors by Subject Area, College, or Major
Current students can use What-If reports in ONE.UF to discover if coursework they have taken applies toward a given major's requirements. For additional information, students should contact the department offering the degree or the advising office of the appropriate college.
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Meet with an Academic Advisor
Students can discuss majors and career options with an advisor in the college affiliated with their interests.
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Utilize the Exploratory Website
Students who are considering different majors can review advising suggestions, an exploratory timeline, resources, and tips on choosing a major.
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Visit the Career Connections Center
The Career Connections Center located on the first floor of the J. Wayne Reitz Union helps students make choices about their major and career. In addition to providing individual and group career counseling, the Career Connections Center library covers everything from accounting to zoology. Many other resources to explore careers are available through the website, including information about career planning and numerous helpful exercises. After a tentative decision is made, the Career Connections Center helps students test their choice by participating in externships, internships, co-ops, and career fairs.
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Talk to a College or Department Representative
Students should be sure to discuss various academic programs and their potential career implications. Websites and contact information for each major can be found on its major page.