Undeclared Major

Career potential

Are you undecided about what major you may want to pursue at the University of North Texas? Do you have a number of interests and feel like it’s difficult to select just one to study? You may be like many high-achieving students who are weighing all of their options. If you have not selected a major by your first semester here, don’t worry. You will not be alone.

Many first-year students are uncertain about a major. In addition, many students who declare their major upon admission to college change it at least once before they graduate. Whatever the situation, it makes you no less serious about your education.

Among the requirements for earning your bachelor’s degree at UNT is the completion of our core curriculum. This curriculum is designed to give you basic intellectual competencies in:

• reading
• writing
• speaking
• listening
• critical thinking
• computer literacy

The core curriculum is the same for all majors. These courses focus on English, math, the natural sciences, history, political science, visual and performing arts, the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and understanding the human community. Exploring these subjects can help you choose a major and a long-term career.

You will take most of these courses during your first few semesters here and in doing so make progress toward your degree. Some of these courses may fulfill core and your potential major requirements simultaneously.

What additional help is available to me?

We have several ways to assist you with choosing a major.

• Our Career Center, located in Chestnut Hall, houses interactive computer programs that focus on your interests and values to identify possible careers. These programs provide job descriptions and educational references. You can also research different careers and employers through the center’s library. For more information on these services, visit careercenter.unt.edu.
• Counseling and Testing Services, also in Chestnut Hall, has a vocational counselor and written inventories available to determine your abilities, interests and personality attributes, so you can select a career that fits you.
• The Career Development section of the Freshman Seminar Course, UCRS 1000, is a university core course that informs you about majors and careers that correlate with your abilities, interests and values. Our faculty and staff teach this popular course.
• We employ professional academic advisors whose specialties are working with students who are undeclared majors.
• If you are a military veteran, our Veterans Center is operated by personnel who are familiar with your unique circumstances and can provide additional insight about choosing a major. The center is in the University Union, room 321. You can also call 940- 369-8021 or visit www.unt.edu/veterans for more information. We are home to nearly 1,000 veterans from all branches.
• Our online or printed undergraduate catalog allows you to review the majors we offer, descriptions of potential course work, the graduation requirements and suggested four-year degree plans. The catalog is available online at catalog.unt.edu. Printed copies are available at the information desk on the second floor of the Eagle Student Services Center.
• By visiting www.unt.edu/majors, you can view online brochures for each major. These brochures feature information about possible career options and additional information about the major. Print versions of these brochures are available by visiting www.unt.edu/getprint.

Preparing for UNT: High school students

We encourage you to fulfill the graduation requirements for the Recommended Program or the Distinguished Achievement Program in high school.

In your junior year, take the SAT or the ACT and have your scores sent to UNT.

In your senior year, submit your application for admission by March 1 (apply online at www.applytexas.org) and request that your high school transcript be sent to the UNT admissions office.

Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses can count toward college credit at UNT. For details, visit www.unt.edu/credit.

Preparing for UNT: Transfer students

As a benefit for transfer students, we participate in the Texas Common Course Numbering System. This system makes it easier to transfer credits for general academic courses from one Texas institution to another.

If you’re attending a Texas community college, you should consult our Transfer Articulation web page, the UNT Undergraduate Catalog and an academic counselor/advisor to discuss your degree plan. Proper planning will help you receive the maximum amount of transfer credits.

Our Transfer Center will help you make a successful transition to college life at UNT by connecting you to a peer mentor and other valuable campus resources. Each year, we welcome more transfer students than any other institution in the state. The center is in the University Union, Room 320. More information is at transfercenter.unt.edu.

Charting your path with academic advising

You can get help planning your class schedule from the academic counselors/advisors in the Undergraduate Studies office. They regularly work with undecided majors in selecting courses to explore different subjects. Once you have chosen your major, a departmental faculty member or academic counselor will advise you.

The Undergraduate Studies student advising office is in the General Academic Building, Room 220.

You can also utilize our new online degree audit system. This interactive tool can help you stay on track for graduation and prepare for advising appointments. You can monitor your progress 24/7, even viewing the impact of various majors. The system is easily accessible through my.unt.edu using the “my academics” link on the student center page.