Along with assisting students who are transitioning to a different major, University Studies provides individualized advisement about academic planning, the option of drop-in appointments, workshops and other resources for students throughout the academic year.

Academic planning for undeclared majors

Article by Jamie Washington Photos by Kathy F. Atkinson May 15, 2024

UD’s University Studies provides academic advisement to undeclared students and those transitioning into a different major

It may be the most commonly asked question on campus: “What’s your major?” Sometimes the answer is, “I’m undeclared.”

For Emma DeRobertis, now a junior majoring in secondary math education, being an undeclared first-year student sometimes left her feeling behind and like an anomaly among her peers: a college student uncertain of her potential career field or a pathway to figure it out. Then she began using the resources offered by the University of Delaware’s University Studies (UST).

DeRobertis credits Adrian McCleary, director of university studies and student support services programs, with helping her figure out which major to declare.

“I followed his recommendation and enrolled in the classes that he suggested. I also talked to him about what made those classes interesting to me. Because of our conversations — and what I’m learning now — I’ve realized that I want to teach high school math,” she said.

Between 15% and 20% of every incoming first-year cohort begins their college career in University Studies. During the peak in the fall semester, there are upwards of 1,200 students enrolled, said Moira Curtis, senior academic advisor. As many students have now completed their first or second semester of courses — and many consider changing their majors — the end of the spring semester is an opportune time for students to take advantage of UST’s services. There are 775 students in UST this semester.

Along with assisting students who are transitioning to a different major, UST provides individualized advisement about academic planning, the option of drop-in appointments, workshops and other resources for students throughout the academic year.

UST advisors conducted more than 1,500 meetings with undeclared students and had 141 appointments with students interested in transitioning into a different major during fall 2023.

“Don’t allow the fear of transitioning or the unknown to deter you from declaring or changing your major,” said Makya Fowler, a first-year student majoring in nursing, as she offered advice to students interested in changing their major.

There are more than 150 majors offered at UD. For some students, narrowing down their field of study can be challenging. To help other students figure out how to choose a major that best suits them, DeRobertis is now a volunteer liaison with UST, one of a network of former UST students who work closely with advisors to provide a sense of community for current students.

DeRobertis and former UST student Simran Metha, a sophomore now majoring in environmental and resource economics, suggested that undeclared students go into their required University courses as if they are trying them on as a major.

“Ask yourself: What are my goals and interests, and how can this course help me reach my destination?” Metha said.

Makya Fowler entered the University in fall 2023 on the pre-med track as a neuroscience major.

“I grew up in a hospital setting because my parents are nurses. I always knew that I wanted to help people, and I can do that as a nurse,” she said.

In her first semester, Fowler realized that nursing was a better fit for her, and a UST advisor assisted her with transitioning into nursing by connecting Fowler with advisors in the nursing department.

“Don’t allow the fear of transitioning or the unknown to deter you from declaring or changing your major,” she said as she offered advice to students interested in changing their major.

Questions about UST can be emailed to ust-advise@udel.edu.