Decide

Objectives

It’s time to reflect on and analyze all the information you have collected to build a plan of action. The goal is to make an informed choice that is appropriate for you. You can start by listing your major options.

One approach to evaluating these options is to weigh the pros and cons according to your own interests, aptitudes and values. A Decision Matrix can help you clarify your criterion and compare your potential choices.

• What values are important to consider in this decision?
• What are the associated costs and what are the expected benefits of each option?
• Compare each option in terms of what you like and do not like.
• How and where do you want to live?
• Which options best fit your life circumstances? Which are most realistic?
• What are your emotional reactions to each option? Consider how each possible choice would make you feel.

Engage others as you go through the decision-making process. You can discuss choices with family and friends, or find a mentor who can discuss and help you evaluate options. Talk to your advisor.

Choosing a major means choosing an academic program of study for the next four years. This does not mean that you cannot change your major should you decide that the major you have chosen is not right for you. Remember, there are also many different potential combinations of majors, minors and certificate options that give you additional choices, employment marketability and educational experiences. When selecting a major, think about what interests and excites you, what you would enjoy studying until graduation and what would give you the employment options you would like to have after graduation.

Choosing a career. Planning a career is an ongoing process that does not have a deadline. Often these decisions will be somewhat tentative, as you may change your path once you begin working. You can increase your chances of choosing a career that’s the best fit for you by “testing the waters” before graduation. By gaining targeted experience through part-time jobs, volunteering or internships during college, you can experience firsthand what a career and its working environment is like. Visit Career Services for more career information.

If you know that you are interested in pursuing a profession that requires specific preparation or additional graduate education, choosing a major will likely be closely linked to choosing a career. However, if you are one of the many students who pursue a liberal arts degree, you will have many career options. In fact, unlike the finite number of majors available, there are almost an infinite number of job options.

Steps in the Decision-Making Process

• Clarify the issue or decision
• Identify alternatives
• Gather and analyze data
• Evaluate alternatives and determine consequences
• Choose an option
• Act

Resources/Links

ASU Undergraduate Advising for Exploratory Students
ASU Colleges and School Directory (for department specific advising information)

Next Steps

The purpose of the explore step was to learn more about yourself and your interests, skills and values. In the discover step you expanded on this self-discovery and researched your options. The decide step is designed to narrow your options to a couple of alternatives that fit best for you. You may decide on a single major, a dual major or an interdisciplinary major. You may also consider choosing a minor or certificate.

Meet with an advisor to assist you in determining the requirements for your program of study. Set a goal to complete the necessary coursework that will enable you to graduate in your major of choice in four years. Remember, the major and career decision-making steps you have learned in this process can assist you throughout your lifetime.

If you need additional help, call to arrange an individual appointment with a career counselor.

Questions? Call us at 602-496-0589 or email majorexploration@asu.edu.