��Ӱֱ��

From Nathan Gebhard, co-founder of Roadtrip Nation and co-author of “Roadmap: The Get-It-Together Guide for Figuring Out What to Do With Your Life.”

After 15 years of interviewing a wide variety of people from CEOs to camel ranchers, Nathan Gebhard found that most people are unsure when they’re starting out. Choosing a major is part of a larger, lifelong endeavor to channel interests, values, and skills. He outlines four steps for undecided students to choose a major:

1. Separate your goals from other people’s goals for you.

How do you quiet the noise that’s coming at you from family, friends and society? Parents suggesting you should be a lawyer, policy makers defining “success” in terms of paychecks, even the voice inside your head saying you’re not smart enough.

2. Forget passion; follow an interest.

Most advice about majors includes the admonition “Follow your passion.” But passion is something you discover over time, by finding an interest, however small, and nurturing it. There’s no epiphany; it’s a collection of small decisions that move you step by tiny step.

3. Put your decisions in real-world context.

Whether you’re attracted to something because of its promise of prosperity or because it stirs you on a deep level — neither inherently right or wrong — experts warn: Determine whether expectations match reality.

4. Yes, you do have to be good at it. Be flexible.

Dips in the job market, failing at a venture you wanted to succeed in badly, or just realizing that something isn’t as envisioned — these realities will force you to bend, contort or even redesign your ideal.

 originally appeared in the New York Times.

How I Chose My Major

Kelsey Wolfer, liberal arts and sciences: humanities, Freedom

For many undecided students, finding just the right major happens after they have already begun in another program. Kelsey knew she made the right choice once she switched into ��Ӱֱ�� State’s liberal arts and sciences: humanities program, and was able to expand and develop her writing abilities, while also learning a little bit more about herself.

“In every course, you get to discover different aspects of yourself that you didn’t know you had. Also, the professors are very helpful with critiquing and they always want you to progress no matter what.”

As a student who switched majors, Kelsey realizes the importance of finding a program that is just the right fit.

“A lot of people come into college and think about what they’re going to make the most money doing, and they’re not always happy with it, so I’d advise incoming students to get into something you really love.”

Colin Miller, digital media and animation, Livonia

For Colin Miller, the fact that ��Ӱֱ�� State’s digital media and animation programs cover such a wide variety of areas - from 2-D to 3-D design, to video and sound production, and more - was a big draw for him.

“My major is what you make of it. It’s good to specialize in one thing, but it’s also good to spread your talents out into maybe three other areas, as well. That’s what I would suggest to any incoming students.”

In addition to helping him build a solid portfolio and providing a platform for him to showcase his talents, Colin also acknowledges that his program allowed him to find his “niche,” or rather what he would ultimately like to pursue a career in: video post-production.

“That’s one of the things that’s great about this major. Since there’s a wide variety of things to do, you find what your best work is in. You find your niche. It helps you figure out what you really want to do.”

"I appreciate that ��Ӱֱ�� State offers an undeclared major as I get my feet wet."

Khira Barrett, ��Ӱֱ�� State Alumni

Program Advantages

If you’re undecided about your career goals, the undeclared major may be right for you. This program gives you the opportunity to try different options and select a course of study the first two semesters that fits your interests and background. Along the way, you can take advantage of extensive support services, including career planning and counseling, offered by caring faculty and staff throughout the program.

Pioneer Quotes

"I appreciate that ��Ӱֱ�� State offers an undeclared major as I get my feet wet. There are so many people here to help me while I decide my professional major. It's a friendly campus with lots of resources to guide students through any obstacle they may be facing." -Khira Barrett, ��Ӱֱ�� State Alumni

Contact

Academic Advising Center

advising@alfredstate.edu

607-587-4122

Professional Outlook

Students enrolled in the undeclared major must transfer to a degree-granting program within two semesters. Depending on the choice of major, students may enter the workforce upon graduation, or continue their education in a bachelor’s degree program.

"The individual studies associates degree allows students to create their own major."

Dr. Kathleen Casey, Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences

Program Advantages

This individual studies program, offered on campus or online, will give you the opportunity to explore majors, career options, and futures. It is also excellent preparation for transfer into four-year programs or various colleges and universities, and can be tailored to fulfill a career goal that cannot be met by traditional programs offerings.

Pioneer Quotes

"The individual studies associates degree allows students to create their own major, make progress toward a degree we may not have here, or assist students in completing a degree if they have changed their mind a few times." -Dr. Kathleen Casey, Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences

Contact

Academic Advising Center

advising@alfredstate.edu

607-587-4122

Professional Outlook

Employment and continuing education rate of 100 percent - 60 percent are employed; 40 percent transferred to continue their education.

��Ӱֱ�� State Catalog 2023-2024

"The interdisciplinary studies bachelor of technology degree is a great way for students to open up a variety of careers."

Dr. Kathleen Casey, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

Program Advantages

The bachelor of technology interdisciplinary studies program is designed to provide a four-year curriculum in which students are empowered to personalize, within specified core and concentration areas, their technology-based program of study.

Pioneer Quotes

"The interdisciplinary studies bachelor of technology degree is a great way for students to merge two or more subject areas for a unique or very specific degree focus while opening up a variety of careers or transfer options." -Dr. Kathleen Casey

Contact

Academic Advising Center

advising@alfredstate.edu

607-587-4122

Professional Outlook

The nature of the program allows for many occupational opportunities. Some of the more common interest areas are:

• Technical writer
• Health office manager
• Sales engineer
• Logistician
• Purchasing manager (i.e., for a hospital)
• Health and safety engineers
• Cost estimator
• Training and development specialist
• Computer systems analyst
• Occupational health and safety specialist
• Graphic designer

Employment and continuing education rate of 100 percent - 83 percent are employed; 17 percent transferred to continue their education.

The US Department of Labor defines a nontraditional career as any in which one gender has less than 25 percent of the employment. ��Ӱֱ�� State is committed to support  initiatives to develop students with sharp and versatile minds along with the skills needed to land great careers. Over the years, traditional gender roles have limited the perception of job opportunities; therefore, men and women are often unaware of the variety of alternatives available to them.