Page 23 - University of Oregon Parent and Family Guide

4. Suggest they compare degree plans. Reading through the course catalog (available on the university website) is another way to narrow their choices. If your student is choosing between economics and education, for example, suggest they read through the degree requirements
to see which plan appeals to them more and also browse the course descriptions. They’ll spend a lot of time in their major courses and should be intrigued by the topics that await them in that department.
5. Suggest they interview recent college graduates. Some of the best advice about college majors comes from recent graduates. New grads
are likely to tell your student that, in general, the skills they acquired in college (e.g., critical thinking, written communication, appreciation for diversity) are more important than
the content knowledge they gained from their major. At the very least, their advice may lower the pressure to make a “right choice.”
What if my student wants to change their major?
Students change majors for a variety of reasons and it is perfectly normal. But it can still be worrisome to parents, who wonder if their student will be able to graduate on time.
In addition to discussing what led them to this new direction (was it a single fabulous course or professor? a new career goal?), here are questions you can ask to help your student make the best decision:
• Will you need to take more credit hours per term or take summer classes to stay on track? In some cases, an additional course per term or a couple of classes over the summer may be all that’s needed to graduate in four years.
• What other requirements does the new degree plan include? Some degree plans require internships or practicums that must be taken into consideration.
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How many additional courses do you need to take? The earlier the change is made, the less likely your student will need to take lots of additional courses.
ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND CAREER PREP
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Nearly one-third of incoming UO students are undecided about their majors. Working with an academic advisor will help them stay on track. Advisors in the Office of Academic Advising can help students transition to the university, explore their major options, and decide on a path. If your student
is deciding on their major or contemplating a major change, encourage them to call 541-346-3211 or go to 101 Oregon Hall to schedule an appointment.