Choosing a Degree or Certificate
(Choosing a Major)
You may be starting college with only a vague idea of what to choose as a major (i.e., degree or certificate) and what to do as a career. If you do select a major early on, you may find that your choice of major will change as you take courses. 没关系!
然而, if you have a specific area of study that you know you enjoy, declaring a major gives you a goal, keeps you focused and motivates you to study.
主要对. 职业生涯
Your choice of major should reflect a field of study in which you have a genuine and enduring interest. 使用 education you get to develop a career that gives you satisfaction.
Many careers in occupational fields don't require specific majors, so you don't have to choose a career that matches your major.
When deciding on a career or major:
- Investigate what 技能 you will learn in specific fields of study and how they will apply to the career choices you might make later.
- Find something you enjoy doing, and don’t put excessive emphasis on salary and prestige.
- Consider your own talents and interests, rather than letting career fads or courses rumored to be easy dictate your choice.
- Follow your passion; learn what you love to do and go for it.
Choosing a Program of Study
Your program of study should reflect an area in which you have a genuine and enduring interest. Developing 技能 and knowledge in your program of study is the foundation for your career path.
If you have a specific area of study that you know you enjoy, declaring a program of study connects you with a dedicated PCC academic advisor, gives you a goal, keeps you focused and motivates you to study.
PCC 辅导员 can help you explore and choose a program of study that works for you.
Other Avenues for Exploring
There are lots of ways to explore your interests and gain experiences that can help you make a decision. Here are some suggestions:
- 浏览 PCC’s 项目 of study.
- 使用 职业教练 tool, discover majors, in-demand jobs, and explore 项目 at PCC based on your interests.
- If you are currently in a program, talk with your assigned division-based advisor about career and/or transfer options.
- 读 course titles and descriptions in the 项目 you’re considering.
- 取一个n introductory course in a potential program of study.
- 取一个 Student Success course to help you develop academic readiness 技能.
- 加入一个 student organization or 志愿者 in a field you’re interested in.
- 设置 informational interviews or job shadows with local employers for a first-hand look at jobs you may be interested in.
职业生涯 咨询
取一个dvantage of PCC’s resources to identify and gain insight into your interests, 技能, 值, personality and other factors that help you choose a major and set career goals.
- 使用 职业生涯 Resources on the MyPima > Student Resources tab
- 参观图书馆
- Meet with a College 职业生涯 Counselor
- 取一个 Student Success (STU) course your first semester:
Course Descriptions
Course descriptions can help you find interesting and exciting careers and majors. Here's how to do the research:
- If you plan to transfer to a university，看 its upper-division (300 and 400 course numbers) courses and descriptions.
- For occupational 项目，看 PCC的太阳城官网 above the introductory level.
Other Avenues for Exploring
- Research several career possibilities and academic majors.
- 参与 student organizations or 志愿者 at agencies linked to a major in which you're interested.
- Shadow someone in your career interest.
