The University of Findlay - Freshman Entering Undeclared

Q & A for Freshmen Entering as Undeclared Majors

Do many students enter
Findlay as Undeclared/Undecided Majors?
Undeclared Majors annually account for 10% of Findlay’s freshman class.

Why do students choose to enter as Undeclared/Undecided Majors?

Some want to try their career ideas before they make a commitment. Some have several interests or career ideas but are not sure yet about which one to make their major or how to effectively combine them. Entering as an Undeclared/Undecided Major gives you the chance to explore majors and career fields in addition to being sure about what is important to you in a career.

Will I be behind in my classes if I enter as an Undeclared/Undecided Major?

Entering as an Undeclared Major will still allow you to graduate on time in most majors if you follow an active strategy your freshman year exploring your interests and trying courses in the majors that interest you. If you have a specific major in mind, we recommend taking the required beginning course or courses for that major during your first semester.This is especially important for students considering majors in Education, Computer Science, all of the Health Science areas, and Social Work. Curricula in these areas are very structured and additional time will be required to complete programs if not started during the freshman year.

How do I choose my classes if I’m not declaring a major yet?

Your first semester schedule will be designed to help you explore fields and
try majors that interest you. You will also take General Education and
Competency requirement courses all students must complete. This gives
you the opportunity to try your options knowing you are also completing
other requirements toward a degree.

A typical full-time first semester schedule for Undeclared Majors includes
15 – 17 credits:

Career Development/ACAD 125
First Year Experience course
Classes to fulfill competency requirements
Courses to explore majors or complete requirements
Engl 145 College & Professional Reading (if required)
Psyc 110 Study Strategies for Athletes (if required)

All Undeclared Majors enroll in ACAD 125 – Approaches to Career Development. The course meets weekly during the fall semester to guide you through interest assessments, researching majors and careers, and meeting faculty in majors that interest you. Students who enter with majors but would like an opportunity to confirm their interests and explore their options at Findlay may also register for the course.

When do Undeclared/Undecided students choose their majors?

We encourage you to choose a major by the end of your first semester at Findlay and the majority of Undeclared/Undecided freshmen do. When you decide, we will help you declare your major and be reassigned to a faculty advisor in that major.

Is help available to look at possible majors before classes start in August?

Career counseling services are available during both the academic year and summer months for freshmen who want to start exploring majors. Day, evening and weekend appointments are available. If you live too far from Findlay to meet in person, we can work with you by email, phone, and letters.

If you choose a major before classes start in August, the Director of Career Planning and Undeclared Advising will help you declare your major. You will be reassigned to an advisor in your major and any necessary changes made to your fall class schedule.

If I have ideas about a major, should I start there instead of as an Undecided?

If you are sure about your general area but not the specific direction, it’s best to work with a faculty advisor in that major when you come for Registration. For example, if you know definitely you want to be in Education but are not sure of your licensure area; if you are sure you want to be in Business but don’t know what area of business; or if you know you want to be in a Health Science major but have not yet decided which one; you will want to meet with advisors in those majors.

If you are interested in several different areas or do not have any ideas right now about possible majors, it’s best to enter as an Undeclared where you will receive services designed to help you make the best choice of major.

If you have additional questions, please contact the
Office of Career Planning and Undeclared Advising
419-434-4615
careerplanning@findlay.edu