How do I decide on a major at UC Davis?

I'm looking at UC Davis and trying to figure out what major to choose. Does anyone have advice on how different majors compare, or what resources are there to help decide?

Selecting a major is an important decision, and it's great that you're being proactive in your research. To aid your decision, you can leverage several available resources.

1. Assess your Interests, Skills, and Career Goals: First and foremost, take into account your interests, skills, and career aspirations. This can give you a clear idea of what subjects and fields you want to pursue in your undergraduate studies.

2. Check the UC Davis Major Catalog: Explore the UC Davis official website, where they list all available majors and minors. Each major/minor webpage provides detailed information, such as core requirements, elective options, and what kind of careers graduates with that major typically pursue.

3. Use the UC Davis Major Advisor System: UC Davis offers one-on-one advising sessions with Major Advisors who are well-versed in the degree requirements and opportunities within their respective disciplines. This is a fantastic resource for getting insight into potential career paths and the day-to-day realities of studying a particular major.

4. Attend Open Classes or Lectures: UC Davis holds open lectures and classes that you can attend if you're interested in a specific major. This will give you a feel for the major's educational aspects and help you visualize whether you can see yourself enjoying the coursework.

5. Talk to Current Students or Alumni: Reaching out to current students or alumni who are enrolled in or have graduated from the majors you're considering could provide in-depth insights. They can share their personal experiences, the opportunities they were able to pursue, and their journey post-graduation.

6. Visit UC Davis Career Services: They offer a variety of assessments to help you analyze your strengths, interests, and preferences. You can speak with a career counselor as well, who can guide you through these assessments and discuss your results.

Keep in mind that choosing a major is a significant decision, but it's not a life sentence. Many students change their majors as they discover new interests or career goals, so it's completely fine to be uncertain right now. Best of luck on your college journey!