No major? No problem.

As an undeclared student at Boston University, you have yet to decide on a major to pursue – and that’s okay! Boston University’s College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) offers many undergraduate major options, so we applaud your wisdom and thoughtfulness in taking the time to explore different academic pathways and gathering more information before making a decision.

The numbers are on your side.

Across the United States, it is estimated that 75-85% of college students change their major at some point during their undergraduate careers (Education Advisory Board, 2016).

We’re here to help.

CAS Advising provides undeclared students with a variety of resources, ranging from one-on-one advising appointments to specialized group seminars and programs.

We provide:

Individualized Advising. Before you arrive on campus, you’ll be assigned a professional advisor with whom you will build a one-on-one relationship. This person will serve as a resource for you in your academic life, and together you will…

  • Explore academic and co-curricular opportunities on campus.
  • Learn more about campus resources and how to connect with them.
  • Clarify your academic, career, and life goals.

Self-Assessment and Reflection. With your advisor’s guidance, you will explore your unique interests, skills, and values. Having a better understanding of yourself will help you to narrow down major options and explore potential career pathways. You will…

  • Understand the value of a liberal arts degree.
  • Assess your interests, skills, values, and goals.
  • Build and adjust an educational plan based on your self-assessments.
  • Explore the meaning behind your academic pathways, which include general education courses and a program of study.

A First Year Experience (FY 101) course tailor-made for undeclared students. CAS Advising offers undeclared sections of FY 101, a one-credit, one-semester course that aims to introduce first-year students to the BU community. If you choose to register for an undeclared section of FY 101, your instructor will also serve as your academic advisor. You will…

  • Join a community of students who share some of the same hopes, worries, and experiences during your first semester at BU.
  • Gain insight about your interests, strengths, and values.
  • Explore majors and make informed choices.
  • Learn about the transferable skills developed through a liberal arts education and how they connect to different careers.

If you would benefit from student-to-student perspective, make sure to connect with the Academic Ambassador Program.

References

Education Advisory Board. (2016). How late is too late? Myths and facts about the consequences of switching college majors. Retrieved from https://www.eab.com/technology/student-success-collaborative/members/white-papers/major-switching