I live in Massachusetts, and while I'm stoked about College, I'm not sure what I should major in. It's a bit nerve-wracking if I'm being honest. Which colleges in Massachusetts best support students who are not decided about their majors?
A number of colleges in Massachusetts excel at supporting students who are undecided about their majors.
Among them, Boston College stands out. BC promotes an exploratory mindset and actually encourages students to start their college journey undecided. This gives you time to take classes in a variety of fields and discover where your passions lie. Their general education curriculum, the Core, exposes students to nine different fields of study, meaning you'll get to dip your toes into multiple disciplines before deciding on a major.
Northeastern University is another great option, offering an undeclared program within its College of Professional Studies specifically for students who are still figuring out their ideal study area. Northeastern's strong co-op program can be particularly beneficial for you as well because you can gain hands-on experience in different fields, which may influence your final choice of major.
UMass Amherst also offers an Exploratory Track Program where students take a commonwealth core of general courses while also being exposed to resources such as career conversations, advising, and navigational resources, which allow them to explore their academic interests before deciding on a concrete path.
Finally, do not forget about liberal arts colleges like Williams or Amherst College. They usually provide core courses in multiple disciplines to provide a well-rounded education. This might not only help you discover your passion but also instill unique perspectives and skills that could be advantageous in the long run.
Remember, being undecided is not a disadvantage. Colleges know that many 18/19-year-olds might not have fully formed career paths yet. Exploration is a key part of education, and the colleges I've mentioned here understand that and have frameworks in place to support undecided students.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.