Step 2: Exploring Your Options

While you are on your journey to choosing a major, it is important to stop and get information and narrow your choices.

Below are some resources that might help you with your choice of major:

First Year Advising
Your First Year Advisor can help you with your choice of major. Below, are some questions you may want to ask your Advisor:

• What are the major requirements in terms of core courses and electives?
• How many credits are required?
• Are there prerequisites before you're admitted?
• Is there a certain GPA I need to maintain?
• Does the major require a practicum or field study?
• Can I do a double major? Or minor?
• How long will it take to complete the coursework required for the degree?
• Am I on track (or behind) with my classes and credits?

Faculty & Department Chairs
Talk with faculty members and department chairs to learn more about the coursework and what students can do with the major. See if they can refer you to an upper classman to learn more about the major.

Career Advising
The Gerri Ripp Center for Career Development at Iona offers individual career advising to assist you in achieving your career goals:

• Determine the best course of action to assess your career interests.
• Utilize assessment instruments to determine your interests, skills, values and personal traits.
• Refer you to online and other resources to explore career fields and occupations.
• Review your resume & cover letter.
• Prepare you for informational and job interviews.

Contact the Career Center to make an appointment

Online Resources
There are numerous online resources that can help you choose a major:

• The School of Arts & Science - listing of majors and course requirements.
• The Hagan School of Business - listing of majors and course requirements.
• "What Can I Do With This Major?" - general information about career fields as they relate to common college majors.
• MyMajors - useful advice on college and university majors.
• Myplan - a comprehensive resource for major, career and industry information.
• Monster Career Snapshots - gives you the real story on 2500 jobs.

Career Information Sessions
The Gerri Ripp Center for Career Development periodically offers information sessions, workshops and events to help freshmen explore majors. Visit GAELlink for further information.

Informational Meetings/Interviews
Speaking with others about choice of majors and careers is an excellent way to gather information. Relatives, friends, neighbors, professors, alumni and employers can all be helpful in sharing their knowledge and insights. These individuals can often refer you to other contacts that may be helpful. Learn more about how to conduct informational meetings/ interviews.

Now that you have completed Step 2: Exploring Options, move on the Step 3: Making Your Decision