Admissions

Whether you're a high school student exploring college options, transferring from another institution, interested in graduate programs or returning to college as a working adult, welcome to Central!

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Helping you make a major decision

Major Exploration

“So what are you going to major in?”

We’re pretty sure you’ve been asked that question a number of times. And we bet it started long before high school graduation. If you didn’t know how to answer it — and still don’t — don’t worry.

Central Michigan University has the tools available to help you take a step back and identify your academic strengths and career goals.

You’ll have access to resources such as your own academic advisor and special major exploration events to get your questions answered and receive insight and direction on finding the major that best fits you. And with CMU’s more than 200 academic programs, there are plenty of majors for you to choose from.

CMU resources that will help you decide on your major include:

Academic advising

Meet with your academic advisor during Academic Orientation. These trained, professional academic advisors can help you explore educational and career opportunities.

MAJOR Night

Representatives from each academic department are available to answer your questions about individual course content, declaring a major or minor, and how various studies relate to your career interests.

Student Success Centers

Get answers to your questions by meeting with professional academic advisors available in the residence halls where you live.

Career Services

To help you determine your major and career interests, Career Services offers: career fairs, Career TV podcasts on iTunes U, career assessments, online resources, and an internship center.

Still don’t know what you want to do?

*Click question to view more career information

Do you like working with numbers?
Do you like tending to those who are sick or injured?
Do you have a knack for communicating with others?
Do you like counseling those in need?
Do you enjoy teaching others?

(Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook produced by the Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Tips for deciding your major

The following suggestions may help you select a course of study or a career.

  • Meet with faculty or academic and career advisors to discuss majors and career paths.
  • Enroll in CED 101 – a one-credit career and self-exploration course that can lead to a comprehensive career plan.
  • Enroll in the First Year Experience (FYE 101) course – an experience focused on making the transition to college life.
  • Take a career interest inventory assessment or meet with a REACH student advisor at CMU Career Services to help you identify areas of interest.
  • Meet with CMU faculty and working professionals in the fields you are considering.
  • Talk with other students enrolled in courses in your areas of interest.
  • Work part time or volunteer in a field that interests you.
  • Become involved in activities that enable you to develop skills – including leadership, people and communication – employers from all career areas seek.
  • Check with Career Services to see if the major(s) you are exploring will be highlighted at a “What Can I Do with a Major in ...?” program.
  • Conduct career research using the Internet, CMU’s Career Services Web site, Charles V. Park Library and other on-campus resources.
  • List the pros and cons of particular careers you are considering.