General Sciences and Arts Program

Many resources are available to General Sciences and Arts Program students to help them choose the best major and design a rich educational experience.

SA1000 - Sciences and Arts Explorations
This one-credit class offers information and opportunities to examine the many options for potential majors and careers. Activities in class will allow you to reflect on your own goals, talents, interests, and values. Experienced students from the many departments on campus will present on their majors, minors and concentrations, campus activities and career goals. You will gain strategies to promote your academic success at the university and interact with the University Career Center career-counseling professionals.

Sample Course Activities:

• Listen to students from diverse departments on campus talk about their major and career plans
• Take My Plan and visit Career Services
• Learn about activities and services on campus that enhance your college education
• Meet other students who are exploring their options
• Discover your favorite interests, best skills, ideal work environment and dream job

Computer Lab
The computer lab for General Sciences and Arts Program students (located in the Walker building) provides both PC and Mac computers. Many software packages are available to help you with a variety of academic situations. Consultants and other students in the lab are friendly and helpful: they will lend their expertise and advice to anyone in the lab.

University Career Center
The Career Center is a great place for everyone to learn more about themselves and their career choices, but it is an especially rich resource for General Sciences and Arts Program students. The Career Center provides a wide range of information and services, including individual appointments regarding choice of major and career options connected to that specific major.

• Listen to students from diverse departments on campus talk about their major and career plans
• Take My Plan and visit Career Services
• Learn about activities and services on campus that enhance your college education
• Meet other students who are exploring their options
• Discover your favorite interests, best skills, ideal work environment, and dream job

Most students change their major at least once, and many change it three to four times during their years in college. Not being sure what you want to major in means you are open to exploring the options and to finding what is best for you. Being Undecided can be a creative, positive space in which you learn more about what's available and more about yourself.

Being happy with your major = enthusiasm for learning, motivation for going to class, and a higher grade point average. Find the major that's best for you.

Meet with Sylvia Matthews, the undeclared advisor. Some things you can work on together:

• Explore the many options for majors, minors, certificates and other opportunities
• Figure out your interests and strengths
• Plan a schedule to minimize wasted credits
• Gain strategies for academic success and campus involvement
• Keep on track to graduation
• Figure out how majors translate into careers

Will I get behind? Will my graduation be delayed?
No. Your academic advisor will help you choose courses that will apply to any major. Your advisor can also help you make course choices that will give you insight into possible majors and careers. You won't fall behind academically and you will be more aware of the many options.

Which students choose this program?
Students with multiple interests and talents; those who have some idea of what they want to major in but want more information before committing themselves; those who are open to new experiences and ideas; and those who want a college degree but want more time to explore. Their reasons are as varied as the individuals themselves.

When can I declare a major?
You can declare a major any time you feel confident that you have found the one that's right for you and you meet the entry requirements of that department. Those requirements vary by department; they typically include things like a satisfactory GPA, a record of success in related courses, or an application essay.

What if I change my mind later?
You can always change your major, although that might delay your graduation. That's why it makes sense to explore your options before you commit to too many courses that may not fulfill requirements in another department.

Will I be required to choose a major in the College of Sciences and Arts?
No, you are free to choose your major from any of Tech's colleges or schools. The important thing is to find the right fit for you.

If your question is not answered here, please contact us via the Contact Us page.