UNDECIDED MAJOR?
You’re in luck!
This interactive guide will point
you in the right direction…
Enter Here!
MAIN MENU
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Background and Fun Statistics
Tips to Get Started
Things to Consider
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Lifestyles
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Abilities

Interests
What’s Your Type…
What is a College Major Anyway?
How do I Choose A Major?
What are my Options?
Tips on Getting Started
When Should I Declare a Major?
Even Famous People Choose the Wrong Major!
Feel like the only person who
can’t decide on a major?
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Nationally, three out of four entering students
express some uncertainty about their choice of
major, while between one and two-thirds change
majors.
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Recent studies suggest that it is typical for
undergraduates to try out four or five majors before
arriving at a decision. So if you haven't chosen a
major or are uncomfortable with the one you have
chosen, you're in good company. (University of Minnesota: CDC)
Return to Main Menu
Next Page
What Is a College Major?
You're required to major in a specific academic subject (or
professional field) to demonstrate sustained,
high-level work in one field.
Depending on the college, you might be able to major in
two fields, have a major and a minor, or even create your
own major. (www.collegeboard.com)
Major misconceptions!
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The best way to find out about majors is to take courses.
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I’ll just get my Gen. Eds. out of the way first.
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Picking a major and a career are the same thing
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Choosing one major means giving up all the others.
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The major I pick now will determine my lifelong career.
(Courtesy Penn State University)
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NO TEST can tell you what to pick! Ultimately the
decision is yours.
How Do I Choose?
First and second-year students usually take more general courses while they
try to decide on a major. After this initial "shopping" period, coursework
becomes more focused and specific. Make sure that you have genuine
interest though. You don't want to choose a major by process of elimination -that could take a while.
Take courses in areas that appeal to you, then try to focus on a subject that
will interest and motivate you.
You'll do better, and your motivation will continue through college and into a
job.
(www.collegeboard.com)
The Truth is…
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A common myth about an academic major is that it
ties you to a specific career path. The reality is that
a bachelor's degree can prepare you for many
career paths.
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In fact, research indicates only about 50% of college
graduates report a close relationship between their
major and their job. (University of Minnesota: CDC)
Return to Main Menu
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What Are My Options?
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Some majors strongly correlate to career options, while
others are less directly related. For example, a Nursing
major will most likely become a Nurse. However, a
Psychology major may become a teacher, case worker,
detective or an insurance claims agent, to name a few!
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Degree options at JJC include:
Transfer Degrees
AA = Associate in Arts
AS = Associate in Science
Career and Technical Degrees and Certificates
AAS = Associate in Applied Science
CAC = Certificate of Achievement
CCO = Certificate of Completion
Return to Main Menu
Next Page
I need some help getting started choosing
a major. Do you have any tips to get me
started?
1.
Examine what you value in work e.g. helping society,
working under pressure, group affiliation, etc.
2.
Think about the courses you've done well in and enjoyed
before.
3.
Explore your options. Investigate the instructors and
courses. Talk to students who have a major and ask them
what they like/dislike about their subject or classes.
4.
Explore internship opportunities to get a feel for the kinds
of jobs you could get with different majors.
CONTINUE TO NEXT SECTION
5. Consult your academic advisor and/or JJC catalog to
consider the prerequisite requirements for majors.
Consider whether you would be willing to spend the
necessary time and money.
6. Look at the different fields to which your major can be
applied.
7. Think about the growth of the field that interests you. Is
the field expanding? Are graduates with your major being
hired right out of college, or do they need additional
training?
8. Contemplate the earning potential and base salary of
jobs that are related to certain majors. Think of the
lifestyle you would like to maintain and how certain
salaries may affect it. (University of Minnesota: CDC)
When Should I Declare a Major?
At most colleges, you aren't required to
declare a major until the end of your
sophomore year.
If you're in a two-year degree program, you'll
probably select a major at the start because
your course of studies is much shorter.
Declaring a major does not commit you
forever.
Let’s Start the
Interactive Portion…
 What
things should I
consider when choosing a
major?
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Click here if you need help! I don’t know where to start.
[advance to next slide]

Click here if you have it under control. [advance to slide #11]
Return to Main Menu
Things to consider…
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Lifestyles
[hyperlink LIFESTYLES to slide #9]
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Abilities
[hyperlink ABILITES to slide #10]
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Interests
[hyperlink INTERESTS to slide #11]
Return to Main Menu
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LIFESTYLE
Most lives can be divided into a triangle. Time and energy spent
in activities on one side of the triangle affects the time and
energy left over for the others. Think about your life.
What are your obligations and responsibilities? Are you in a
relationship? Do you live on or off campus? How much time
do you spend with your family and friends? How much time
do you spend working and studying? Different majors will
have different impacts on your lifestyle balance.
Think of the time and energy needed to succeed in a particular
major. What effect would this have upon the shape of your
lifestyle triangle? Please take some time to write down your
personal observations regarding these questions. If you have to
get away from your computer to do this, do so. In order for the
response provided by this questionnaire further down this page
to be helpful you will need to provide accurate information about
lifestyle goals. (University of Minnesota: CDC)
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CLICK HERE to return to Things To Consider.
[make this a hyperlink back to page 8]
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CLICK HERE to move on to What’s Your Type.
[hyperlink to page 11]
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ABILITIES
Consider your academic performance and life experiences. What
experiences? What are your strengths?
Your college admission test scores (PSAT, SAT, ACT) are a good
source of information. The verbal scores relate to liberal arts
electives, and the math scores relate to math and science
electives.
Check your transcripts. Review your previous experiences and
write down both courses and activities where you enjoyed some
success. (University of Minnesota: CDC)
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CLICK HERE to return to Things To Consider.
[make this a hyperlink back to page 8]
CLICK HERE to move on to What’s Your Type.
[hyperlink to page 11]
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INTERESTS
Would you enjoy the subject matter, activities and people involved in a
field? What you've enjoyed in life up to this point is a good indication of
what you'll like in a major.
Your academic record and personal experience give important clues about
possible directions. Please take the time to write down courses and
activities you are interested in and enjoy. Now compare this list with the
one you compiled under the abilities section and notice the common areas.
Make another list of these common areas and use it to help you fill out the
questionnaire below. (University of Minnesota: CDC)
CLICK HERE to return to Things To Consider.
[make this a hyperlink back to page 7]
CLICK HERE to move on to What’s Your Type.
[hyperlink to page 12]
What’s Your Type?
Are you…
Realistic
 Social
 Investigative
 Enterprising
 Artistic
 Conventional
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To explore your type CLICK ON IT above to learn more.
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I have no idea what type I am! CLICK HERE
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Not the information I’m looking for. CLICK HERE
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Moving on… CLICK HERE
Good Choice!
Explore your type…

If you would like to learn more about your
personality and how it can help determine your
career path here are a few suggestions!
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SIGI Plus can assist currently enrolled students in determining
your career path:
http://www.jjc.edu/Careers/StudentsAlumni/SigiPlus.htm
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Career Key can help you determine your career personality type:
http://www.careerkey.org/english/
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Career Services at Joliet Junior College. A career counselor can
help you understand aspects of your personality and how it
relates to occupational choices as well as choosing a major.
Call to make an appointment, (815) 280-2756 or stop by the
Student Center, D-1010 (across from the Cyber Café).
Return to What’s Your Type
Return to Main Menu
A REALISTIC Future at
Joliet Junior College
Are You:
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Practical?
Hands-on oriented?
Persistent?
Physically coordinated?
Can You:
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Solve mechanical
problems?
Read a blueprint?
Assemble pieces of
equipment or machinery?
Do You Like To:
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Build or fix things?
Work with tools?
Work outdoors?
Be physically active?
Figure out how things
work?
Learn by doing?
CLICK HERE: For a list of
Career/Vocational &
Transfer Programs at
JJC for the REALISTIC
Oriented
CLICK HERE: For a list of
representative career
opportunities for the
REALISTIC Oriented
Programs at JJC for the
REALISTIC Oriented
Realistic Oriented Career/Vocational Programs at JJC
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Agriculture
Automotive
Computer Aided Design
Construction Technology
Culinary Arts
Electrical/Electronics Automated Systems
EMT/Paramedic
Veterinary Medical Technology
Fire Science
Horticulture
Industrial Maintenance Technology
Precision Machine Technology
Refrigeration, Air Conditioning & Heating
Welding
Massage Therapy
What Are My Options in a Transfer Program at JJC?
Programs at JJC for the
REALISTIC Oriented
Realistic Oriented Transfer Programs at JJC
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Animal Science
Fish and Wildlife
Forestry
Horticulture
Industrial Technology
Plant and Soil Science
Representative Career Opportunities
in the REALISTIC Area
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Auto Mechanic
Aviation Mechanic
Chef
Construction
laborer/superintendent
Electrician/Electronics
Technician
Emergency Medical
technician
Farmer
Fire Fighter
Forest Ranger
Groundskeeper
Landscaper
Paramedic
Precision Machinist
Radiology Technologist
Welder
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CAMPUS ACTIVITIES and
Organizations Related to the
Realistic Area
Automotive Service
Association
Association of Criminal Justice
Students
Architecture and Construction
Epicurean Club
Instrument Society of America
Manufacturing Club
Sports/Sports related clubs
Student Agricultural
Association
Student Horticultural
Association
Click here to return to
What’s Your Type
An INVESTIGATIVE Future at
Joliet Junior College
Are You:
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Analytical?
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Creative?
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Curious?
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Independent?
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Precise?
Can You:
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Concentrate on a problem
until a solution is reached?
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Follow scientific procedures?
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Solve problems in a
methodical manner?
Do You Like To:
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Observe and analyze?
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Solve complex problems?
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Study math/and or science?
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Work with laboratory
equipment?
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Think problems through
before taking action?
CLICK HERE: For a list of
Career/Vocational &
Transfer Programs at JJC
for the INVESTIGATIVE
Type
CLICK HERE: For a list of
representative career
opportunities for the
INVESTIGATIVE Type
Programs at JJC for the
INVESTIGATIVE Type
Investigative Related Career/Vocational Programs at JJC
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Agriculture
Computer Information Systems- Networking
Electronics Engineering Technology
Computer Information Systems- Programming
Veterinary Medical Technology
What Are My Options in a Transfer Program at JJC?
Programs at JJC for the
INVESTIGATIVE Type
Investigative Transfer Programs at JJC
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Agriculture
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Dietetics
Engineering
Mathematics
Meteorology
Nursing
Professional programs- dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, veterinary
medicine
Representative Career
Opportunities in the
INVESTIGATIVE Area
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Actuary
Biologist
Chemist
Computer Programmer
Dentist
Dietician
Engineer
Geologist
Medical technologist
Meteorologist
Microbiologist
Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse
Practitioner
Pathologist
Physician
Psychiatrist
Soil Scientist
Statistician
Systems Analyst
Zoologist
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES and
Organizations Related to the
Investigative Area
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Instrument Society of America
Nursing Student Association
Life Sciences
Student Agricultural
Association
Student Horticultural
Association
Vet Tech Club
An ARTISTIC Future at
Joliet Junior College
Are You:
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Creative?
Imaginative
Innovative?
Individualistic?
Sensitive?
Independent?
Can You:
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Draw, paint, or write?
Sing or play an instrument?
Dance or act?
Design or create interiors,
fashions, recipes, landscapes,
and floral arrangements?
Do You Like To:
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Attend concerts, plays,
art exhibits, museums?
Read books, plays,
poetry, or literature?
Act, announce, dance,
draw, design, direct,
write or express yourself
creatively in other
ways?
CLICK HERE: For a list of
Career/Vocational &
Transfer Programs at JJC
for the ARTISTIC Type
CLICK HERE: For a list of
representative career
opportunities for the
ARTISTIC Type
Programs at JJC for the
ARTISTIC Type
Artistic Related Career/Vocational Programs at JJC
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Culinary Arts
Fashion Merchandising
Interior Design
Floral Design
Landscaping
What Are My Options in a Transfer Program at JJC?
Programs at JJC for the
ARTISTIC Type
Artistic Type Transfer Programs at JJC
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Advertising
Architecture
Art
Communications
English
Foreign Languages
Graphic Design
Interior design
Journalism
Music
Textiles, Apparel, and Merchandising
Theatre Arts
Representative Career
Opportunities in the ARTISTIC
Area
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES and
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Acting
Advertising specialist
Architect
Artist--commercial or fine arts
Cartographer
Cartoonist
Editor or editorial assistant
Fashion buyer or designer
Graphic artist
Interior designer
Journalist/reporter
Landscape Architect
Language interpreter/translator
Librarian
Medical Illustrator
Merchandise display
artist/window design
Musician
Photographer
Teacher (art, drama, English,
music, speech)
Writer (commercial, novelist,
script, technical)
Organizations Related to the
Investigative Area
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Alpha Mu Gamma (Language
achievement)
Art Alliance
Blazer and Wordeater
Delta Psi Omega (Drama/theatre
honor society)
Epicurean Club
F.L.I.C. (Foreign Language
Intercultural Club)
Phi Rho Pi
Jazz Band and Community Band
J.C. Players
JJC Chorale
Madrigals
Interior Design Club
Role Playing Club
Clay Club
Architecture and Construction
A SOCIAL Future at
Joliet Junior College
Are You:
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Friendly/helpful?
Idealistic?
Generous?
Humanistic?
Idealistic?
Responsible?
Can You:
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Teach or train others?
Express yourself clearly?
Work cooperatively in teams?
Lead a group discussion?
Get along well with many
different types of people?
Do You:
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Help people with their
problems?
Learn or work in
groups?
Volunteer your
services?
Take action to
accomplish a goal?
CLICK HERE: For a list of
Career/Vocational &
Transfer Programs at JJC
for the SOCIAL Type
CLICK HERE: For a list of
representative career
opportunities for the
SOCIAL Type
Programs at JJC for the
SOCIAL Type
Socially Oriented Career/Vocational Programs at JJC
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Child Development
Criminal Justice
Fire Science
Hotel/Restaurant Management
Massage Therapy
Nursing Assistant
Law Enforcement
Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse
Teacher Assistant
Veterinary Medical Technology
What Are My Options in a Transfer Program at JJC?
Programs at JJC for the
SOCIAL Type
Socially Oriented Transfer Programs at JJC
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Counseling
Criminal Justice
Dietician/Nutritionist
Elementary Education
Physical Education
Psychology
Pre-Medicine, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Physical Therapy
Recreation
Social Work
Secondary Education
Special Education
Representative Career
Opportunities in the Social Area
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Athletic Trainer or Fitness Instructor
Caseworker
Child Care Provider
Coach
Counselor
Detective
Dietitian, Clinical
Flight Attendant
Hair Stylist
Health Officer
Human Resources Specialist
Insurance Claims Agent
Law Enforcement Officer
Librarian
Loan Officer
Minister
Nurse
Occupational Therapist
Passenger Service Representative
Physician
Physical Therapist
Psychologist
Real Estate Appraiser
Recreation Leader
Social Worker
Speech Pathologist
Teacher
Travel Agent
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES and
Organizations Related to the
Social Area
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All student clubs and
organizations
Athletic programs
Ambassadors Club
Student Government
Student Representative on
college committees
Student Worker programs
A ENTERPRISING Future at
Joliet Junior College
Are You:
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Ambitious?
Energetic?
Optimistic?
Persuasive?
Self-confident?
Sociable?
Can You:
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Give a speech?
Plan a project, program, or event?
Sell a product or service?
Promote an idea?
Persuade others to your point of
view?
Do You Like To:
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Lead or direct others?
Make decisions affecting
others?
Negotiate terms/conditions?
Influence others?
“Brainstorm” ideas?
Start your own business?
CLICK HERE: For a list of
Career/Vocational &
Transfer Programs at JJC
for the ENTERPRISING
Type
CLICK HERE: For a list of
representative career
opportunities for the
ENTERPRISING Type
Programs at JJC for the
ENTERPRISING Type
Enterprising Related Career/Vocational at JJC
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Culinary Arts
Fashion Merchandising
Hospitality
Human Resources
Marketing Management
Real Estate
Supervision
Massage Therapy
What Are My Options in a Transfer Program at JJC?
Programs at JJC for the
ENTERPRISING Type
Enterprising Oriented Transfer Programs at JJC
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Business-accounting, economics, finance, management,
marketing, entrepreneurship
Communications
Criminal Justice Administration
Health Care administration
Mortuary Science
Political science
Pre-law preparation
Urban Planning
Representative Career
Opportunities in the
ENTERPRISING Area
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Advertising executive
Banker
Business agent
City Planner
Contractor
Education and Training Manager
Employee Relations Director
Executive Recruiter
Financial Planner
Food Services Director
Funeral Director
Hotel/Motel Manager
Human Resources
Insurance agent/underwriter
Labor Relations Specialist
Lawyer
Lobbyist
Media Director/Specialist
Politician
President/CEO (any industry)
Purchasing Agent
Sales Manager
Special Events Planner
Stockbroker
Travel Agent
Wholesaler
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES and
Organizations Related to the
Social Area
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Forensics Team
Leadership role in any student
club
American Freedom
Organization
Student Alliance
Student Trustee to the JJC
Board of Trustees
A CONVENTIONAL Future at
Joliet Junior College
Are You:
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Accurate?
Dependable?
Efficient?
Orderly and
systematic?
Organized?
Persistent?
Can You:
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Organize and keep accurate records?
Use a computer system?
Perform routine, detailed work?
Process data?
Do You Like To:
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Work with numbers?
Pay attention to details?
Study accounting, computer
science, and office systems?
Work in a job with clearly
defined duties?
CLICK HERE: For a list of
Career/Vocational &
Transfer Programs at
JJC for the
CONVENTIONAL Type
CLICK HERE: For a list of
representative career
opportunities for the
CONVENTIONAL Type
Programs at JJC for the
CONVENTIONAL Type
Conventional Related Career/Vocational at JJC
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Accounting
CIS-Microcomputers for Business
Desktop Publishing
Legal Administrative Assistant
Medical Administrative Assistant
Retail Business Management
Word/Information Processing
What Are My Options in a Transfer Program at JJC?
Programs at JJC for the
CONVENTIONAL Type
Conventional Oriented Transfer Programs at JJC
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Accounting
Business Administration
Business Education
CIS-Management Information Systems
Health Administration
Library Science
Representative Career
Opportunities in the
CONVENTIONAL Area
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Accounting clerk
Administrative Assistant
Bank teller
Business Education teacher
Cashier
Computer Operator
Court Reporter
Credit Analyst
Desktop publishing equipment
operator
Editorial assistant
Insurance clerk
Library assistant
Medical records clerk
Paralegal
Purchasing agent
Real estate clerk
Secretary/receptionist
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES and
Organizations Related to the
Social Area
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Any student club or
organization
Student work-study programs
Should I choose a major based
on a career that is in demand?

No! The job market, like everything else, is cyclical. A
career that appears to be in demand or trendy now could
be saturated by the time you graduate.

There are many factors that help change market demand,
such as large numbers of students entering the field or
changing economic patterns.
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Be true to yourself. Choose a major that genuinely
interests you.
Even Famous People Chose Majors
That Are Not Related to Their
Current Job!
Chevy Chase
English
Glenn Close
Anthropology & Theatre (double major)
Francis Ford
Coppola
Film
Bill Cosby
Physical Education
Kevin Costner
Business Administration
Cindy Crawford
Chemical Engineering, but left after 2 semesters
to pursue modeling
John Elway
Economics
Patrick Ewing
Fine Arts
Danny Glover
Economics
Bryant Gumbel
Russian Area Studies
Herbie Hancock
Engineering
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More Famous People…
…and here are a few more.
Mick Jagger
Economics
Michael Jordan
Started off as a Math major, and ended up
with Geography
Martin Luther King
Sociology
Stephen King
English
Steve Martin
Philosophy
Jane Pauley
Psychology
Brad Pitt
Journalism
Janet Reno
Chemistry
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Designed his own major consisting of
Physical Fitness, Communications
and International Marketing
Brooke Shields
French
Maria Shriver
American Studies
Stephen Spielberg
English
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Have You Considered Taking a
Course to Help You Explore Your
Career Options?

GSD 110
(General Student Development: Career/Life Style Planning)

What is this course about? It is a systematic approach
to the process of career and life-style planning. The course
provides students with an opportunity to explore their values,
interests, skills and experiences as they relate to occupational
and life-style choices. Students will research potential careers
through traditional and on-line methods. Labor market
information, decision making strategies and goal-setting are used
to develop an individual career action plan.

This class does transfer to other colleges and universities and
does not have any prerequisites.
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We hoped this helped!
If you still require any advice on choosing your major, feel
free to stop by the Student Services Center in D1010 on
the Main Campus. We would be happy to talk with you!
Career Services
Tele. No. (815) 280-2756
http://www.jjc.edu/Careers
Multicultural Transfer Center
Tele. No. (815) 280-2537
http://www.jjc.edu/TransferCenter
A list of academic advisors can be found in the Student
Handbook.
RESOURCES
Blank, B., Guide to Career Decision-Making (University of Northern Colorado;
Greely, CO, 1987)
Holland, J.L., Making Vocational Choices: A Theory of Careers (2nd Edition) (Prentice
Hall; Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1992)
Johansson, C.B., Finding an Interesting Course (Minnesota Statewide Testing
Program, University of Minnesota; Minneapolis, MN, 1992)
Miller, P.J., and Fjoberg, G., Urban Middle-Class Lifestyles in Transition (Journal of
Applied Behavioral Science, 1983)
Pascarella, E.T. and Terezini, P.T., How College Affects Students (Jossey-Bass, San
Francisco, CA, 1991) Blank, B.,
A special thanks to the University of Minnesota’s Career Development Center for
sharing valuable resources and information.