by Alyson Rimsha
Daily Lobo
There are 2,532 students listed as undecided majors at UNM.
University College is home to 10,500 nondegree and Bachelor of University Studies students at UNM, including those with undeclared majors.
Michelle Steiner, supervisor at the University College Advisement Center, said freshmen come into University College as undecided majors, even if they know what they want to do.
Steiner said the time prepares students for the college of their choice.
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"If a student wants to be a psychology major, they still have to fulfill the core requirements and get accepted into the College of Arts and Sciences," Steiner said.
Steiner said about 8,000 students come through the University College Advisement Center each year. She said most who come in are undecided, and the center is there to give them guidance.
Kristen Woodruff, a student in her second semester at UNM, said she is not concerned about picking a major.
"I'm not really worried about it, because it's only my first year," Woodruff said.
She said her parents are supportive and want her to take her time to find out what her interests are. She said she is interested in English, political science and education.
Woodruff said she feels like everyone has declared a major except her.
"It gets irritating, because everyone knows but me," Woodruff said.
Steiner said it's OK for students to not know what their major is.
"It's better to come in not knowing, because it keeps doors open for opportunities," she said.
Victoria Youngblood, also in her second semester at UNM, said she hasn't decided, because there are too many fields of study that interest her.
"There are too many possibilities out there," Youngblood said. "It makes it hard to decide."
She too is not concerned about declaring a major.
"Most people are really undecided even if they say they know what they want to do," Youngblood said.
She said she is interested in nutrition and health.
"I'm thinking about medical school," Youngblood said. "But I really just don't know."
Steiner said students who have not declared majors are more open to exploring their options and are less fragile when hit with disappointments. She also said those students are easier to work with.
"If a student has their mind set on becoming a pharmacist and realizes they hate the classes, they are more likely to feel like they wasted time than someone with an open mind," she said.
Steiner said students can become so involved with what they think they want to do that they lose perspective and focus.
"It's a harsh reality for some students," she said.
Janisse Vazquez, senior academic adviser at University College, said students are advised to explore their options.
"If a student comes to me and says they want to take this, this and this, I tell them, 'try it and see what you like,'" she said.
Vazquez said she gives students a list of all the majors UNM offers to see if UNM is the right place for them.
She said after 64 earned hours and 72 attempted hours, students are encouraged to declare a major and transfer out of the University College.
