The PACE Center follows a five-step process to help students identify their strengths, research their options, and ultimately declare their major. PACE Academic Advisors are here to help students through every stage in the process. Learn more about the steps we take to help students find their major.
Parents, Family, and Academic Exploration
Parents and family members can be some of the most powerful support systems in helping students find their place in a major. We believe and acknowledge the impact you can have in this exploration process, and we want to help you learn how you can help your student. On this page, you will learn about the academic exploration process, common major misconceptions, and ways you can help your student find their path at Texas State.
The Academic Exploration Process
Common Misconceptions
Over the years, certain misconceptions about majors have been repeated and passed down. We want to dispel some of these ideas so that you can best support your student.
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The major my student selects will decide their career.
While specific majors (think: Nursing) may lead to a direct career path, the vast majority of career fields do not require a single major to enter that field. This means that your student can take advantage of one of Texas State's nearly 100 majors.
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Most students should come into college already decided on their major.
While it is great for students to enter college knowing exactly what they want to do, we encourage them to keep an open mind to new experiences as they begin coursework.
If a student is not quite sure what they want to major in, that is perfectly okay! We applaud students for being honest about not being sure. One option students have is to be declared as Exploratory. This major allows students to focus on General Education Core courses while working with our team to find a path.
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If my student starts as Exploratory, they will not graduate on time.
Each year, hundreds of students start as Exploratory at Texas State. As an Exploratory major, we focus on General Education core courses that are degree-applicable to most majors. This allows the student to maximize the credit they take while they are exploring.
Some degrees at Texas State are very sequential, so when a student is ready to declare their major, we will work with them to determine how they can complete their degree in the most timely manner.
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Employers are focused on a student's major when hiring candidates.
While some employers will review a student's major, the vast majority are looking for a combination of skills and experiences that the ideal candidate should have.
In a survey of 400 employers, 91 percent of employers agreed that "a candidate's demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems is more important than his or her undergraduate major."
Students should focus on developing marketable skills.
Advice for helping your student
Help your student through the five-step academic exploration process.
During this process, students are asked to reflect on their interests, abilities, and values. You can help by letting them know what you see as their strengths and reflect on their experiences.
Try not to pressure a student toward a specific path.
We know that you mean well when suggesting a path for a student. However, sometimes these suggestions put a great deal of pressure on students, which may lead to poor academic performance.
If a student wants to change their major, hear them out and use the tools above to ensure they make the best decision for them.
It is normal for students to want to change major after a semester or two or a year. As students experience their major and their courses, they may realize it is not a good fit. Please encourage your student to meet with an advisor to discuss the opportunities and challenges of changing their major.