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Not sure how to choose a college major? You’re not alone – about 15% of first-year students at Northwest Missouri State University begin as undecided majors. Northwest’s exploratory academic pathways, called meta majors, give you time to explore while earning credits that count toward graduation. You’ll begin in one of four areas (sciences, business, education or university studies) and take courses shared across programs in that field.
You’ll also meet regularly with a professional academic advisor who helps you review your interests, discuss career options and select courses as you work toward declaring a major and deciding which program fits you best.
Office of Admissions
800 University Drive
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660.562.1562
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A meta major groups together related academic programs that share similar introductory courses. Instead of selecting a specific major right away, you begin in a broader academic area and complete classes that apply to several majors within that field.
If you start college as an undecided major, this pathway allows you to explore programs while narrowing down what you want to study.
At Northwest, you choose one of four areas of study and begin taking courses required across programs in that area. As you complete these courses, you’ll learn more about subjects within that area of study and narrow your focus before declaring a major. If you select the business meta major, for example, you may take courses such as Accounting I, Principles of Marketing and Principles of Management. The courses apply to several business programs, allowing you to explore different options before selecting a specific major. Many introductory courses also count toward Northwest Core requirements, helping you stay on track to graduate in four years.
At Northwest, you’ll begin your exploratory major in one of four areas of study. Each option groups together related programs so you can explore fields of study within that academic area before making a final decision. As you take introductory courses and meet with your advisor, you’ll learn more about the programs and career options connected to each area before choosing your major.
Northwest also offers exploratory courses across many subject areas – including psychology, sociology, media, criminal justice, agriculture, computer science and languages – allowing undecided students to experience different fields before declaring a major.
The business meta major at Northwest introduces courses shared across several programs in the School of Business. Early coursework may include:
These courses introduce core business concepts and allow you to explore different areas before selecting a specific business major.
If you know you want to teach but are still deciding what subject or grade level fits you best, the education meta major at Northwest allows you to explore teacher preparation programs offered through the School of Education before selecting a specific major.
Early coursework may include:
These courses introduce key concepts in teaching, learning and student development while helping you explore different education programs before declaring a major in education.
If you know you enjoy science but are still deciding which field interests you most, the sciences meta major at Northwest allows you to explore programs offered through the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences before selecting a specific major.
Early coursework may include:
These courses introduce core scientific concepts and laboratory experiences while helping you learn about different scientific disciplines before you declare a major in a science-related program.
If you really don’t know what you want to study, the university studies meta major at Northwest gives you the flexibility to explore programs across the university before selecting a field of study. As an undecided major, you’ll take introductory courses from different disciplines while you evaluate your academic interests and career goals.
Early coursework may include:
You’ll also work with your advisor to review programs across Northwest and determine which major fits you best.
You don’t need to declare a major the moment you arrive on campus. You may begin at Northwest as an undecided major while you explore your academic interests and learn more about the programs available to you.
At Northwest, you can remain in your exploratory major pathway for up to four semesters while you take introductory courses that apply across multiple programs. During that time, you’ll meet regularly with an academic advisor, learn about majors across campus and use career tools that help you evaluate different fields of study before selecting your program.
Northwest provides a variety of resources to help you move from an undeclared major to selecting a program that best fits your interests and career goals. These resources include one-on-one advising, campus events that introduce different majors, career exploration tools and opportunities to connect with faculty and industry professionals.
You’ll meet one-on-one with an academic advisor who specializes in helping students explore majors. During meetings at least once each semester, you’ll discuss your interests, identify goals and review courses that apply across multiple programs while you evaluate your options.
After enrolling, you’ll have access to our “Deciding to Decide” Canvas site, an online resource designed to help students explore majors. You can compare programs offered at Northwest, review resources that support the decision process and connect with your academic advisor to discuss potential options.
Our Exploring Majors and Minors event allows you to meet faculty and current students from programs across Northwest. You can ask questions, learn about different academic departments and compare majors and minors as you consider which program aligns with your interests.
Northwest provides career exploration tools that help you understand how majors connect to career options. TalentDesk highlights careers associated with different degrees, including projected job growth and salary information. Vault Career Intelligence provides insight into what professionals do in their day-to-day work so you can evaluate potential career paths.
Choosing a major becomes easier once you see how different fields connect to real careers. At Northwest, you can meet professionals, connect with employers and gain experience that helps you evaluate different areas of study before declaring your major.
Opportunities include:
If you're starting college as an undecided major, Northwest advisors can help you explore programs, compare majors and choose courses that support your academic goals. Contact the Student Success Center to learn more about meta majors and the resources available to help you decide on a major.
Student Success Center
660.562.1695
studentsuccess@nwmissouri.edu
A meta major groups together related academic programs that share similar introductory courses. Instead of choosing a specific program immediately, you begin in a broader area and explore courses that apply across several majors. At Northwest, meta majors allow you to explore fields of study while earning credits that count toward graduation.
The term “undeclared major” refers to students who have not yet selected a program of study when they begin college. If you’re searching “undeclared major meaning,” “undeclared major” simply describes students who begin college without choosing a specific academic program.
Many students choose their major during their first or second year of college. At Northwest, you can remain in a meta major for up to four semesters while taking introductory courses that apply across several programs. This exploratory major approach allows you to evaluate your interests and feel confident choosing a program.
If you’re wondering how to choose a college major, start by exploring subjects that interest you and learning how they connect to potential careers. At Northwest, advisors help students who begin as an undecided major compare programs, review career options and choose courses that apply across multiple fields of study.
Students asking, “What major should I choose?” often benefit from starting in a broader academic area. At Northwest, meta majors allow you to explore related programs before declaring a major. This approach helps students discover some of the best majors for undecided students while earning credits that apply toward graduation.
Yes. Many students who begin as an undeclared major graduate in four years. By starting in a meta major at Northwest, you take introductory courses that apply across several programs, allowing you to explore different options while staying on track toward graduation.
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