Here are some suggestions to help you choose a major that’s right for you.
- Study the list of about a hundred majors, found in the IUP Catalog and viewbook. If one sounds like a field you are interested in, enroll in the college that provides that major. Wait to declare your major until you are sure of your choice.
- Register for core classes in the Liberal Studies curriculum until you select your major. Every IUP student is required to take a minimum of forty-three semester hours in this curriculum, which is designed to prepare students with writing and communication skills and with a broad background that can be applied throughout life.
- Schedule wisely, so that every credit can be applied toward graduation. All freshmen are expected to take College Writing, History of the Modern Era, Health and Wellness, and one course from a list of Fine Arts selections. Talk with your adviser and make selections carefully, choosing options that fulfill the requirements of more than one of the majors you are considering.
- Remain flexible. You may switch from one college to another after arriving at IUP. Keep in mind you must have at least a 2.0 grade point average, sometimes higher, to switch into a new college.
- Study hard. Sometimes, students who haven't declared their major tend to slack off in the classes they do take, thinking they don't count. That's wrong. Every class is applied toward your average, and you must maintain a 2.0 to stay at IUP.
- If you are applying for financial aid, remember that one form of aid, Pennsylvania State Grants, is limited to eight semesters of study.
- If you are still uncertain about coming to college without declaring a major, call the Career Exploration Center and talk with the director. He'll be glad to discuss your options with you.
Although you may not be ready to select a major, you still must be enrolled in one of IUP's six undergraduate colleges. If you haven't declared a major, you will be listed as an "undecided" student in the college you have selected from the following list:
Eberly College of Business
This college has six departments: Accounting, Finance and Legal Studies, Management, Marketing, Managing Information Systems and Decision Sciences, and Technology Support and Training.
College of Education and Educational Technology
All teacher education programs completed here lead to certification for public school teaching. The college also prepares school counselors, psychologists, principals, and specialists in communications media, clinical services, early childhood, and special education.
College of Fine Arts
This college has professional programs in art, music, and theater. Programs leading to teacher certification are offered in cooperation with the College of Education.
College of Health and Human Services
Six departments compose this college: Food and Nutrition; Health and Physical Education; Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management; Human Development and Environmental Studies; Nursing and Allied Health Professions; and Safety Sciences.
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
This college provides a background in a wide variety of areas, including anthropology, criminology, economics, English, French, geography, German, history, journalism, philosophy, political science, regional planning, religious studies, Spanish, and sociology. Programs leading to teacher certification are offered in cooperation with the College of Education.
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
This college includes the departments that cover these majors: biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, geoscience, mathematics, and psychology. Programs leading to teacher certification are offered in cooperation with the College of Education.
