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Major and Career Exploration

Deciding on a major and/or career is a process that involves personal reflection, purposeful interactions and a willingness to try new things.  Use the tabs below to find out how the FYAC supports your exploration throughout your first year.

Before You Begin Classes

  • Use Courses to Help You Explore
    • Review course options provided on the Exploring Guide with your adviser to select classes that will help you explore your interest areas.  
  • Consider COM 1100
    • Enroll in COM 1100, a freshman seminar, to take advantage of the exploration activities provided in the course and have additional support in your transition to college.
  • Meet with Your FYAC Adviser (highly encouraged)
  • Review OU Majors and their Requirements
    • Utilize the list of undergraduate programs to learn more about degree requirements for OU majors.  Students often find the sample schedules to be the most helpful in learning about different programs.

First Semester

  • Meet with Your FYAC Adviser (required)
    • Schedule an appointment to discuss your transition to college, review the courses you are taking and continue making a plan for exploration.
  • Complete Focus2 OU Assessments
    • Learn more about yourself as you take self-assessments focused on work, values, personality, skills and leisure.  Then, meet with a Career and Life Design Coach to review your results and discuss next steps.
  • Try Something New
  • Attend the Major/Minor Expo
    • Held each year in October, you’ll get first-hand information about OU majors and network with faculty and students at this event.

Second Semester

  • Meet with Your FYAC Adviser (required)
  • Try Something New
    • Dive a little deeper into your interest areas through informational interviews or job shadowing.  Meet with a Career and Life Design Coach to get started!
  • Attend the Career Fair
    • Held in the fall and winter semesters, the Career Fair allows you to network with employers.  It’s never too early to learn about possible career options!

First Year Advising Center

North Foundation Hall, Room 101
318 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester, MI 48309-4454
(location map)
(248) 370-3227


Office Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Orientation & New Student Programs
North Foundation Hall, Room 101
318 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester, MI 48309-4454
(248) 370-GOLD
[email protected]

Office Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.