Transcript Slide 1

Rhode
Map
Success
The Exploratory Student’s Guide to
Choosing an Undergraduate Major
Table of Contents
Topic
Page
The University of Rhode Island - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3
Open Rhode: Introduction - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4
In the Drivers Seat: Personal Development - - - - - - - - - - 6
Which Rhode to Take: Investigating your Options - - - - - 11
A Fork in the Rhode: Evaluating your Options - - - - - - - - 15
Your Destination - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 22
Resources - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 23
Bibliography - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 24
2
The University of
Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island is composed of seven colleges:

College of Arts & Sciences
 School of Natural
Sciences and
Mathematics
 School of Humanities
 School of Social
Sciences
 School of Fine Arts






College of Business Administration
College of Engineering
College of Environmental Life
Sciences (CELS)
College of Human Science and
Services
College of Nursing
College of Pharmacy
University College is your first stop on your RhodeTrip through URI. Located
in Roosevelt Hall, UC does not grant degrees. The UC provides incoming and
undecided students with a vast assortment of advising programs, courses and
services to assist in exploring different opportunities before declaring a major.
Whether you have declared a major or not, all new students are enrolled in
University College. Here, you can meet with your academic advisor, visit the
Rockett Room to research different majors, or speak with a peer advisor
during walk-in hours.
Undergraduate students can earn the following degrees at URI:
•Bachelor of Arts
•Bachelor of Science
•Bachelor of Fine Arts
•Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
•Bachelor of Music
•Bachelor of General Studies (Feinstein College of Continuing Education only)
URI’s College of Pharmacy also offers a six-year entry-level program, leading to the
Pharm.D. degree.
3
Open Rhode
Whether you realized it or not, you have already made two important decisions:
choosing the University of Rhode Island and taking the initiative to seek out
assistance in choosing your major. This handbook is designed to provide direction
along the Rhode to success. It is not a book of answers, but rather a tool that will
lead you through the decision making process of choosing a major.
Wait, what’s a major?
According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a major is an “academic subject
chosen as a field of specialization”. This does not mean that for the next four,
five or six years, you will only take classes in that major. Your major makes up
a small percentage of the classes you will take at URI. Check out the chart
below to see how your classes are distributed.
Distribution of Classes to Earn a Degree
Major
Requirements
General
Education
Free Electives
Choosing a major is a progression of self-realization that will ultimately lead to
a career. Some careers are directly related to majors; however this is now always
the case. The concept of a major is to gain knowledge and skills that are
transferable in a variety of professions. By selecting a major, you are choosing
what classes you will take, what you are going to learn and what skills you are
going to acquire. Considering all of your options is essential for making the right
decision and you will probably find a good fit with a number of majors. Your final
decision should be based on an understanding of yourself as well as the
academic options available.
4
So you think you are the only one at URI without a major, or you will be
flipping burgers with your literature degree? Here are the facts on common
misconceptions about choosing a major.
Myth: “I’m the only one here without a major!”
Fact: You’re not alone! In the fall semester of 2006, 15% of the freshman class did not
declare a major prior to enrolling in classes at URI. You represent a very special and
constantly growing group at University College. The undecided academic advisors at
the University College have developed programs, courses, special housing and a peer
mentoring program designed for the purpose of supporting your needs as Exploratory
Students.
M
Y
T
H
Myth: “Once I choose a major, I will be stuck with it forever!”
Fact: Majority of students will switch majors at least once before graduation. Also, the
requirements for your major represent approximately one third on the classes you will
take at URI. This leaves plenty of room to explore other interests or even pick up a
minor of study.
S
Myth: “There is only one major for me!”
Fact: As you complete this handbook, you will discover that you are a good fit for
many different undergraduate study options.
Myth: “A Liberal Arts major? Do you want fries with that?”
Fact: Choosing a major that is not directly related to a career does not equal
unemployment. Employers do not hire majors, they hire skills. When you choose a
major you are choosing the skills that you will be able to apply to a career.
Myth: “I can’t choose the major I want because the job market for a career is horrible!”
Fact: The job market for any career is constantly changing. The condition of the job
market will most likely be different in a few years from now. Also remember, choosing
a major that you are passionate about will equip you will skills that can be versatile in a
range of job markets.
Myth: “I heard there is a test that will tell me what I should major in?”
Fact: While career and self assessments can point you in the right direction, even your
academic advisor cannot make this decision for you. These assessments are only
able to measure your interests, values and abilities and academic advisors are able to
match these results to certain programs of study. You are the only one who knows
what is best for you.
5
In the Driver’s Seat
Understanding yourself is the first step to choosing your major. Becoming aware of your
interests, skills and values, along with the comprehension of your personality type will help
you be able to create a list of major alternatives. The assessments in the personal
development section will create a profile that will best describe your personality, skills and
values, as they relate to your ultimate major and career.
Answering these questions will ignite your journey of developing your Driver Profile.
What do you truly enjoy doing?
What are you good at?
What is important to you?
6
The Holland Codes were created by psychologist John L. Holland and are
commonly used for career development. There are six personalities
identified using the Holland Codes: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social,
Enterprising, Conventional (RIASEC). These personality types are
associated with the different work environments that lead people to
careers. Holland believes that people have between two and three
dominate personality types.
Based on the descriptions below, can you choose your top three
personality codes?
Realistic: You are practical, athletic, nature lover, hands-on, tool oriented,
and systematic
Investigative: Inquisitive, scientific, observant, scholarly, curious, and
precise
P
E
R
S
O
N
A
L
I
T
Y
Artistic: Creative, non-conforming, imaginative, original, and impulsive
Social: Nurturing, supportive, friendly, insightful, and patient
Enterprising: Self-confident, assertive, persuasive, agreeable, and
energetic
Conventional: well-organized, numerically inclined, detail oriented
Highest scoring code
2nd Highest scoring code
3rd Highest scoring code
Visit http://www.soicc.state.nc.us/soicc/planning/c1a.htm
for a more in depth assessment
7
Many students enter college looking to gains skills that can be transferred into
a career. What you might not know is that you have developed many skills
already from part-time jobs, volunteer experience and in high school. Rate the
skills to see what you are best at.
1 – no/low ability
2 – moderate ability
3 – high ability
Management Skills
___ Motivate, supervise others
___ Handle multiple tasks
___ Plan, forecast
___ Delegate responsibility
Marketing & Sales Skills
___ Persuade/convince others
___ Research potential markets
___ Ability to deal & learn from
rejection
___ Develop promotional ideas
S
K
I
L
L
S
Leadership Skills
___ Make decisions
Analytical Skills
___ Self directed w/o supervision
___ Anticipate problems
___ Coordinate people to work in teams___ Research pertinent information
___ Develop imaginative alternatives
Organizational Skills
___ Diagnose & resolve problems
___ Systematic, follow through
___ Prioritize/time management
Creative Skills
___ Detail oriented
___ Innovative ability to create ideas
___ Use imagination to experiment
Communication Skills
___ Artistic, music, or design abilities
___ Write effective reports,
letters, memos
Social Skills
___ Listen well; answer questions
___ Show empathy to others
clearly
___ Offer support/encourage others
___ Speak, present, convey ideas
___ Advise/Aid people
credibly
Technical Skills
Finance Skills
___ PC experience
___ Numerical/statistical ability
___ Computer systems &
___ Develop plans & budgets
programming
___ Analyze facts and figures
___ Lab & research abilities
___ Building & fixing things
Educational Skills
___ Teaching & instructing
___ Create learning environments
___ Patience in dealing with difficult learners
8
Adapted from URI University College Self Assessment Tool
Understanding your work values is important when choosing a major,
since you are ultimately choosing the skills that will lead you to a
career. Rate the following values on how important they are in your
future career.
1 – Not important
2 – Moderately important
3 – Very important
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
Advancement opportunities
Friendships with coworkers
Moral fulfillment
Aesthetics, appreciate beauty
Help society
Power
Affiliation with organization
High earnings
Recognition
Challenging problems
Independence
Security, stability
Competition
Influence people
Supervision
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
Creativity
Intellectual status
Time freedom (flexible hours)
Excitement
Location of work place
Variety
Fast pace
Make decisions
Work alone
Working outside
Seasonal work
Travel
Research work
Benefits
Leadership
Physical Work
V
A
L
U
E
S
9
Adapted from URI University College Self Assessment Tool
Your RIASEC Code
D
R
I
V
E
R
Top 3 Skills
1.____________________________________
2.____________________________________
3._____________________________________
Top 3 Values
1.____________________________________
2.____________________________________
3._____________________________________
P
R
O
F
I
L
E
10
Which Rhode to Take?
The next step in the decision-making process is exploring all your options based on
the results of your personal development assessments. Below you will find a chart
that lists the different URI colleges based on Holland’s RIASEC codes. Then, from
those colleges you will list three majors that are of possible interest to you and list
three majors that you are absolutely uninterested in. On following page, you will find
a list of majors separated by college.
R
College of Engineering
CELS
C
College of Arts & Sciences
-School of Social Sci.
College of Business
Administration
-School of Nat. Sci.
College of Pharmacy
I
CELS
& Math
College of Arts &
Sciences
College of Arts & Sciences
-School of Nat. Science & Math
College of Arts & Sciences
College of Business Administration
-School of Fine Arts
College of Arts & Sciences
College of Human Science &
Services
-School of Humanities
A
E
College of Nursing
College of Human Science & Services
S
11
Use this list to identify possible majors of interest and eliminate
those that do not interest you based on your RIASEC code
COLLEGE OF ARTS &
SCIENCES
School of Natural Science
& Mathematics
 Chemistry: BA
 Chemistry: BS
 Chemistry &
Chemical
Oceanography: BS
 Computer Science:
BS & BA
 Physics: BS
 Mathematics: BS
 Mathematics: BA
 Physics: BA
 Physics & Physical
Oceanography: BS










College of Social Sciences
 African & AfricanAmerican Studies:
BA
 Anthropology: BA
 Applied Sociology:
BS
 Economics: BA
 Economics: BS
 Latin American
Studies: BA
 Political Science: BA
 Psychology: BA
 Sociology: BA
 Women's Studies:
BA
College of Fine Arts
 Art: BFA
 Art History: BA



Accounting: BS
Finance: BS
General Business
Administration: BS
International
Business: BS
Management: BS
Management
Information Systems:
BS
Marketing: BS
COLLEGE OF
ENGINEERING









Biomedical
Engineering: BS
Chemical
Engineering: BS
Chemical and Ocean
Engineering: BS
Civil Engineering: BS
Computer
Engineering: BS
Electrical
Engineering: BS
Industrial
Engineering: BS
Mechanical
Engineering: BS
Ocean Engineering:
BS
COLLEG OF HUMAN
SCIENCE & SERVICES







Human Development
& Family Studies: BS
Physical Education &
Exercise Science: BS
Textiles, Fashion
Merchandising &
Design: BS
Textile Marketing: BS
COLLEGE OF NURSING:
BS
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATION

College of Humanities
 Classical Studies: BA
 Communication
Studies: BA
 Comparative
Literature: BA
 English: BA
 Film Studies
 French: BA
 German: BA
 History: BA
 Italian: BA
 Journalism: BA
 Philosophy: BA
 Public Relations: BA
 Spanish: BA
 Writing and Rhetoric
Art Studio: BA
Music: BA
Music Composition:
BOM
Music Education:
BOM
Music Performance:
BOM
Theatre: BFA
Communicative
Disorders: BS
Elementary
Education: BA
Secondary
Education: BA, BS
COLLGEG OF PHARMACY:
PMD
COLLEGE OF
ENVIRONMENT & LIFE
SCIENCES


















Animal Science &
Technology: BS
Aquaculture &
Fishery Technology:
BS
Biology: BA
Biological Sciences:
BS
Clinical Laboratory
Science: BS
Coastal and Marine
Policy and
Management: BS
Coastal and Marine
Policy Studies: BA
Environmental
Economics &
Management: BS
Environmental
Horticulture and
Turfgrass
Management: BS
Environmental Plant
Biology: BS
Environmental
Science &
Management: BS
Geology &
Geological
Oceanography: BS
Geosciences: BS
Landscape
Architecture: BLA
Marine Biology: BS
Marine Resource
Development: BS
Microbiology: BS
Nutrition and
Dietetics: BS
Adapted from http://www.uri.edu/univcol/acadadv/?pages=majorlist
U
R
I
M
A
J
O
R
S
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MY RIASEC CODE
Highest Scoring Code ____
Possible Majors
Not Interested In
Major 1 ________________
Major 1 ________________
Major 2 ________________
Major 2 ________________
Major 3 ________________
Major 3 ________________
Second Highest Scoring Code ____
Possible Majors
Not Interested In
Major 1 ________________
Major 1 ________________
Major 2 ________________
Major 2 ________________
Major 3 ________________
Major 3 ________________
Third Highest Scoring Code ____
Possible Majors
Not Interested In
Major 1 ________________
Major 1 ________________
Major 2 ________________
Major 2 ________________
Major 3 ________________
Major 3 ________________
O
P
T
I
O
N
S
W
O
R
K
B
O
O
K
13
Before we start evaluating each major being considered, its important to
gather as much information as possible on each major. Research can
include description of major, courses required to complete a degree in this
discipline and related career alternatives. Below are selected links that
can help in this stage. Also, visit the Rockett Room in Roosevelt Hall to
check out the Major Binders that were created for this purpose. Careers
Services is another great resource for career information.
1. URI Catalog
http://www.uri.edu/catalog/
Gives descriptions of majors, minors, and courses offered
at URI.
2. URI Advising Information by College
G
A
T
H
E
R
I
N
G
http://www.uri.edu/univcol/acadadv/?pages=hb05_06
Download curriculum sheets per major
3. Collegeboard Major & Career Profiles
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/csearch/majors_careers/index.html
Describes majors and related careers.
I
N
F
O
4. Arizona State University “What can I do with this major”
http://www.asu.edu/studentaffairs/career/Students/ChoosingAMajor/whatcanIdowith.htm
Download information about majors and related careers.
Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view many of the resources offered on these
websites. Download it free at http://www.adobe.com/
14
A Fork in the Rhode
With all the information you have gathering in the investigation stage, you might be
feeling a bit overwhelmed. In this stage of the decision making process, you will narrow
down your options by evaluating each major based on required courses and the results
from your personal assessments.
Try answering this question to get started.
Describe your dream job:
15
1.
Download a curriculum sheets for each major. Visit
http://www.uri.edu/univcol/acadadv/?pages=hb05_06 for curriculum
sheets.
2.
Fill in three courses that you would be excited to take from this major and
answer subsequent questions.
Major 1 ____________________________________________
1. List 3 required courses that you would be excited to take:
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
2. Are there any required courses in this major that I would
not be willing to take or do well in?
3. Can I perform well academically in this major?
4. Am I motivated to learn more about this subject?
5. Do the requirements for this major reflect my abilities?
6. Do the careers related to this major hold values that are
important to me?
E
V
A
L
U
A
T
I
O
N
Major 2 ____________________________________________
1. List 3 required courses that you would be excited to take:
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
2. Are there any required courses in this major that I would
not be willing to take or do well in?
3. Can I perform well academically in this major?
4. Am I motivated to learn more about this subject?
5. Do the requirements for this major reflect my abilities?
6. Do the careers related to this major hold values that are
important to me?
16
Major 3 ____________________________________________
1. List 3 required courses that you would be excited to take:
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
2. Are there any required courses in this major that I would
not be willing to take or do well in?
3. Can I perform well academically in this major?
4. Am I motivated to learn more about this subject?
5. Do the requirements for this major reflect my abilities?
6. Do the careers related to this major hold values that are
important to me?
Major 4 ____________________________________________
E
V
A
L
U
A
T
I
O
N
1. List 3 required courses that you would be excited to take:
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
2. Are there any required courses in this major that I would
not be willing to take or do well in?
3. Can I perform well academically in this major?
4. Am I motivated to learn more about this subject?
5. Do the requirements for this major reflect my abilities?
6. Do the careers related to this major hold values that are
important to me?
17
Major 5 ____________________________________________
1. List 3 required courses that you would be excited to take:
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
2. Are there any required courses in this major that I would
not be willing to take or do well in?
3. Can I perform well academically in this major?
4. Am I motivated to learn more about this subject?
5. Do the requirements for this major reflect my abilities?
6. Do the careers related to this major hold values that are
important to me?
Major 6 ____________________________________________
E
V
A
L
U
A
T
I
O
N
1. List 3 required courses that you would be excited to take:
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
2. Are there any required courses in this major that I would
not be willing to take or do well in?
3. Can I perform well academically in this major?
4. Am I motivated to learn more about this subject?
5. Do the requirements for this major reflect my abilities?
6. Do the careers related to this major hold values that are
important to me?
18
Major 7 ____________________________________________
1. List 3 required courses that you would be excited to take:
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
2. Are there any required courses in this major that I would
not be willing to take or do well in?
3. Can I perform well academically in this major?
4. Am I motivated to learn more about this subject?
5. Do the requirements for this major reflect my abilities?
6. Do the careers related to this major hold values that are
important to me?
Major 8 ____________________________________________
E
V
A
L
U
A
T
I
O
N
1. List 3 required courses that you would be excited to take:
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
2. Are there any required courses in this major that I would
not be willing to take or do well in?
3. Can I perform well academically in this major?
4. Am I motivated to learn more about this subject?
5. Do the requirements for this major reflect my abilities?
6. Do the careers related to this major hold values that are
important to me?
19
Major 9 ____________________________________________
1. List 3 required courses that you would be excited to take:
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
2. Are there any required courses in this major that I would
not be willing to take or do well in?
3. Can I perform well academically in this major?
4. Am I motivated to learn more about this subject?
5. Do the requirements for this major reflect my abilities?
6. Do the careers related to this major hold values that are
important to me?
E
V
A
L
U
A
T
I
O
N
20
After evaluating your original list of majors, try to narrow down your
original list to about 4 or 5 majors.
1._______________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________________
4. ______________________________________________________
5. ______________________________________________________
E
V
A
L
U
A
T
I
O
N
Other Evaluation Tips
•Talk to faculty, advisors, upper class students and friends in those majors
•Attend a workshop during Explore Your Major Month at University College
•Visit the bookstore and check out the books that are required for a major.
Does the material covered look interesting?
•Take an introductory class in that major as a general education requirement
or free elective.
•Consider your learning style. Does the required work match your learning
style?
21
Your Destination
Now you have better idea of what direction you want to take. You might find that you are
attracted in more than one areas of interest. This could be an opportunity to choose a
minor or double major. Also, knowing what you are interested in can help in choosing
what general education requirements or free electives to take.
If you are still having trouble deciding, bring this handbook to your advisor. They will be
able to go over your personal assessments in more detail and suggest others tests that
could lead you in a better direction.
The final stage in choosing a major, is actually declaring it. To do this, you must make an
appointment with your advisor at University College.
A Fast & Easy Way to Make an Appointment with Your Advisor
•Sign onto E-campus, using your username and password
•URI Advisement > URI Advisement > Student > Make Appointment with Advisor
•Use drop down menu to select your advisor
•Click “Make Appointment with Advisor”
•Select a time, verify your contact information
22
Resources
The Internet is a great resource for discovering information about majors and careers.
Here are a few helpful websites.
University of Missouri Career Interest Game
http://career.missouri.edu/students/explore/thecareerinterestsgame.php
Uses the RIASEC Codes to match your skills and interests to related careers and
how your personality can fit into certain work environments.
The Riley Guide
http://www.rileyguide.com/
The Riley Guide is a comprehensive list of career information sites on the web.
MonsterTRAK Major to Career Converter
http://content.monstertrak.monster.com/tools/careerconverter/
Uses a drop down menu to direct users to related careers based off their major.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook 2006-07 Edition
http://stats.bls.gov/oco/
Everything you need to know about careers.
23
Bibliography
How to Choose a College Major, by Linda Landis Andrews (VGM Career Horizons).
Major Decisions: A Guide to College Majors, Richard A. Blumenthal and Joseph A.
Despres (Wintergreen/Orchard House).
Major in Success: Make College Easier, Beat the System, and Get a Very Cool Job ,
Patrick Combs (Ten Speed Press).
The College Board Guide to 150 Popular College Majors, Renee Gernand (College
Entrance Examination Board).
The College Majors Handbook: The Actual Jobs, Earnings, and Trends for Graduates of
60 College Majors, Paul E. Harrington and Thomas F. Harrington (Jist Works).
The Dictionary of Holland Occupational Codes, Gary Gottfredson and John Holland
(Psychological Assessment Resources Inc.)
The Career Key, Lawrence K. Jones <www.careerkey.org>
University of Rhode Island Course Catalog <http://www.uri.edu/catalog>
University of Rhode Island University College Academic Advising
<http://www.uri.edu/univcol/acadadv/default.php>
National Academic Advising Association <http://www.nacada.ksu.edu>
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Kaitlin O’Hara
Senior Honors Project
2007
25