Choosing a major is a significant step in your student’s academic and professional journey, and we welcome you on the journey!
We know that it can be both exciting and challenging for students as they explore many possibilities. For some students, choosing a major is an individual process of elimination. For others, the first few semesters confirm what they already know, or suspect, about their academic interests. Major exploration also exposes students to new fields they may not have even known about!
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How CCAS Helps
It’s common and understandable for a college student not to know which direction is right for them. In fact, academic and career exploration are foundational aspects of the college experience. We know there are many reasons why a student may not be ready to declare a major. We welcome conversations with students to help clarify some of these reasons and offer resources to help guide them.
Major exploration is an opportunity for students to discover their interest, purpose, and passions, develop their skills, and imagine their future. Students can be most successful when they find something they like to do and are good at, in addition to meeting financial and other needs. Regardless of where your student starts, we are dedicated to helping them explore the wide range of options at UW, decide on an academic path, and graduate on time.
A Holistic Approach
Each student has a different story, various interests, and unique circumstances. We meet students where they are and go from there.
We encourage them to think about their strengths, interests, influences, and motivations when making academic decisions. We guide them to find a place to belong, to explore the many options on campus, and to become the individual they want to be during their college career.
Cross-College Knowledge
CCAS advisors are knowledgeable about the eight undergraduate schools and colleges at UW-Madison. We help students explore majors and certificates within and across them all.
Our breadth of academic knowledge enables us to give students a range of options to consider. We also serve as a general advising resource for all students on campus. Any student who has a question can come to us for support.
Conversation & Connection
When working with students, conversation and resource referrals are our primary tools. We ask questions, reserve judgment, and try to understand their goals and needs.
Our conversations often cover many topics and help us know how we can best support each student. This helps both the advisor and the student get to a point where they can plan a semester and beyond. We also connect students with resources on campus that align with their strategic exploration. This might be talking about student groups, job opportunities, or connections with advisors in specific departments.
Strategic Exploration
Our Strategic Exploration process asks students to be intentional about the courses they choose. With Strategic Exploration, each course has a purpose. It could be to explore subjects of interest, meet initial requirements, or take classes to prepare for applying to a specific program. An exploring student’s schedule might look quite different from that of a student who has decided their major. This is okay, because:
- Each class a student takes helps them get closer to graduation
- Early in a student’s career at UW, almost every class will fulfill a requirement
- Students who explore early usually decide within 2-3 semesters and then stick with that decision
UW-Madison Advising is more than academics. There are many other advising resources available to your student!
Advising is a key aspect of the teaching and learning mission of UW-Madison. There are several different types of advisors that your student may interact with during their college experience. We encourage you to remind your student of the resources available to them on campus whenever they need help.
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Academic
An academic advisor is a professional who provides advice and guidance to students on academic matters. Academic advisors are the point-of-contact for students for topics such as:
- Course selection & schedule creation
- Degree requirements
- Major exploration & declaration
- Grades/GPA
- Planning future semesters
Academic advisors are also here to support students during any academic or personal issues that they face. They can help connect them with other campus resources and help get the information they need.
If your student starts with CCAS, they will have an assigned CCAS academic advisor until they declare a major.
Major
A major is a specific area of study to specialize in while in college (like Political Science, Chemistry, or Psychology), that typically consists of 30-40 credits.
After students declare a major, they will work with a major advisor through graduation. A major advisor is a professional advisor or faculty member within the academic department or unit that houses that academic program. Major advisors have full expertise within the major to help students with:
- Guiding course selection
- Staying on track for major and degree completion
- Learning about research and job opportunities
- Connecting with faculty in the academic department
Certificate
A certificate is an optional path of study that allows students to gain skills and knowledge in a specific subject or integrate multiple subject areas. These are similar to minors at other colleges & universities. Certificates are typically between 15-24 credits.
Each certificate on campus has dedicated person or team to advise students in the program. A certificate advisor is who students work with to ensure they complete the program requirements.
Career
A career advisor is a professional who provides students (and often alumni) with support in identifying and attaining career goals. Career advisors can help students with many aspects of career exploration, including:
- Gathering information & personal insight based on their interests, values, and skills.
- Discussing options on choosing a major or academic path that aligns with career goals.
- Offering help with resume writing, job search strategies, interview preparation, and career exploration.
- Providing information about internships, co-op programs, and experiential learning opportunities.
- Developing networking skills and building professional relationships.
- Organizing career-related workshops, seminars, and events.
- Providing support for graduate school applications and entrance exams.
- Offering guidance on job offers, negotiations, and career transitions.
For more information about career advising at UW-Madison, visit careers.wisc.edu.
Cohort Program
Students in one of UW-Madison’s cohort programs may also have direct advising resources in that program. Cohort program advisors help provide individualized and holistic support services for their students while at UW-Madison.
These programs include:
- Center for Academic Excellent (CAE)
- Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO)
- First Wave
- Mercile J. Lee Scholars
- Precollege Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence (PEOPLE)
- Posse Program
Specialist
A specialist advisor is an expert who provides targeted guidance and support in a specific area within the university. They have in-depth knowledge and experience related to their area and help students through specific needs. These include, but not limited to:
- Adult & Special Student Services
- Athletics Academic Services
- Basic Needs Resources
- Dean of Students Office
- International Student Services (ISS)
- McBurney Disability Resource Center
- Office of Student Financial Aid
- Study Abroad
- Wisconsin Institute for Science Education and Community Engagement (WISCIENCE)
Parent and Supporter Resources
UW Parent and Family Program
UW-Madison recognizes that you are a very important partner in your studentʼs success. The Parent and Family Program helps you stay connected to campus and serves as your ongoing resource throughout your studentʼs college career.
Career Exploration Center (CEC)
Our partner office, the Career Exploration Center, has information about how they support students in career exploration, and how you can be part of the process.