Passaic Today

Montclair State University offers a unique program aimed at assisting students in selecting a major that aligns with their interests and career aspirations. With a focus on providing expert guidance, the University College program has seen nearly 4,000 success stories in six years, making it the first and only program in New Jersey tailored for undecided students.

Academic Advisor Johayra Granados-Roldán emphasizes the importance of considering passion areas and career goals when exploring different majors. Granados-Roldán advises students not to limit themselves to what they already know, stating, "Think about your passion areas and career goals, and how different majors align with them."

The program not only offers practical advice to students, including freshmen and transfer students, but also provides a wide range of resources and events to help them learn more about majors. Academic Advisor Lindsey Hresko encourages students to explore their options strategically, saying, "I tell students, don’t be afraid to explore your options, but be clever about exploring strategically."

One of the program's popular initiatives is the "crash a class" opportunity, allowing students to preview over 65 different course options across campus. Additionally, the I Do Declare! Podcast offers insights into various majors and opportunities available at Montclair State University.

An annual event called "Major Madness," inspired by college basketball's March Madness, showcases Montclair's 300 different majors, minors, concentrations, and certificate programs. This event serves as a platform for students to gather information from faculty and staff, with a significant number of students making their major declarations during this time.

University College's commitment to helping students choose a major was highlighted on March 26 when the program took over the gymnasium in the Student Recreation Center for a special event. The event saw students interacting with staff and narrowing down their choices, with a substantial percentage of major declarations occurring during the spring semester.

In conclusion, Montclair State University's dedication to supporting students in selecting a major that suits their interests and goals sets it apart, offering valuable guidance and resources to ensure students make informed decisions about their academic paths.