Choosing a college major can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what you want to study yet.

At the University of Kansas, exploration is not a setback. It's a strategic starting point.

We get it. We know you might feel pressure to have everything figured out before you even step on campus. But the truth is, many students start college as an undecided major, and that’s completely okay. 

If you are considering applying as an undecided major, KU calls that path Jayhawk Exploratory Advising. Through Exploratory Pathways, students have the structure and support to explore majors while staying on track to graduate.

With personalized advising, career tools and hands-on experiences, you’ll have the time and support to explore your interests and discover the major that fits you. 

For students exploring their options, support starts right away. At KU, students in Jayhawk Exploratory Advising work closely with advisors like Kelsey Yadon, a Lead Academic Advisor who works specifically with undecided students as they explore majors and career paths.

“It's normal to feel some worries about choosing a major and pressure to have everything figured out,” Yadon said. “The reality is, most students don't have it figured out, even if it appears that they do.”

What does it mean to be an undecided major in college?

If you apply as an undecided major, it means you’re still exploring what you want to study while completing courses that keep you on track for graduation.

Many students start college undecided because they:

• Have multiple interests and don’t want to choose too early 
• Want to explore college-level classes before committing 
• Are still discovering their strengths and career goals 
• Want guidance connecting majors to future careers 

As an exploratory student at KU, you will:

• Complete general education courses that count toward graduation 
• Work one-on-one with an academic advisor 
• Learn about majors through KU’s Exploratory Pathways 
• Explore careers, interests and academic options 
• Choose a major by the end of your sophomore year 
  You’re not behind. You’re building a plan.

“The numbers of Exploratory students at KU changes all the time, but generally, about 10% of US college students are undecided at the start of college, and many more change their majors at least once — if not more,” Yadon said.

Starting college undecided is more common than many students — and parents — realize. In fact, we're answering your parent questions about being undecided, too. 

How KU helps you explore your major

At KU, undecided students work with Jayhawk Exploratory Advising, a dedicated advising pathway designed to help you discover your academic direction while staying on track for graduation.

Through exploratory advising, you’ll:

• Meet one-on-one with academic advisors 
• Take assessments to explore interests, skills and careers
• Learn about majors, minors and certificates across KU
• Build a personalized plan for exploring academic and career options 

“Our first priority is to get to know you!” Yadon said. “We want to hear about your interests, your hobbies, and how things are going. Then we'll talk about where you're at in exploring majors and careers. Based on your interests, we'll help you decide on some next steps to take in exploring and trying out your interests.”

When do you have to choose a major?

At KU, you have time. Most students select a major by the end of their sophomore year (around 60 credit hours), after completing foundational coursework and exploring different academic interests.

That means you can:

• Take introductory courses in different fields
• Talk with advisors and faculty
• Join student organizations and research opportunities
• Explore internships and career paths

You’re encouraged to explore thoughtfully and not rush your decision.

Connecting your major to your future career

One of the most important parts of choosing a major is understanding how it connects to your future. At KU, you’ll have access to career exploration tools and advising to help you see how majors align with different career paths.

You’ll explore:

• Career assessments and interest inventories
• Internship and research opportunities
• Career fairs and employer connections 
• Graduate school and professional pathways 

Choosing a major is about more than just classes. It’s about connecting your studies with your goals for the future.

“We love to connect our students with the University Career Center and the resources on their website,” Yadon said. “I particularly like the Careers by KU Major page, which helps students see a variety of paths with each major.”

Does being an undecided major look bad?

Not at all. In fact, starting as an undecided major can be a smart move.

Being undecided can help you:

• Discover new interests you didn’t know you had
• Avoid switching majors later and adding extra time to your degree
• Make a confident decision based on real experience
• Build a plan that matches your academic and career goals

“If you've got multiple areas of interests, or aren't quite sure what your interests are, please consider joining us as an Exploratory/Undecided student,” Yadon said. “Our team is here to help you get to a place where you are confident and excited in your major!”

Up to 75% of students change majors at least once, so exploring early can help you choose the right path.

KU’s six exploratory pathways

KU gives you structure to explore your interests and start building experience right away. Exploratory students at KU begin by identifying one of six interest-based pathways:

• Business and Leadership
• Creative Arts and Design
• Education and Public Service
• Health and Behavioral Sciences
• Languages, Cultures and Global Studies
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

Each pathway groups related majors and career fields, helping you focus your exploration while keeping your options open.

At the same time, you can participate in experiential learning programs that connect what you learn in class to real-world experiences. These opportunities can include research, internships, service projects, global learning and professional skill-building programs. 

Some experiences can even be recognized on your transcript to highlight your hands-on learning.

Together, our exploratory pathways and experiential learning help you explore majors, build skills and prepare for your future career while you are still deciding what you want to study. Once you narrow your interests, your advisor will help you select a major and create a plan to graduate on time. 

What classes will you take as an undecided major at KU?

As an undecided major, you’ll still take courses that count toward graduation. You’ll complete general education classes while also exploring introductory courses in different subjects.

For example, you might take:

• A psychology or sociology course
• An introductory business or computer science class
• A humanities or creative writing course
• A lab science or math course

These classes help you discover what you enjoy — and what you don’t — while staying on track for graduation.

From undecided to confident Jayhawk

Many KU students arrive undecided and graduate with a clear direction and a strong plan for the future. Through advising, academic exploration and real-world experiences, you’ll gain confidence in your choices.

“A lot of the work I do with undecided students is helping them uncover their interests, skills, and values; these traits are the basis for making a solid major and career decision,” Yadon said. “This is something you can start reflecting on at any time!”

At KU, your path doesn’t have to be linear. You can explore, adjust and grow — while staying supported every step of the way.