Major and Minor Fair

Spend some time exploring all the programs offered at Buffalo State.  

Complete FOCUS, which is an online career system that provides information to help you learn more about yourself and identify careers and majors that may be a good fit for you. You can stop by the Career and Professional Education Center to have your FOCUS results reviewed by a career counselor and to get additional career tips.

Questions To Ask When Exploring Majors & Minors

Consider asking these questions when meeting with departments.

General

• Why should I consider this major?
• What is expected of students entering this major (skills, time commitment, attitude)?
• Are there any specific requirements I must meet/complete before I can declare this major or take Junior/Senior classes (ex: completion of specific courses, a GPA requirement, etc.)?
• What General Education or other introductory courses do you offer that will help me explore this major?
• What type of coursework and projects (essays, papers, group projects, research, assignments) can I expect in the courses for this field?
• What skills will this major help me develop?
• What minors do students in this major typically pursue?
• Are there any majors that might be a good choice as a second major along with your program?
• What General Education courses to you recommend to students in this major?
• Is graduate school usually required to work in the fields associated with this major?
• Do you offer accelerated master’s degree options with your programs?
• Can you recommend activities a student should be pursing while working on completing a degree in this major (ex. volunteering, work experience, books to read, etc.)?

Career

• What kinds of careers have alumni pursued with this major?
• What might be some unexpected careers?
• What are the average salaries associated with your major?

Opportunities

What special opportunities does this department offer to students in the major:

• Scholarships?
• Are there opportunities for internships, undergraduate research, study abroad, etc. associated with this major?
• Clubs/Organizations and/or student associations?
• What other opportunities exist for leadership or involvement in the department?

• Review the information you received during the Major and Minor Fair.
• Continue to learn about the programs that interest you and schedule an appointment with your advisor in the Academic Advising Center or contact the department that houses the program(s) you are interested in to discuss your interests and start working on your career plan.
• Contact the Career and Professional Education Center to learn more about how part-time jobs, internships, and experiential learning opportunities can help you reach your career goals.

Visit departments offering majors, minors, or certificates relating to your interests.

• Ask the department representative about recommended introductory courses and supplementary courses to explore.

Meet with the department representative to discuss what you can gain from this major, minor, or certificate program, both in your academic and professional development.

• Inquire about “outside-the-classroom” opportunities, such as research, internships, fieldwork, service learning, and study-away programs offered through the department.

Be open to exploring your options! This includes exploring academic areas you have not studied or considered before.

Remember, you must declare a major by the end of your sophomore year!

Visit and connect with the undergraduate representative of your prospective and/or declared major(s) and minor(s).

• Inquire about suggested major and minor elective courses that relate most closely to your area of interest within the subject.
• Inquire about “outside-the-classroom” opportunities, such as research, internships, fieldwork, service learning, and study-away programs offered through the department(s).

Find out how you can excel in your courses, major, and minor.

• See services for tutoring and academic coaching, as well as the Math Center and the Writing Center.

Research how and when to pursue internships, fieldwork, or research.

• See the undergraduate representative of your major/minor.
• Speak with career counselors from the Career and Professional Education Center.

Connect or re-connect with faculty in your major and minor department(s).

• Consider and learn more about courses in various subjects outside of your major/minor that will compliment your studies and provide a well-rounded academic experience.
• Identify and prepare for pursuing graduate school, professional programs, or post-graduate job options.
• Confirm which entrance exam(s) are needed for advanced study, how/when to take them, and how to prepare.
• Determine eligibility requirements for advanced study.

Discuss research, fieldwork, service learning, or internship opportunities.

Discuss preparation for pursuing professional experiences.

• Consult with departments and the Career and Professional Education Center.
• Ask about resume preparation and critiques, as well as seeking recommendation letters.
• Identify methods and practices to prepare for interviews.

Visit the department(s) of your major(s)/minor(s) to confirm progress toward expected graduation timeline.

• Identify timeline for post-graduation opportunities, like graduate school and jobs.

Visit departments and the Career and Professional Education Center to identify deadlines for applying to graduate or professional programs and prepare materials (resume, personal statement template, and request letters of recommendation).