Skip to main content
Indiana University
Academics

Find the right academic fit

If you’re not sure what you want to study as you start your first or second semester at IU, it’s okay to be undecided or uncertain. In fact, a lot of students arrive at IU undecided, and about 60 percent of students change their major within the first year.
IU student works with a professor.

Create a major or degree exploratory plan

The best way to find a program that works for you is to learn all your options and create an exploratory plan so you can make an informed decision. Choosing a major is a process. You may need to try a few courses in a degree program or check out several options before you decide, but that work will be worth it.

  1. Look at the list of degrees and programs

    Go through the list of majors at your IU campus and narrow it down to the ones that are interesting to you or seem to fit with one of your potential career goals.

  2. Work with your academic advisor, academic coach, or career coach once you get to campus

    Together, you can identify your values, interests, and skills. Talk to them about the career options related to the majors you’re considering and look at the pros and cons of each program.

  3. Consider taking an exploratory course at your campus

    Exploratory courses are survey courses that look at a wide range of programs and careers to give you an in-depth look at different choices.

  4. Take classes to fulfill general education requirements

    As you’re exploring, it’s helpful to complete general education requirements so that you can work to graduate on time.

  5. Take a course in a major that interests you

    Try a class or two in one of the majors you’re considering. Talk with professors and instructors about the field, and join a related student organization to get a better feel for what students in the program are planning for their careers. Find out about minors or certificates that can enhance your degree.

  6. Learn how to enter a school or division once you decide on a program

    Work with your advisor to apply to the school or department you’ve chosen, or to change your major if you declared a different major before.

Female undergraduate student sawing metal in a jewelry class.

Explore degrees and majors at IU

IU offers hundreds of programs for every area of interest. Explore the full list to find programs for almost anything that interests you, or search for specific areas of study. You can also combine programs to create your own major.
Explore IU degrees and majors

Download the IU Mobile app

The improved IU Mobile app puts more of the tools you need in one place, no matter where you are. Stay updated on important university info, get easy access to IU learning resources, view your class schedule, and more.

Get IU Mobile on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

Keep exploring

Explore majors by interest, browse all majors and degrees, and find resources for career preparation.