Academic Planning

What should I major in?

What does the term major mean? 

In the United States and Canada, your academic major—simply called “your major”—is the academic discipline you commit to as an undergraduate college student. It’s an area you specialize in, such as accounting, chemistry, criminology, archeology, digital arts, or dance. In United States colleges and universities, roughly 2,000 majors are offered. And within each major is a host of core courses and electives. When you successfully complete the required courses in your major, you qualify for a degree.

Where did the term major come from? In 1877, it first appeared in a Johns Hopkins University catalog. That major required only two years of study. Later, in 1910, Abbott Lawrence Lowell introduced the academic major system to Harvard University during his time as president there. This major required students to complete courses in a specialized discipline and also in other subjects. Variations of this system are now the norm in higher education institutions in the U.S. and Canada.

Why is your major important? 

It’s important because it’s a defining and organizing feature of your undergraduate degree. Ultimately, your major should provide you with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and/or behaviors you need to fulfill your college goals and objectives.

How do I select a major? 

Selecting your major is one of the most exciting tasks (and, to some students, perhaps one of the most nerve-wracking tasks) you are asked to perform in college. So many decisions are tied to it. But if you have good guidance, patience, and enthusiasm, the process is easier. Aims Career Services Can Help!

To schedule an appointment, call (970) 339-6508 or send an email to careerservices@aims.edu. In-person, phone, and web conferencing appointments are available. Visit the Career Services website for more information: https://www.aims.edu/departments/career-services

Character Strengths Connection: Reflect on your character strengths as you consider possible majors and classes to take with a degree program.  You will have more motivation and likely to have better results.  You will not just be "getting" a college education but rather creating one that will be based on who you are and developing your strenghts.

Resources for Exploring Majors

• List of College Majors (MyMajors): A list of more than 1,800 college majors—major pages include descriptions, courses, careers, salary, related majors and colleges offering major.

• Take the College Major Profile Quiz (About.com): The quiz is designed to help students think about college majors, personality traits, and how they may fit within different areas of study

• Explore Careers (BigFuture/The College Board): Explore careers by selecting “Show me majors that match my interests,” “Show me new career ideas,” and “Show me how others made their choices”

• The College Major: What It Is and How To Choose One (BigFuture/The College Board): When to choose a major, how to choose a major, “you can change your mind,” majors and graduate school, and majors and professions 

• My Next Move: This is a great website to explore careers with key words.  It can provide you insights into the educational requirement for careers and related to majors.

How can I make an educational plan?

There has also been focused attention on the importance of educational planning. Education plans developed with an advisor can help students determine and explore a program of study and have proven to facilitate student success.[1].

Students can follow educational plans like a roadmap so they can see how to complete the required classes in the most efficient and logical order based on their educational goals.

Educational planning may appear to be simple: identifying the program of study and then figuring out which courses are required to complete it.  An educational plan required two main sections. 

1. Lay out the "big picture" educational path. What is your end goal? What degree and/or certificate do you need to accomplish your career goals? Does it require an Associates degree, or will you need a 4-year Bachelor's degree, or perhaps even a graduate (Masters or Doctorate) degree? Need help selecting a degree program, advisors can help.

2. Create a semester by semester schedule to understand what each of your semesters will look like here at Aims so that you can stay on track to graduation.

Key Resources 

Aims Community College Catalog - https://catalog.aims.edu/ 

• The college catalog is a comprehensive source of many kinds of information and is updated yearly. Utilize it to access degree requirements and class descriptions.

Course Schedule - https://www.aims.edu/class-schedule 

• The course schedule is the resource for class information including add, drop and withdraw dates. Tip: Click on "Advanced Search" to be able to search for classes by time of day and instructor.

*See the "Who Can Help Me With Transferring" section for resources specific to transferring after completing an A.A. or A.S. degree.

How do I use Workday, the online academic planning tool at Aims?

How can advisors help?

We understand the time and money spent on your education is one of the most important investments you will ever make. As such, our academic advisors are committed to helping you navigate through the educational system by clarifying the process and helping you select programs of study and classes to successfully meet your short- and long-term goals. All students are encouraged to visit with an advisor prior to registering for classes each semester; however, new degree/certificate-seeking students are required to meet with an advisor.  

Below are example ways academic advisors can help you.

• Develop a semester-by-semester plan that outlines the courses you will need to take to complete your program

• Explain graduation requirements and other policies/procedures of the college

• Monitor and discuss your academic progress

• Discuss any concerns or obstacles you are facing during the semester and help you get back on track

• Advisors are available to meet with students throughout the year. It is in your best interest to schedule an appointment, but walk-in advising is available at various times before semesters begin.

Visit Pathway Advising at https://www.aims.edu/departments/pathway-advising for more information. 

Who can help me with transferring?

Not going into the workforce after Aims? Interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree or beyond?  Transitions Center -Transfer Services assists students who are planning on transferring to a four year college or university. Transferring is easy but it does take planning. Staff can help you figure out what university is best for you, assist with how and when to complete admission and scholarship applications, and connect you to your transfer campus.

Aims Transitions Center - Transfer Services

The Transitions Center offers several opportunities to connect with college recruiters through on-campus recruiting tables, fairs, and campus visits.  Events are announced in the Student Weekly, the Toilet Paper, and on the Aims website.

Visit the Transitions Center -Transfer Services website for more information: https://www.aims.edu/departments/transfer-services 

To schedule an appointment, call 970-339-6508 or transferservices@aims.edu. In-person, phone, and web conferencing appointments are available.

Bridge to a Bachelor's Degree Program - Colorado Community College System (CCCS) - Resource

Click this link for a easy to use website that will allow you to explore four year colleges and universities in Colorado and common transfer options.  Aims Community College is outside of the CCCS system, so this is provided as a resource.