Being Undeclared

If you have not selected a major by your first semester at UNT, don't worry. You do not need to declare a major at UNT your first few semesters. Indeed, you may help yourself in the long run by not initially declaring a major. The majority of first year students are unsure as to their educational direction. Two thirds of the students who declare their major upon admission to college change their major two or three times before they graduate. Many high-achieving high school students come to college as undeclared because they have multiple fields of interest, and are not ready to select only one. Being undeclared makes you no less serious about your education.

At UNT, a significant portion of the requirements for a bachelor's degree is the set of general education courses referred to as the University Core Curriculum. These courses are the same for all majors. The College of Engineering requires completion of a set of additional requirements referred to as the College of Engineering Core Curriculum. Early completion of core courses allow you to make progress toward completing degree requirements and explore subject areas which will assist you in choosing a major and career.

A good plan of action during your first few semesters at UNT might be to take some introductory courses in subjects that interest you along with your core requirements. These introductory courses can provide credit toward your bachelor's degree and acquaint you with potential majors.

Using Career Resources

The University has many resources available to assist you in your decision. A career library, interactive computerized career programs, personal/vocational counselors, academic counselors, and a career exploration course are some of the resources available to every UNT student.

The Student Employment and Career Services Center has several interactive computer programs: SIGI Plus and CHOICES. SIGI Plus focuses on your interests and identifies possible career fields. SIGI Plus also provides information on job opportunities, average salaries and working conditions for each field. CHOICES allows you to research similar information. You can also research different careers and employers through the Center's library.

The UNT Counseling and Testing Center can also help you select a major and identify a career in which you may be successful. Through the Center, you can talk to a vocational counselor and take written inventories to determine your abilities, interests and personality so you can select a career that fits you.

Full-time academic counselors in the College of Engineering will help you plan your class schedule each semester and select courses to explore different subjects. The College of Engineering advising office is located in the Engineering Technology Building (ET), Room 120. You can contact the office at engadv@unt.edu or by calling 940-565-4201.

Preparing before you come to UNT

To prepare for college course work, we suggest that you complete, among other subjects, four years of English, math and social science, including economics, geography, government and history; three years of science and foreign language; and one year of fine arts courses. You also should become proficient in using computers. At UNT, you will need to take courses in most of these subjects under the university core curriculum required of all undergraduates, in addition to taking courses in your major.

We suggest you talk with your high school counselor about courses for the college preparation track. We also recommend that you begin to take your entrance exams (SAT or ACT) your junior year.

About UNT

With more than 31,000 students, the University of North Texas is the largest, most comprehensive institution in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Many of its 91 bachelor's degree, 121 master's and 47 doctoral degree programs are nationally recognized.

UNT has been named one of America's 100 best college buys twice in recent years. Due to state funding, the university offers private school quality at an affordable cost.

The university's 17-1 student/faculty ratio provides for an excellent learning environment. Professors and staff are friendly and helpful, encouraging students to achieve their best.

Students in most majors receive hands-on experience in their field before graduation.

UNT has more computers per student, lower mandatory fees and a safer campus than the state's other large institutions. Leadership training is available to teach students how to become leaders. Students may become involved in campus activities through more than 250 student organizations, including 17 fraternities and 10 sororities.

Scholarships and financial aid are available and many students schedule their classes around part-time jobs on or off campus.

The campus is conveniently located in Denton, a city of 70,000 people about 35 miles north of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex on Interstate 35. We invite you to visit our campus. To reserve a space on one of our guided tours, call (800) UNT-8211 or sign up online at www.unt.edu.

University of North Texas Office of Undergraduate Admissions

E-mail: undergrad@unt.edu
Phone: (940) 565-2681 Fax: (940) 565-2408
TDD callers: (800) 735-2989
P.O. Box 311277
Denton, Texas 76203-1277

For more information for undeclared majors & the College of Engineering

Phone: (940) 565-4201
Office: ET 120
www.eng.unt.edu/advising.htm
E-mail: engadv@unt.edu