Declare Focus in Department after Familiarizing Yourself with Its Aspects
As the spring semester is in full swing, many sophomores are approaching the crucial decision of declaring a concentration. Choosing a major is a significant step that can influence the majority of your courses and potentially shape your professional career. In the Geosciences department at Princeton University, there are several strategies to help you make an informed decision.
Scouring Department Websites
Thoroughly explore the academic department’s website to understand the program’s curriculum, faculty interests, research opportunities, course descriptions, and any events or news. This provides foundational knowledge on what the department offers and expectations [1].
Attending Seminars and Department Events
Participating in seminars, guest lectures, and departmental events allows students to engage directly with professors, graduate students, and peers. These experiences give insight into current research, departmental culture, and potential academic paths [1]. The Geosciences department offers weekly seminars, including a department-wide seminar, an Environmental Geology & Geochemistry Seminar, and a Solid Earth brown-bag lecture.
Engaging with the Undergraduate Community
Talking with current students in the major, joining related student clubs or organizations, and participating in informal study groups help sophomores learn about the day-to-day experience of the major, workload, and career prospects. Leadership roles in relevant clubs may reveal more about the field and networking opportunities [2]. The Princeton University Geosciences Society (PUGS) meets every other Sunday at 8 PM to plan earth-science related student events and build community amongst Geosciences undergraduates.
Utilizing Academic and Career Advising
Visiting academic advisors or career exploration centers can provide personalized guidance. Advisors can help match interests, values, and skills with suitable majors and advise on course planning to stay on track for a chosen concentration [1][3]. Some universities offer exploration programs or courses designed specifically to help undecided students test different fields before declaring a major [3][5].
Hands-on Experiences
Where possible, engaging in research projects, internships, or volunteer work relevant to the potential major can provide valuable practical exposure and affirm or refine academic interests [2].
Getting to Know Your Department
Even after you have decided your major, getting to know your department is important to provide a solid foundation to start the second half of your undergraduate career and embark on independent work. Prospective concentrators can learn about departments by attending their events, such as the weekly seminars held on Tuesdays at 12:30 PM, Thursdays at 12:30 PM, and Fridays at noon, respectively.
The Geosciences Open-House
For a more personal approach, the Geosciences department hosts an open-house on March 29 at 5:00 PM in Guyot Hall, where prospective concentrators can learn about the major, connect with professors, and current upperclass students. Many departments host open-houses for sophomores in late March and early April. Each department has unique requirements for independent work, research opportunities for undergraduates, and a distinct community.
A Word of Advice
Before declaring a concentration, do some research on the departments you are considering, including the department website, weekly seminars, and sophomore open-house. For more advice and insight, check out past blog articles on choosing a concentration, such as Andrea's reflection on her major declaration or Saira's recent post about getting to know your home department. Attending a PUGS meeting is a great way to meet current Geosciences undergraduates and find out more about the community and department.
- In the process of declaring a concentration, junior paper research can offer a valuable opportunity for self-directed learning and personal growth in the Geosciences department at Princeton University.
- In the journey of education-and-self-development, engaging in independent work, such as research projects or internships, can substantially contribute to learning and affirm academic interests within the Geosciences field.
