When freshman Bailey Schmidt came to Emporia State, she decided not to settle into a major.

“I’ve already changed my mind like four times, so I’ll probably change it again,” Schmidt, an undecided major, said.

Becoming a veterinarian was Schmidt’s ultimate goal when she was younger, but now she is looking into teaching.

At ESU, there are over 40 undergraduate studies to choose from, as well as 11 pre-professional departments. Out of the freshman attending ESU this year, many are undecided in their majors.. According to June Coleman, director of Career Services this can be true, it is possible that being undecided can affect careers, but not necessarily. It depends on the student or employer, she said.

“If they see someone who went seven years versus four, they’re going to see that four as much more motivated, has initiative, pretty clear-cut on their career path from the beginning,” Coleman said.

There are a few reasons to wait before settling into a major, some of them more complex than just being “unsure.” For example, maybe the student wants to finish all of their general education courses to get them out of the way before moving into their required department.

“(I’m) undecided because I haven’t been able to pick a career path I’d enjoy both now and in the future,” said Chelsea Mock, sophomore undecided major. “I’ve considered getting a degree in management lately and becoming an HR person.”

Mock said she believes that some students remain undecided because, “at 18, 19 or 20 (years old), very few people really possess the life experience and mental maturity that may be required in making such an intimidating and life altering decision.”

However, remaining undecided for too long can have a negative effect on the students who do it. Undecided majors, Coleman said, have the highest dropout rate against the students who have decided their majors. This semester has a very high number of undecided majors, she said.

Those who are ready to choose a major are invited to look into all of their options, including the Student Advising Center and Career Services, especially because the two offices work together closely together. There are also courses undecided students can consider, including, Constructing Your Career and First Year Seminar – University 101.