Undecided/Exploring
Not sure of your major? You're not alone! Nearly two-thirds of Central's first-year students are unclear about their major when they arrive on campus. That's okay! You're part of the 75 percent of American college students who either start their college career as undecided or change their major at least once. It's all part of the process of exploring your options.
Central College students who start as exploring can still graduate in four years! In fact, they graduate in four years at the same rate as the rest of the student body. You are not required to declare a major until the end of your sophomore year, so the key is to use your first two years wisely! Central has lots of resources available to help you evaluate your options and make an informed decision you can feel confident about.
The Central Difference
Who to Talk To
People are the best resources. There are lots of people at Central who are ready to answer your questions.
- Your Academic Advisor
- Professors
- Class deans
- Director of Career and Professional Development
- Other Students
Off-Campus Experiences
Central students can study off-campus — both internationally or domestically in the United States. These opportunities give students the chance to prepare to be global citizens, equipped to compete in the global job market. Students can check out experiences led by Central faculty or attend select academic programs across the world that provide opportunities for study, service, internships and other types of experiential learning. Options include experiences in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Central America, Ghana, England, the Scottish Highlands and more.
Facilities
Central College is one of the most beautiful college campuses you'll find. A perfect mix of old and new, our buildings reflect our history and our future. Central's distinctive library is a spacious and popular haven with more than 230,000 volumes, computer stations, a multimedia collection and extensive online catalog.
Beyond Central
Putting the “Hire” in Higher Education
Starting as an exploring student at Central won't keep you from building toward a great career. These former exploring students found jobs after graduation and graduate school programs they needed to be successful:
- Research associate, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Marion, Iowa
- U.S. Marine Corps Officer, Quantico, Va.
- Client service specialist, Applied Underwriters, Omaha, Neb.
- AmeriCorps member, Flood Relief Project, Cedar Rapids
Organizations
No matter what your interests, Central has student groups and organizations for you. Check out the more than 100 student groups on campus here.
Graduate Placement
- Graduate student, library and information science, Madison, Wis.
- Graduate student, College of Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
- Graduate student, vocal performance, Roosevelt University, Chicago, Ill.
- Graduate student, counseling and career development, Colorado State University, Boulder, Colo.
Internships
Internships are a great way to gain career experience. Central students complete internships in the Pella and Des Moines area, on our Chicago or Washington, D.C. programs or while studying abroad. Past internship sites of exploring students include:
- Corporate benefits intern, Vermeer Corporation, Pella, Iowa
- Youth ministry intern, Pella United Methodist Church, Pella, Iowa
- Conservation intern, The Nature Conservancy, Sioux City, Iowa
- Women's shelter intern, Crisis Intervention Services, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Learn more about internships at Central.
Learn More
Want to find out more about Undecided/Exploring at Central? Contact us to learn more about this discipline and our other strong academic programs.
Visit campus to observe classes and experience The Central Difference firsthand.