Deciding Students

Degree Type:

College:

Department:

Interdisciplinary Studies

They say college is all about finding yourself. That’s what makes being a deciding student so refreshing — you don’t need to have things figured out right away.

At John Carroll University, “deciding” is more than choosing a major — it’s an opportunity for discovery and reflection. Through personalized advising, interdisciplinary core classes, experiential learning, and other specialized programs, you’ll learn what kind of impact you make on the world.

A young woman with long curly hair smiles while looking slightly to the right against a dark background with bright lights. — Meet Caroline and Morgan, who found their way through our programs for deciding students.

1 in 6 incoming JCU students are deciding
83% of students in the U.S. wait until their second year to declare a major (Education Advisory Board)
1/3 of students change their major at least once (U.S. Department of Education)
85% of jobs that will exist on 2030 have yet to be defined (Institute for the Future)

College Compass Course

Start your first semester with a course dedicated to discovering your strengths, interests, and values. By design, Compass is co-taught by our advising team. This means they’ll get to know you well, inside and outside of the classroom.

Personalized Academic Advising

Building off your College Compass experience, you’ll work with an advisor to build a blueprint that aligns with your strengths and interests. They’ll help keep you on track to declare a major by the end of sophomore year, giving you time to fulfill requirements during your final two years at JCU.

Workshops & Events

All programs, one place. Meet Your Major gives you a chance to connect with faculty and attend presentations to learn more about academic options at JCU. Career workshops, alumni visits, and other events give you even more ways to explore.

Academics & Experiences

JCU’s integrated core curriculum is a fantastic way to explore fields of study; many students discover their passion this way. Outside of the classroom, internships, service-learning, and even student involvement can inform your academic journey.

“College Compass allows you to take your time to figure out what you’re passionate about and be sure what you want to major in. The staff are some of the best people that I’ve ever met.”

Caroline Calpin ’25 English/Peace, Justice & Human Rights Major
“The College Compass Staff have been my complete lifeline through the entire college process so far, and they are always there for us.”

Morgan Anderson ’25 Criminology Major