The University of Delaware Major Mania fair held Friday, Oct. 7, in the Trabant University Center gave students and parents the opportunity to explore many of the various academic pathways that comprise a University of Delaware undergraduate education. 

A collaboration between UD's University Studies Program and the Career Services Center, the event capped a weeklong series of events designed to help students learn about the many majors that UD has to offer.

Representatives from UD's seven colleges and 55 faculty members joined staff members from the Institute for Global Studies, Special Sessions and the Honors Program in providing information to students.

Career Services showcased resources they have for students exploring majors and careers, including career assessment options and major resource kits.

Avron Abraham, faculty director of the University Studies Program, noted that the Majors Fest and Major Mania provided great opportunities for students to explore their options and get more information to make informed decisions regarding majors and minors at UD.

"The weeklong program, coordinated by the University Studies Program, could not have been successful without the efforts and commitment from Career Services and the colleges and their departments," Abraham said. "We look forward to the continued support for this program and developing other opportunities to help UD's students navigate their academic careers."

Kathryn Goldman, academic program manager, University Studies Program, said that the students and parents who attended seemed excited about the diversity of academic programs offered at UD.

"I hope the students left the event with greater clarity about their academic pursuits and their path forward," Goldman said. "I especially appreciate the dozens of University faculty members who volunteered their time on a beautiful fall day to help students and ensure Major Mania's success."

From the students

Lauryn Magill, a University Studies student with an interest in marketing, said she liked the UD community spirit and the fact that people don't mind answering questions from students.

"The people here are extremely friendly," Magill said. “I was glad to be accepted to UD. The school has the feeling of a real college, and seeing it really sold it for me."  

"It was nice getting to know people," said Ahlad Neti, a freshman in the College of Engineering, with an interest in biomedical engineering. "This is something I wanted to do."

Allison O'Connell, a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Carley O'Reilly, a University Studies freshman, said that Major Mania gave them a better of idea of what they want to do and will be useful to them when they meet with their advisers.

Aderolake Bolarinwa, a University Studies sophomore leaning toward computer science and other engineering choices, said, "My goal is to take the 4 + 1 option and earn my master's degree in one of the engineering majors."

Elijah Wilson, a University Studies freshman, also expressed an interest in an engineering major.

"I chose UD because I saw that they had a nice engineering program," Wilson said. "I wanted to major in computer science and work as a game developer."

Faculty perspectives

"Students mainly have an idea of one career they want to pursue, and they often look for a major to fit that choice," said Carolyn Quinci, assistant dean of student services in the College of Health Sciences. "We want them to make good decisions about the health care major they choose. We also let them know that there are other health care majors they might be interested in."

Marianne Johnson, academic program manager in the College of Engineering, said the goal is to help students who may be unsure of what major to choose.

"I ask them if they have done any research to see if that major would fit their career goals." Johnson said. "Our goal is to help student who may be unsure of what major to choose. We give them more information to help them make an informed decision."

George Miller, professor of English, said Major Mania is good for students, especially those coming from the University's Associate in Arts Program.

"The students we talk with are mainly concerned about what they can do with an English major," Miller said. "We let them know that there are many things they can do with an English major, and that some of these things will become more clear to them as they go along."