The Major’s Fair may have had a lot to offer, but not as many students took advantage of what the University’s organizations had to offer.
Career Services Director Sharon Fulkerson said she wished turnout had been greater.
“I was a little disappointed that we only talked with about 15 students – since I know that we have hundreds who are either undecided or unsure of their majors,” she said. “But I was very pleased that the small group we saw seemed to find the information we provided helpful to them in making some preliminary decisions.”
The fair took place from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. last Friday in the Founders Lounge at Texas A&M University – Commerce. The College of Arts and Sciences hosted the event.
Different departments from around campus were represented, as well as offices and other organizations.
According to Colette Newman, administrative assistant to the dean of arts and sciences, some of the departments represented at the fair were College of Arts and Sciences advising, agricultural sciences, art, computer science, environmental sciences, liberal studies, history, math, theatre arts, physics, political science, and sociology/criminal justice.
Interim art department head Michael Odom, was happy with the participation at the fair, and talked about the opportunities the art department offers for majors.
“Students in this department have the option to work towards BFA (bachelor’s of fine arts) degrees in traditional art media like sculpture, ceramics, and painting. But they also may choose courses of study leading to a bachelor’s of science in photography or to a BFA in communication design,” Odom said. “In the design area, students can concentrate in art direction or design communication or choose other areas of study such as new media. A bachelor’s with an all-level teaching certificate is another popular major in our department.”
Other organizations at the fair included the Wildlife Society, Sigma Tau Delta (an English department organization), college of business advising, curriculum and instruction, career services and health and human performance, as well as social work and industrial engineering and technology.
Fulkerson said some majors were more popular than others.
“The most popular major here at A&M-Commerce is interdisciplinary studies (elementary education) with the BAAS in applied arts and sciences in second place,” she said.
According to Fulkerson, other popular majors are accounting, agriculture, biological sciences, business administration, criminal justice, English, kinesiology and sports studies, psychology, sociology and social work.
In regards to careers in high demand, Fulkerson said, “According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, there is currently a high demand nationally for accounting, engineering, computer science and allied health majors, as well as for secondary teachers (especially in math, bi-lingual education, and special education).”
Some students decide their major based on what careers are in high demand, however, Fulkerson cautions against this.
“Although students should certainly be aware of supply and demand in their chosen fields – as part of making an informed decision – I always caution them against letting this be the primary* factor,” she said. “More important is finding a field that they enjoy, are good at, and care about.”