Editorial: A ‘major’ decision

Students should pursue their interests in college even if the program of study is not offered. When students study what inter­ests them, they are more likely to learn and are motivated to continue their education.

It can be discouraging if one’s major is not offered or if the program is cut. The Animation program, Graphic Design courses, and Environmental Safety and Health are just a few examples of majors that were discontinued, leaving those pas­sionate about the field without a course of study.

This is the point where students may lose interest in higher education. They accept their current circumstances and choose a career path that will allow them to make a living rather than doing something they love.

The Editor-in-Chief of the Chronicle was recently awarded a journalism scholarship that was intended for journalism and communication majors. This stipulation may have dissuaded other students who are inter­ested in the field from apply­ing because CNM does not have a journalism program. As the editor of her college’s student-run publication she was able to overcome this obstacle and was awarded the scholarship. This is just one example of the many ways students can pursue their academic interests and succeed.

Getting involved in activi­ties on campus and in the community can help students receive scholarships, intern­ships, and other merits with or without an applicable major. It can also motivate students to excel in college because they are working toward achieving their personal goals and aspirations in addition to a degree.

Academic advisors can also help students choose a major that will allow them to take a sequence of coursework to pre­pare them for their chosen occu­pation or for their program of study at a four-year institution. CNM also offers career option classes that can help students decide what they want to study and how to get there. Selecting a broader major such as liberal arts or integrated studies can also open up options for stu­dents with a wide range of inter­ests. Either major can be paired with a concentration so students can take classes that appeal to them and work toward their degree at the same time.