Determining what you want to do for the rest of your life can be just as difficult as trying to learn a foreign language.

Many students enter college not knowing their field of study. Some students change their minds several times before making their final decision.

“Some know the exact discipline and career they are interested in; others are on a longer journey of self-discovery,” said Caroline Mains, instructor of English at Palo Alto College.

Now students who are still undecided may complete the college’s core curriculum (48 hours) and take an additional 12 hours in a variety of subject areas to earn an associate’s degree (60 hours total).

The Liberal Studies Major (major code 3183) is suitable for students who want to earn an associate’s degree, but who have not yet selected a major or who may be considering several majors. This plan is also for students who would like to obtain a general Liberal Arts bachelor’s degree. Students following this major have the opportunity to sample courses in a variety of disciplines, which can be very helpful in identifying areas of interest and a possible future major.

"I think it’s amazing that students can be undecided on their majors and still be able to receive an associate’s degree," said Osvaldino Torres, a sophomore Liberal Studies major.

"It’s good for potential students who put school off because they can’t find their point of interest when it comes to education; now there are no excuses or setbacks." In order to graduate with an associate’s degree in Liberal Studies, students will need to complete the following courses at any of the Alamo Community Colleges.

• 6 hours of English Composition
• 3 hours of Speech
• 3 hours of Mathematics
• 7 hours of Natural Sciences
• 6 hours of Humanities
• 3 hours of Visual and Performing Arts
• 6 hours of History
• 6 hours of Government
• 3 hours of Social/Behavioral Sciences
• 3 hours of Computer Literacy
• 2 hours Kinesiology/Dance
• 12 hours of college credit in a variety or concentration of classes

The Top 10 Majors at Palo Alto are:
1. Science: 1,550 students
2. Education: 918
3. Business: 762
4. Occupational and Technical: 656
5. Criminal Justice: 377
6. Computer Science/CIS: 272
7. Math: 224
8. Kinesiology: 212
9. Psychology: 210
10. Art: 146

If a student completes the core curriculum at any community college, that block of courses will transfer to any public institution of higher education. Mains’ advice for students worried about credit transferring is to stay on top of your degree plan; be sure to consult it before registering every semester.

"I always recommend that my advisees visit with a representative from their intended transfer institution," said Mains.

If students do not complete the core curriculum at the community college, they must meet the core curriculum of the transfer institution.

Liberal Studies majors who need advising may make an appointment with any of the English faculty, who are located in the Faculty Office Building, in between the GE Building and the Courtyard.