University College sophomore Becca DeFoe has switched her major almost 11 times. She has no idea what she wants to do after college.

Defoe said she asks herself everyday, “What do I want to major in today?”

The recent economic turmoil leaves DeFoe in doubt about her future.

“Every time I pick a major, I wonder if I’ll be able to find a job,” she said.

The economy is a factor for any student trying to choose a major, said microbiology sophomore Courtney Barfoot.

She said if healthcare falls under a socialized plan, doctors will not make as much money.

“Pretty much every profession right now is affected by the economic state,” said Barfoot, who is considering switching her major.

But there are many other reasons why students have changed their majors, said Diane Mayes, director of academic advising for University College.

Mayes said the economy is not on most students’ minds when switching majors, and most freshmen switch after they figure out where they want to go.

“Once they’ve made adjustments to the university, choosing a major is a more pressing problem,” Mayes said.

On top of economic issues, DeFoe said she also feels pressured by her family and peers.

While most students claim a major early, DeFoe said she needs time to find the right one for her. Lately, she feels overwhelmed.

“A lot of people I know, a lot of my friends, are working toward their major already,” DeFoe said.

She mostly rotates through elementary education, sociology, history and public relations, but she is currently stuck on an undecided route.

DeFoe said when she claims a major, something else comes up and she changes her mind again.

Having the right skills to find a job and survive in the professional world is intimidating, she said.

Most people gravitate toward majors that intrigue them, but DeFoe said no specific subject stands out in her mind.

“I’m not passionate about anything in particular,” she said.

Other students have the opposite problem. Environmental design junior Jonathan Stone has the passion, but lacks the grades.

As a freshman, Stone started at OU as an architectural engineering major, but hit a wall when he struggled with calculus. So he switched to an undecided major.

He said it was like a wake-up call. Stone said he still wanted to pursue an architecture major, and the label was a “placeholder” until he decided to commit to that path.

Stone’s current major re-opens the door to architecture after he raises his grade point average.

DeFoe said her adviser has offered sufficient help with her indecisiveness.

“It’s definitely very beneficial to talk to your adviser and see what you should do,” DeFoe said.

University College offers several methods for students to help choose the right path for them, Mayes said.

The Strategies for Undecided Students brochure offers many options to help, such as career assessments, course descriptions and seminar information.

“There are multiple, multiple avenues students can pursue to resolve [problems], Mayes said.

She said she would advise confused students to take an on online career assessment, and research the careers that the program suggests.

University College is also sponsoring presentations in February focusing on how to select a major and how to find a job.

All options are available to the entire campus, and if all else fails try Google, Mayes said.