While some students have to think long and hard about what classes to take, many others are still trying to decide which career path to take.

“I really have not thought too hard about my major yet,” said Will Andrews, a freshman undecided major. “I’m just trying to get through my second week of classes.”

Andrews said he’s going to wait until the time is right to make his decision.

“I’m just looking to get all of my general education classes completed, then I will make my decision,” he said.

Nationally, 30 to 40 percent of college undergraduate students are undecided majors. Furthermore, 75 to 80 percent of undergraduates change their majors while enrolled at a university, according to a U.S. News report.

For students still trying to decide which career path to take, there is a place on campus that can help.

The Academic Advising Center, located in Adams Hall, opened in 2004 specifically for the benefit of the thousands of undeclared students on the NIU campus. Advisers work with students until they have chosen a major, then send those students to work with a department adviser.

Steve Barleen, an adviser at the Academic Advising Center, believes students should not rush into picking a major.

“There are many different programs offered here at NIU,” Barleen said. “Students should look into all of the options before making the choice that is best suited for them.”

Students can only remain undecided for so long. NIU requires students to declare a major by the completion of 60 credit hours; however, there are exceptions, Barleen said.

“It all depends on how long the student wants to stay,” Barleen said. “We are not going to force a student to make a choice that they are not certain about.”

Students should take into consideration the amount of class work and prerequisites a major requires before declaring, Barleen said. Furthermore, some departments require early declaration due to course work, while other majors can be declared junior year and finished in four years, he said.

Ultimately, Barleen said, the decision a student makes should come down to the career direction they truly desire to take.

“Most importantly, choose a major that you feel most passionate about,” he said.