College of Liberal Arts
University of Minnesota
Twin Cities Campus
101 Pleasant St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Mike's Blog

Undecided...

As you might already know, the most popular major in CLA is ‘undecided’. As a freshman, I entered college completely undecided and open to any field of study. So, during my first year in school I decided to take classes that interested me and knockoff some CLA requirements. This was a good route to take because after completing an Economics and an Introductory Psychology class, I decided to evolve my major around these interests.

I am currently planning on majoring in Industrial and Organizational Psychology with a minor in Business Management and Spanish. I feel that this major/minor combination fits perfectly with my present interests. After taking Spanish classes throughout high school and my first year in college, I decided to continue developing my language skills and complete the minor.

I am also planning on taking two of my upper level classes by studying abroad in Spain next summer. I feel that being immersed in the culture that I am studying is a great opportunity and will help me to excel in my learning. Overall, I would not be surprised if I decided to change my Psychology major in the future, since I am still developing exactly what subject I want to focus on and I am only a sophomore.

April 8th, 2007
Picture of Mike
  • Class & major: senior; psychology, Spanish minor
  • Hometown: Rochester, Minnesota
  • Why a liberal arts degree : Before applying to the U of M I was thinking about majoring in psychology. After asking questions and researching, I learned that the U of M's program is ranked with the best. This was the most influential determinate of enrolling in the U because my focus was the quality of the education I would receive. Overall, CLA has stood up to my expectations and is helping me discover my abilities and potential.
  • My advice for a good first semester : It goes by fast, so enjoy it! Keep your door open to new opportunities, meeting new friends, and getting involved in activities. Some critial advice is to make sure to STUDY a lot your freshman year. You won't have the option to get behind.
  • Favorite hangout on campus: the big comfy chairs in Coffman
  • Favorite quotation: "An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind." - Gandhi