Choosing Your Major

The following strategies can help you in the decision-making process. First, identify areas of interest with our Careers Assessment. Then explore majors you love and discover related careers -- or find careers you would enjoy and determine the majors to best prepare you for that field. Graduate with real and relevant experience by pursuing internships, co-ops, or research experience relating to your chosen major/career.


Online Career Assessment Tool

The FOCUS-2 Career Assessment offers computer-based career exploration that can help identify areas of interest and related career paths. To access the program:

  1. Obtain an Access Code by contacting Career Services (email).
  2. Once you have the Access Code, log in to the portal.
  3. Select "New Users", create a username/password, and complete the relevant assessments.

After completing the assessment, students are encouraged to visit with Career Services staff to discuss areas of interest, possible career paths, and relevant majors.

Explore Majors and Other Options

South Dakota Mines students begin by choosing a specific major, but you can change your major as you develop new or deeper interests through your classes and activities. We encourage you to explore different options and try new things. 

Tailor Your Professional Preparation

Graduate Studies

Many Mines students enter the workforce after receiving their undergraduate degree, but many also go on to graduate studies.  Learn more about graduate studies at Mines by visiting the Graduate Education section of our website.