Academic Advising Office

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Academic Advising Office
Exploring Majors
Explore all the major possibilities at NU
Exploring the Decision-Making Process
The process of choosing a university major is a crucial and challenging one, influenced by numerous factors. The variety of options, diverse interests, limited exposure, career uncertainty, and the fear of making the wrong choice contribute to the complexity students face when deciding on their academic path. It is important for students to approach this decision with patience, self-reflection, and guidance, ensuring they make an informed choice that aligns with their passions, abilities, and aspirations.

With the NU and AAO resources, NU students and applicants can be able to find the right path they want to follow and be able to accomplish many things with satisfaction.
Steps to help guide your major exploration
  • Assess your interests and passions
    Consider what subjects or topics you genuinely enjoy and find yourself naturally drawn towards. Identifying your interests will make it easier to select a major that aligns with your passions.
  • Explore potential career paths
    Look into the qualifications and skills required for those roles. Speak with professionals working in those fields to gain insights into the day-to-day tasks, work environment, and growth opportunities associated with the careers you are interested in.
  • Attend university fairs and open houses
    These events provide valuable information about curriculum, faculty expertise, and the overall atmosphere of the university. Attend as many of these events as possible to gather insights and get a feel for the majors you are interested in.
NU Resources

Choosing a major is a significant decision as it sets the foundation for a student's academic and professional future.
Take advantage of the NU resources to make the best decision for you.
AAO Resources

There are many AAO resources that students can use right now to explore their interests and discover the path that they may want to pursue.
Holland's Theory of Vocational Choice
Applications of Holland’s theory of vocational choice involve assessing individuals in terms of two or three prominent personality types and then matching the respective types with the environmental aspects of potential careers.
Read it here
Major Selection Guide
These probing examinations can help you select your major, and they may be especially useful if you’re trying to decide between various attractive possibilities. Tick the options that are appropriate for a specific major.
This information won’t guide you directly toward a specific major, but it will help you evaluate whether various fields of study actually harmonize with your prime motivations.
Read it here
For Parents
For parents, the information about the Academic Advising Office is listed there in KAZ & RUS languages.
We also have the special web-page for them with the AAO Handbook for Parents here.
Read it here
Open House Day Materials
Please access the AAO materials from the Open House Day in Astana here
Read it here
NU Students About their Majors

Listen to AAO Radiolab 1!

Big things are happening at the Academic Advising Office (AAO) - we're very excited to announce that AAO develops AAO Radiolab 1 podcast.


In Season 2, we bring together representatives from various fields of study to delve into the intricacies of different majors, offering valuable insights to help you make informed decisions about your academic and professional journey. Whether you're a high school student exploring potential majors, NU student contemplating a switch, Season 2 is your go-to source for gaining a deeper understanding of the majors available and the opportunities they present.

Our discussions cover a wide range of topics, including the core curriculum, career prospects, industry trends, and the unique aspects that set each major apart. We aim to demystify the decision-making process, providing you with the information you need to confidently choose the major that aligns with your passions, goals, and aspirations.

Apple Podcasts
YouTube

NU Students about Majors

Questions To Ask About A Major

Part of the major exploration process is learning about specific majors from the experts. Talking with a faculty member in a major you’re interested in is a great way to learn more about academic fields and determine what is a good fit for you based on your interests, skills, and abilities. We have prepared possible questions that you can ask faculty members during the Majors Fair:

  • Why should I consider this major?
  • What initially attracted you to this academic field?
  • If I chose this major, what topics would I be studying?
  • What are the best introductory classes to take to explore this major?
  • What type of coursework and projects can I expect in the classes for this major?
  • What coursework in this major do students typically find to be most challenging?
  • What skills will this major help me develop?
  • What are the characteristics of students who are most successful in this major?
  • Which student organizations do you recommend I get involved with to explore this major?
  • What types of internships or out-of-classroom experiences do you recommend?
  • Where do students in this major typically complete internships?
  • What types of career paths are related to this major?
  • What is the job placement rate for students who graduate with this major?
  • Will I need to pursue graduate school to work in a career related to this major?
  • What is your favorite class to teach in this major?
  • Do students typically complete a double major, minor, or certificate with this major?
  • Can you refer me to a current student in this major?

Reflect On What You Learned:

  • What did you learn that excites you about this major?
  • What did you hear that makes you concerned about this major?
  • What additional information do you need about this major?
  • Based on the information, did your interest in this major increase, decrease, or stay the same?

We have also prepared a worksheet "Exploring and Comparing Majors" which will help you compare majors that you are considering.

Download the worksheet "Exploring and Comparing Majors"