As the new semester begins, students face various challenges when it comes to their major courses. Questions about whether the chosen major aligns with their interests and aptitude may arise. Especially for seniors approaching graduation, these concerns transform into practical issues such as job hunting. This article introduces innovative approaches to address these concerns for students grappling with such dilemmas.

  If student have already obtained credits in their major field of study and are contemplating new challenges, students can take advantage of the multiple major systems to pursue an additional degree. There are four ways to complete a multiple major: Double Major, Convergence Major, Integrated Major, and Student-designed Major. Applications are accepted during the multiple major application periods in Jan and July each year. During this time, it is possible to apply for and pursue two majors simultaneously, such as combining an integrated major with a convergence major.

In the case of a Double Major, the applicant would complete a second major from another department. Some departments have specific criteria for applying for a double major, so it is only possible if the applicant meets the specified requirements.

  In the case of a Convergence Major, a total of 30 departments are available, formed by combining major subjects from two or more departments. Unlike double major programs, students from departments other than the one administering the integrated major can also apply, and there are no specific conditions for applying for this major.

  In the case of Integrated Major, there are two departments that offer majors available: Dept. of Intergraded Science Education and dept of Intergraded Social Education. These are exclusively open to students in related departments. The Dept of Intergraded Science Education aims to educate exceptional common science teachers who can integrate and correlate science education subjects beyond their main field of study in science. The goal is to enable them to seamlessly and organically connect and teach secondary school science subjects. The Dept. of Intergraded Social Education focuses on developing students’ abilities to discover and explore the fundamental concepts and principles of geography, history, and other social sciences. The major is designed to impart the skills needed to contribute not only to the personal development of individuals but also to the progress of the nation and humanity. Ultimately, the objective is to cultivate qualities in students that contribute to the development of democratic citizens.

  The Student-designed Major is a system where students autonomously design and complete a major that is not offered by the university. This program allows students to create their educational curriculum, addressing their individual interests and career aspirations that may not be fulfilled by existing major programs. The university’s central administration and related departments provide consulting support to help students set independent learning goals. Currently, there are majors such as IoT Convergence, Bioinformatics, Software Management, and the Division of Medical Service Ethics & Public. These majors are tailored to accommodate students’ unique interests and educational needs that may not be met by conventional major courses.

  Consultations regarding the multiple major systems can be conducted through the Specialized Counseling Center at a non-curriculum management integration system as referred to CIEAT. Through career and employment advice, as well as academic counseling, individuals can receive assistance in exploring a double major system that suits their personal needs. Official ambassador Hae-wool plans to promote information about the multiple major systems in this March through videos on platforms such as blogs, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media accounts.

  In the case of multiple majors, the degree is recognized, but some students hesitate to take on the challenge because the number of credits earned can extend the study period. A subunit major, which does not issue a degree but requires a small number of credits and indicates the completed courses on a diploma or certificate, can be an alternative.

  The Subunit major is available to complete a detailed major with 9 to 12 credits. A degree will not be issued, but a certificate of completion of the course will be issued. CBNU started with 15 courses in 21 and expanded to 40 courses as of March 24, allowing students to complete more in-depth majors. Currently, 608 students are completing them.

  In the case of some the subunit majors, scholarships are provided in the process of recruiting and educating students in connection with government financial support projects to encourage student participation such as the National Program of Excellence in Software, Chungbuk Bio-Health Industry Innovation Center, and Secondary Battery Convergence and Open Sharing System.

  Kim Jin-seop, a director of the Curriculum Team in the Academic Affairs Department, said that in the case of multiple majors, such as a double major, it can be burdensome because students acquire many credits. Through Subunit major, which reflects social trends and students’ interests, students can take a variety of courses with relatively few credits. He explained that he could receive proof that he had completed the course.

  Some students are learning a similar major or a new major in addition to their main major for various reasons such as suitable study, employment, or dreams.

  CBT met Shim Yun-seop(Dept. of Political Science and International Relations, 19) who is double majoring in Dept. of Computer Engineering. He said that he was very interested in his major, politics and diplomacy, and chose it on his own. however that there are not many jobs that can utilize his major and that it is difficult to get a job in that field. After much deliberation, he revealed that he decided to do a double major in computer engineering, which makes it easy to get a job, due to the prediction that the software field will continue to grow in the future, the demand for job openings, and the surrounding environment such as a family of programmers. He mentioned the advantage of being able to broaden one’s thinking and learn ways of thinking that cannot be met in existing majors, thereby filling in shortcomings and using them as strengths in the job market. However, he cited the fact that it was difficult to register for classes, so there were times when he had to take unwanted lectures to graduate without taking extra semesters. Also it was difficult to study because he had to go beyond grade levels and take majors. Nevertheless, he said that since he came to university to study, it would be a good choice to study and learn deeply about another field while majoring in multiple majors rather than only focusing on one major. He said the worst decision is to hesitate on whether to do it or not, miss the timing, and regret it later. “Honestly, there are some difficult parts while majoring in multiple majors, but if you persevere to the end, it will definitely pay off. If you don't like it and feel like you can't do it, you can give up your multiple major and apply for another multiple major. Doing multiple majors does not mean you have to pay more tuition, and some majors offer additional scholarships, so doing multiple majors is a good opportunity,” he said.