Current Status of the Autonomous Major Selection System (Undeclared Major System) and the Direction of Operation

This paper is a study on the current state of the university's the autonomous major selection system and the direction of its operation. To this end, we examined the concept, implications and current status of the undeclared major system, and expressed opinions on the direction of operation. Additionally, it assesses the potential impact of this system on university education.</br>The autonomous major selection system, known by various names such as the Undeclared Major System, Wide-Area System, and Liberal (autonomous) Major Department, allows students to enter university without committing to a specific department. Students typically spend one year studying broadly before choosing a major. While this system has its advantages and disadvantages, past implementations have generally received more negative feedback than positive.</br>Due to policies from the Ministry of Education, universities must thoroughly prepare for the non-major system, which will be implemented in earnest starting from the 2025 academic year. Several considerations are crucial to ensure the successful operation of the Undeclared Major System. Universities need to carefully examine and proactively address issues such as curriculum design, student management, and administrative support. Opinions on these matters have been presented in this paper.</br>The critical point is that the non-major system must robustly address the fundamental questions of what a university's core mission is, what should be taught, how to cultivate talent, and how to provide education for the future. Only then can this system be effectively established in each university, ensuring a cohesive academic ecosystem.