Season 1 Episode 02: Speaking of College Majors

One of the first decisions that a college student will make is their selection of a major of study. In episode 2 of Speaking of College, Dr. P. talks with college completion expert Dr. Dhanfu Elston about how students can navigate their options for choosing a major.

Dhanfu is Chief of Staff and Senior Vice President for Strategy at Complete College America, a national nonprofit organization that is focused on increasing the rates at which individuals earn a college credential. Prior to Complete College America, Dhanfu was Executive Director of Student Success and Transition at Purdue University Calumet. During his more than 25 years in the field of higher education, Dhanfu has become a nationally-recognized champion of college completion policy initiatives at institutions that educate highly diverse and underrepresented student populations. Dhanfu holds a Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies from Georgia State University, where he conducted research in student retention, intercultural relations, learning communities, leadership development, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He earned both an M.A. in Educational Leadership and B.S. in Biology from Clark Atlanta University.

The Did You Know segment focuses on how students can get help during an emergency and the Ask Dr. P. segment answers a listener's question about forming a study group.

Time Markers

02:50-Welcome Dr. Dhanfu Elston

06:30-The Basics: Understanding the Options

13:25-Did You Know: Getting Help with an Emergency

14:00-Ask the Expert: Selecting a College Major

26:00-Ask Dr. P: Forming a Study Group