A "taxonomic key"--a manual that provides a systematic approach to academic decision-making for college students--is presented. The key is used to help students who enroll in the Academic Exploration Program at Bardley University to decide on a college major and a career. The key can assist the student and adviser by: helping clarify the student's current "position" in educational goal planning; suggesting special assistance; helping students clarify their basic interest areas; suggesting sample curricula; and providing the means to "test" the student's educational and career decisions. The student begins career exploration with the Academic Major Selection Pretest. Sections of the guide cover: the level of academic choice; academic major and career decision-making; basic interest categories; course requirements and selection guidelines; curricula location guide; course selection glossary; a guide to companies categorized according to interest areas--creative, scientific, technical, social, standardized, and business; a post-test; declaring the major; and the final step of professional placement. The key provides cross references to pages in the text that provide more detailed information for students. (SW)