How to Choose a Major

It’s important to pick a major that matches your interests. There are a lot of different factors that go into choosing a job, and your major helps you prepare for your career. ACT research tells us a lot about the connection between what interests you and your chosen major. We’ve found that when you choose a major that matches your measured interests, you are more likely to:

  • Remain in your major
  • Stay in college
  • Complete your degree in a timely manner

Remaining in your major means you won’t lose time or money by having to take additional classes in a newly chosen course of study. When you’re interested in what you’re studying, you are more likely to stay the course and stay in college. As a result, you have a better chance of completing your degree on time.

10 Things to Consider When Choosing a Major:

  1. Does the major match my interests?
  2. Does this major prepare me for the career I want to have?
  3. What college courses would I typically take for the major?
  4. What will I learn?
  5. What degree types are available to me?
  6. What are the typical jobs available with my planned level of education?
  7. What specialties are within the major?
  8. What high school courses can help me prepare for the major?
  9. What type(s) of schools offer the major?
  10. What are some related majors?