Choosing a College Major
Advice to help you decide what you should major in.
Quick Links: Key Considerations | College Majors List | Common Questions
Choosing a college major is a pivotal moment in your college journey. From Astronomy to Zoology, there is a vast range to choose from when selecting a major. Deciding on a direction can be difficult, especially if there are multiple fields you are interested in.
If you’ve already decided on what path to pursue, congratulations! That is a huge achievement. If this isn’t you, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many first-year college students have no idea what they want to do with their lives, let alone what they want to major in. In this article, we'll explore the world of college majors and help you navigate the path to finding the perfect fit for your interests and career goals. Plus, we'll offer guidance for those who are struggling to decide on a major.
What Are Majors?
Your college major is your academic specialty tailored to your interests and career goals. It's the field of study you choose to focus on in college and forms the foundation of your coursework. Typically, to earn a bachelor's degree a student must complete 120 credit hours. Your college major will make up between one-third and one-half of your courses or 30-60 credit hours.
Key Considerations for Choosing a Major
When choosing a major, it's essential to consider your passions, strengths, and long-term career goals. Choosing a major is a significant step in the college process and should be considered carefully.
Below are key considerations to keep in mind when choosing a major.
What Are You Interested In?
Passion is the fuel that drives everything. Selecting a field of study that you are genuinely interested in can enhance your motivation, make learning enjoyable, and ultimately lead to your overall job satisfaction.
So, how can you pinpoint your interests? Start by taking a deep dive into your likes and dislikes. Reflect on the classes that have grabbed your attention and made you eager to learn more. Here are some ways you can start to clarify your interests:
- Kickstart Your Exploration - Check out the ACT Inventories. These inventories focus your interests, values, and preferences in areas such as science, art, business, and much more. By understanding your interests, you can narrow down your choices and get a clearer picture of which majors might be a good fit for you.
- Participate in Internships - Real-world experiences can help clarify your interests. Participating in internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to fields you're interested in can help you get a better understanding of whether your chosen path aligns with your interests and strengths.
- Consider Job Shadowing - Job shadowing can provide valuable insights into the career path you’re interested in pursuing. Shadowing someone on the job can allow you to ask questions and learn new skills.
What Subject Areas Do You Excel In?
While pursuing your passion is crucial, it's essential not to disregard your strengths. Focusing on your strengths can enhance your academic performance and increase your chances of success in your chosen field. For example, if you excel in mathematics, you might want to consider fields or careers that have strong analytical or quantitative components.
It's important however not to limit your options solely to areas where you excel. View your weaknesses as opportunities where you can improve. College is a place for growth and exploration, and you may discover new interests and talents along the way. For example, if you are looking to improve your writing skills, go ahead and take a journalism course. You might love it!
What Are Your Career Goals?
Setting career goals is an essential step in deciding on a major. It gives you a clear direction in your academic journey, helping you choose a major that aligns with your aspirations. If you have not yet decided on a career goal, start by exploring your interests, passions, and hobbies. Consider what subjects or extracurricular activities you excel in or thoroughly enjoy. Reseach different career paths online to determine which field is the best fit for you.
Knowing the job outlook for a career you're interested in can help inform you of several important factors, including if that career will continue to grow over the next several years and whether it will provide the pay range you're looking for.
Keep in mind different career paths can require different levels of education and qualifications. Knowing what college degrees are available can help you determine what you need to complete in order to reach your college and career goals. Learn more the about the different types of college degrees you can obtain.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) can be a great resource to get a glimpse of the job outlook in the career you’re interested in. Research wage data for certain areas, projected number of new jobs, and growth rate.
What Do Your Advisors and Professionals Say?
Tapping into the wisdom of those who have walked the path before you can be extremely helpful in deciding on a career path. Speaking with career counselors or professionals in your chosen field can provide invaluable insights into what it’s like to work in your desired career.
Consider speaking to:
- Counselors: High school counselors are equipped with resources and assessments that can help you discover your strengths and interests. Schedule a meeting to discuss your aspirations and explore potential college majors.
- Academic Advisors: Once you're in college, your academic advisor becomes a trusted guide. They can help you navigate the course catalog, suggest suitable majors, and provide guidance on extracurriculars.
- Professionals in the Field: Connect with professionals who work in your areas of interest. Ask about their career paths, what they love about their jobs, and the educational background required for their roles. Their firsthand experiences can guide you in making a well-rounded decision.
Building a strong professional network can help you jumpstart your career. Among its many benefits, networking can help you develop connections that lead to job opportunities. Learn more about the power of networking.
What If You Can’t Decide What To Major In?
Choosing the right major is a significant step in your college journey; it’s only natural to have doubts and questions. Remember not to rush into the decision. Give yourself the freedom to explore and decide at your own pace.
If you have not yet decided on a major, you can choose to enter college as “undecided” or “undeclared.” Starting college as an undecided major allows you to take the entry-level courses required of all students and explore different subject areas that interest you to get a better idea of what your desired field of study will be.
Choosing a Minor
One effective way you can explore different disciplines is by choosing a minor. A minor is a secondary field of study that complements your major. While choosing a minor is not required, it can be a great way for you to explore different interests and acquire a diverse skillset.
While many students choose a minor that is related to their major, this is not required. Some students may view their minor as a creative outlet, allowing them to explore a passion or hobby. Additionally, employers look for job candidates that have well-rounded knowledge and skillsets. If you're majoring in engineering but have a minor in business administration, you may have more of the knowledge needed to manage and lead a team effectively. These unique skillsets can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. Don't hesitate to speak to your counselor or academic adviser to evaluate your options and explore the different possibilities.
Explore STEM Majors
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. A STEM major refers to any field of study that falls within one of these four categories.
Whether you're passionate about solving complex problems, conducting groundbreaking research, or creating new technology, there's likely a STEM major that's the perfect fit for you.
Browse the trays below to see a list of STEM majors.
Additional Questions About Choosing a Major
Choosing a college major is a pivotal step in your college journey. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed, but remember, you're not alone in this adventure. We’re here to help!
To help provide some clarity around the decision, we’ve listed some commonly asked questions below:
When Do You Have To Pick a Major?
High school is a great time to start exploring potential college majors. Reflecting on this early will allow you to start homing in on your interests and strengths. Once you've started college, you'll typically have until the end of your sophomore year to officially declare a major. Keep in mind, requirements can vary between institutions so it’s important for you to know the key deadlines for choosing a major.
Remember, deciding on a college major is a personal journey, and unique to every individual. Start exploring your interests early, seek guidance, and don't be afraid to change direction if you discover new passions. It’s important to choose a major that you can feel excited about!
What Is a Double Major?
A double major is one degree with two majors included. Double majoring can be a great option for students looking to build a diverse skillset in multiple fields. Typically, students choose fields that complement each other in some way, but this is not required.
Some examples of popular double majors include:
- Engineering and math
- Political science and economics
- Marketing and communications
- Psychology and criminal science
- Accounting and finance
Keep in mind, double majoring can require additional credit hours depending on the university’s requirements and your declared majors. If you have chosen fields that overlap, it’s possible some of your classes can count toward both majors. For example, a student majoring in marketing and communications could take a course like creative writing and count it toward both majors.
Different from a double major, students can also earn a dual degree. A dual degree involves pursuing two entirely different degrees, like a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Both options carry unique advantages.
Can You Change Your Major?
The fear of choosing the wrong major is a common concern for many students. If you find that your initial choice isn't the right fit for you, not to worry — changing your major is usually very common. The process may vary from one institution to another, but generally, you'll need to meet with an academic advisor and complete the necessary steps and requirements.
What if I'm Undecided?
It's perfectly fine not to have it all figured out on day one. Many students start college as "undecided,", which simply means they have not declared a specific major. Entering college undecided gives you time to explore various subjects and discover your passions, strengths, and interests. Keep in mind, it is advised you declare and major by the end of sophomore year. This doesn't mean you can't change your mind later on, but having a declared major helps streamline your academic path and ensures you're on the right track to graduate.
Explore College Majors and More on MyACT
Creating a MyACT account is a simple process that unlocks an array of resources to help you in your college journey.
MyACT allows you to:
- Explore interests with the ACT Interest Inventories
- Explore different career paths
- Research college majors
- Search from over 7,400 colleges and universities
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