Your Guide to Choosing A Major
Choosing your major for college can be one of the most difficult questions a student can answer. Often, we feel like whatever we choose will be what we have to do for the rest of our lives. Or at least, that’s what society may tell us. But that’s actually not true. Just because we chose one thing, it doesn’t mean that we can’t change later in the future. Your life circumstances can change (as we all have experienced through the pandemic), your likes and dislikes can change, and your goals can change. And that’s okay!
Choosing your major is a big deal, but it doesn’t have to grip you with fear and anxiety. Here are some tips and questions to consider when you’re deciding a major.
What is a major?
A major is a specific subject area that college students specialize in. Depending on the college you attend, about half of the courses you take in college will be related to your major.
Again, it’s important to note that just because you have chosen a major, it does not mean that you are stuck in a career field forever. There are many successful people in career fields that have nothing to do with what they majored in at college. In fact, according to a study by BestColleges in 2020, 3 out of 5 graduates would change their major if they could go back.
What are you passionate about?
It’s quite obvious that you should choose a subject or topic that you like, because you will be studying every aspect of that subject for however long you will be in college for.
What do you enjoy studying? What classes do you look forward to now? What makes you excited to learn even when it’s difficult?
If you have an answer, then go with that.
💡 Keep in mind that within subjects, there are specific concentrations:
You can choose to major in Literature, with a concentration in Greek and Latin Literature
You can choose to major in Writing, with a concentration in Creative Writing
Really dig deep and figure out what you like. If there’s something you like to do, no matter how niche of a passion you think it is, there’s probably a major or course for it. And if there isn’t, most colleges will actually allow you to make your own major—choose your own classes, create your own syllabi—BUT you need to be able to justify it.
And if you don’t have a particular passion that jumps out at you right away, don’t worry. There’s more to choosing a major than what you like.
💡 Still confused? Try taking personality quizzes. Quizzes like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator can help you connect your personality and interests with careers and subjects.
What are you good at?
Photo by Andres Perez on Unsplash
We are all good at something. What are subjects you consistently score a good grade on? What’s a talent you want to grow in? Understanding your natural skills can help guide you towards choosing a major.
It can be writing, music, dance, even acting or history and mathematics. Take a look at your grades and listen to what your teachers say you’re good at. Begin to see your personal strengths in academic (or non-academic) areas. If you’re good at something, why not pursue it?
💡 Not all majors are strictly academic, like science, english, and maths. You can major in artsy subjects like fashion design, dance, and even theatre.
What are your future goals?
Most people continue on with higher education to get them closer to their future goals.
For example, those aspiring to be doctors and lawyers have to learn more about the practice before they can actually become an expert in the field.
If you want to be a businessman or an entrepreneur, taking business classes on the subject will help guide you on that path. Many professors will also bring in guest speakers who are well-versed in their area so you can learn first-hand from personal experiences. Not to mention, professors in college sometimes are still working in the field they are teaching.
Think about what kinds of courses and classes will teach you the things you want to learn and get you closer to your career and future goals.
💡 Colleges and universities will often put their course information on their websites. You can see the classes you will be taking in a specific major, which can help you decide which courses will be most beneficial to you.
Here’s a roadmap created by CollegeBoard designed to help students figure out what paths they could take towards their goals.
Photo by Matt Ragland on Unsplash
Speak to experts and professionals
Most high schools will have career advisors. They are there for a reason. They want to help you choose a major that is, not only going to be one you enjoy, but one that will get you closer to your goals. Talk to them and ask them questions—they’ve helped countless students before you.
If you have a future career in mind, speak to someone who’s already in the field. They can give you a better idea of what the job involves and requires of you. Often, as students, we find it difficult to see the inner workings of a career. There’s more to a job than meets the eye. Experts in the field you aspire to be in can give you advice on what paths to take to get you where they are. Furthermore, they can tell you what qualifications you need, which can help you determine what kinds of classes to take.
💡 Speaking to industry professionals can also help you clear some confusion or questions you may have about the major you’re thinking about. If you’re still confused on whether or not you will like a particular major, then talk to someone who studied it and is working in that career field now. Speaking to someone with personal experience can help you figure out if you genuinely want to study in that field.
Where to find experts & professionals:
College fairs
Family & friends
School alumni
Events at local colleges
College tours/ visits
Applying as undecided
If you truly don’t know what to choose, then it’s 100% okay to enter college as an undecided major. Most of us graduate high school and enter college at 18 or 17... that’s still a very young age to decide what we want to do for the future (again, YOU ARE NOT stuck forever in the career field you chose as your major—you can change, things can change. It’s okay).
We are still young. It’s okay to not know what we want right away. Colleges will still accept you even if you are undeclared. Rushing into a major you don’t want in fear of not being accepted into a college will not do you any good—it could make things more complicated for you once you do know what you want to do.
College is a great way to figure out your interests. Even without a declared major, you will still have to take classes required of all students. You’re not wasting time. Take this moment to take your required classes while taking classes that may interest you. You never know what class may spark your passion.
💡 I have had many friends who chose to change their major or declare a minor because of an elective class they decided to take for fun. There is no one right path to do college. Just follow your interests.
Other considerations
Have a double major
If you have many interests, you have the option to double major or even triple major. Most students will choose subjects/ fields that complement each other, but they are not required to—you can choose two differing subjects.
Photo by Morgan Harper Nichols on Unsplash
However, keep in mind that having more than one major will require you to do more work. Consider if you have the time and space in your schedule. If you have to stay an extra year, do you have the financial capability? Will your credits allow you to have more than one major?
Declare a minor
If you still want to pursue a secondary subject but don’t want a second major, consider declaring a minor. Minors will most often have less requirements than a major, making it a great option for students to pursue another interest without the heavy burden of another major.
College / university reputation
Take a look at which colleges you are applying at. Some schools prefer theoretical work, while others prioritize hands-on learning. What kinds of experiences do you want to take away from your time at college?
Some schools require students to have internships and/ or co-ops (an agreement with an employer where you work for them for one school semester, rather than take classes. Normally, they are paid and full-time positions) during their time in college. If that interests you and aligns with your learning goals, then try to find schools that have co-op options.
Take a look at the college’s extracurriculars, clubs, and sports. College life involves more than just studying. What you do outside of your classes matter too. If you like playing sports in your free time, consider going to a college that have a sports team you can join, or games you can watch. Is there a chess club you can join, a school paper you can write for, a drama club to act in?
Changing your major...
It’s okay to change your major after you’ve started college. It happens. More often than you might think.
Each college has its own processes, but it is possible to change your major—even in your senior year. And there are people who are willing to help you figure it out.
Remember, it’s not shameful to change your major. See it as a positive: you’ve found something you interested in and passionate enough about to pursue it and learn more about it! Remember, your decision to choose a major is not permanent.
