fbpx

    What Should I Major in? The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Major

    June 27, 2023 | Admin

    Today, a college major plays a significant role in a student’s career life and future. Unlike in the past, when people could get jobs without a college. degree, things have changed. That is why colleges today give students the freedom to choose the majors that they are comfortable with and offer so many to choose from. This variety allows students to decide on what they feel will reward them the most. But with so many options for a major out there, how do you know which is the right one?

    Ideally, your college major should be something that you have a talent for. This interest should carry you through your years in school and into your career. There are many areas to choose from, including popular subjects like political science, comparative literature, or chemistry. One underlying attribute about majors is that you should choose one that interests you. Moreover, some schools may allow you to design your own college major, so if you don’t find something that interests you, reach out to an advisor to explore this option.

    When is the right time to declare a major? Well, every college or university has its own guidelines about when to do so. Typically, you should do it in your sophomore or junior year. In some cases, your college will require that you list your major on a college application, but many times, it is optional. Oftentimes, most colleges will demand that you declare later on, especially if your major doesn’t require a lot of classes. But, declaring early can save you money as you are sure not to take any unnecessary classes.

    What is a College Major?

    A college major, also known as an academic major or concentration, is a college student’s field of specialization while completing a bachelor’s degree. The coursework may incorporate portions of a core curriculum as well as classes specific to the chosen major. Completing an academic major demonstrates sustained, high-level work in one topic.

    Some majors are designed for students wishing to pursue a specific career. You can double major in some schools, or choose to have a major and a minor. Most majors give you the basis for more specialized training once you graduate, preparing you for various job opportunities and professions. 

    Planning your career or picking a profession is not the same as picking a college major. The major does not help you pursue and apply for job opportunities. It only allows you to develop confidence in a specialized subject area. Therefore, it is up to you to articulate how your skills, experiences, know-how, degree, and what you learned can bring value to your prospective employer. 

    Majors are not static; they change and evolve. Understanding that picking a college major is not about selecting one area of concentration for the rest of your life is essential. Technologies, industries, practices, and knowledge regularly change, and we continue to push the envelope in every industry. Selecting a major is more about choosing an area of study that demonstrates your aptitude, perseverance, focus, and ability to master subjects.

    Importance of A Major to A College Degree

    There is confusion surrounding the relationship between a college major and a college degree. As such, understanding the difference will help you make wise decisions about your education. A bachelor’s degree is a collection of courses that meets the requirements of a major. The college major is the area of focus. To complete a college degree, you must finish all the classes required for your major. For instance, what distinguishes a Computer Science degree from a Political Science degree or an Anthropology from a Psychology degree are the classes you take to meer the 36 credits required in your major. 

    Your major sets the focus and direction of your college experience, so the courses you take in college relate to your major. As such, a college degree and a college major work hand in hand. A degree provides an overarching structure and guidance for your college studies, while a major provides the focus. To ensure that you receive a well-rounded education and finish any college degree, it is a requirement that you complete a major as well as other additional courses. 

    A college degree is vital as it allows you to mix other courses with those in your discipline to support and build on the concepts you learned in your major. A major is your tool belt, while the classes you take while obtaining a college degree offer support for those tools. A major is a significant part of obtaining a college degree to equip yourself for a career in a specific field rather than dabble in whatever courses you like for four years.

    Determining Coursework Within A College Major

    The process of picking a major can be fascinating as it involves discovering something that you are passionate about. Put the pressure of choosing a major in context when thinking about which major is right for you because of the uncertainty. Through concentrations, the major can assess comprehension and learning outcomes.

    Some students find themselves switching majors during college as they are unsure what they want to do or have a career goal but don’t know which majors will get them there. Switching majors isn’t unusual, but it can be expensive and waste a lot of time. 

    When choosing a major, you need to consider taking courses in the areas appealing to you earlier in your academic path to focus on the subject that motivates you. But you should make sure you have a genuine interest. When you do, you’ll do better in class, and your motivation will continue throughout college.

    Early in your college career, you should be able to enrich your college experience with coursework outside of your concentration. That is why it is an option to take electives. For instance, if you specialize in engineering or nursing coursework, you will likely continue with that since you are learning a specific vocation. 

    Choosing A College Major

    Your college major plays a very critical role in setting you up for a career path. Therefore, it is not a decision you should take lightly as it could potentially decide your future. We understand that choosing a college major will always be a daunting task because it’s likely to affect your whole life. But if you know what you want to go for, it can be one of the easiest decisions you will ever make.

    There are plenty of majors offered in different universities around the country, and none of them is the same as the other. Each major has its pros and cons, and each sets you up to a different career path, meaning that the major you go for will determine the job opportunities you have in the future. 

    When to Choose a College Major

    Timing is very critical when choosing a college major. It would be best if you found the perfect balance between trying out a few things to know what works best for you but also not waiting until you’re too late to the party. 

    For most four-year degrees, you aren’t expected to choose a major until the end of your sophomore year, which gives you some time to try out a couple of classes before seeing what you like and also a chance to accumulate some credits that count towards your degree.

    However, certain colleges require you to state your expected major in the application (although undecided is an option), but they don’t require you to officially declare it. It is also worth noting that certain programs and fields require an early commitment so that you can be able to take all the required classes and graduate on time.

    Factors to Consider When Choosing A Major

    Before choosing the right major, here are a few things you should be having at the back of your mind. 

    • Your Strengths & Weaknesses: You should know the areas you’re good at and what tends to be a challenge for you. A self-assessment career test can help you find the perfect fit.
    • The Classes You’ve Excelled In: Before choosing a major, you will have tried out different classes. Take advantage of that by assessing the classes you did well in to give you a hint of what you’re good at and the areas where your potential lies.
    • Passion & Interests: You must choose a major in a field you love and have a lot of interest in. When you do that, you are more likely to excel because you have the motivation to go that extra step and push yourself to do better.

    How Do You Apply for A College Major?

    There may be a lot of pressure when applying for a college major, but you can make the process easy for yourself by following these steps.

    • Know What You Like: Make a list of the things you love both inside and outside of the classroom to give you an indication of the kind of majors you would enjoy doing. For example, if you love traveling, business, and budgeting, an international business major might be ideal for you.
    • List Your Career Goals: Listing your career aspirations goes a long way in helping you choose the right major. For example, if you want to venture into finance or finance-related fields, you will have narrowed down your options to a few majors such as economics and accounting.
    • Talk to Advisors & Professionals: The best advice comes from those that have already been through it. Some schools have career advisors whose job is to help on such matters. So, make sure you take advantage of that. You can also talk to professionals who are already doing bits in the fields you are interested in.

    As mentioned, some schools ask you to choose a major during the application process, while other fields require you to select a major as early as the beginning of your sophomore year. For your own sake, don’t be pressured to commit to a particular major before you’re sure it is the right one for your well-being. You might end up regretting it a few years down the line. 

    Importance of Choosing A College Major

    In the past, people could get decent jobs in any company without a college degree, but this is unlike today, where competition is increasing, and choosing a college major is a growing concern. While it is true that a college major does not influence everyone’s career path, going this route gives you an advantage whenever need be. So, it is right to say that a college major is as useful as the modern world’s degree.

    As mentioned, a major is a specific subject that a student specializes in while pursuing a college degree. It is also prudent to note that most of the courses someone takes in a college major like liberal arts are in the subject you’re majoring in or related to it. Upon completion of a major, a graduate will possess the highest level of knowledge in that given area. And some majors often prepare people for a specific career. Below are the detailed benefits of choosing a college major.

    Land a Job Easily

    Arguably, one reason people pursue a college degree is to land a well-paying job in the future. However, the hassles of finding a job are just as tiresome as the studies themselves. But with a college degree in the right major, landing a job could be easier. This is especially true when a company is hiring based on specific expertise, and someone with this qualification will undoubtedly handle the work better than anyone else. In essence, a college major will benefit you in terms of your career and future.

    Unrelated Job Availability

    This one may sound out of place, but, indeed, someone with a college major can do anything. Because of their education in their given field, such individuals have an unmatched level of knowledge and confidence to handle their work. Plus, someone with an impressive level of knowledge about something unrelated to their field can explore their options to improve their professional alternatives. You will also agree that most employers today consider skills over anything with a college major. So, a college major will not define your career future entirely, even though it is essential.

    Freedom to Pursue Interests and Hobbies

    One good thing about a college major is that students have the freedom to explore whatever interests them. Unlike the popular belief that someone with a college major has limited options, the truth is that they do and can do even more. If a student is passionate about his/her interests, then going for a specific field of study has not limited their dreams. Moreover, most people go for a college major out of passion and interest; therefore, it is only right to say going this route is a decision worth the freedom to accomplish your dreams.

    Sense of Accomplishment

    Every decision we make in life will determine whether we get what we want out of it, and having a college major is not any different since it provides a sense of accomplishment. Choosing a college major and completing a degree comes in handy even more than in the sense of fulfillment in work. Most people want both financial and professional growth from their studies, and a college major is just one of the vessels of accomplishing that.

    Safety and Security

    While some people believe their talents and skills can take them whenever they want, the unfortunate truth is that they lack safety and security. But with a college major, even when combined with talent and skills, will come along away to determine one’s future even when the ground is shaky. Ideally, if you are having a college major, the chances of getting permanent employment are high. With the right credentials, knowledge, and experience, the law protects you in many ways when it comes to employment.

    The choice of what college major to pursue depends on your needs. Whether it is in culture and media, engineering, governance & political science, or even in liberal arts, deciding what major in relies on what interests you the most. Plus, never choose just anything for the sake of it because you may end up selecting a major that is not employable or not rewarding.

    It is also excellent to reiterate that a college major is not the ultimate door to success. You will want to combine it with experience, skills, networking, and the passion for solving modern-day problems for you to realize its rewards.

    Factors to Consider When Choosing A Major

    If you are trying to choose a college major, there’s a good chance that you are already confused or overwhelmed, nevermind the many conflicting pieces of advice about what you should pick. Knowing that the major you choose will define a better part of your future life is enough to make it a daunting task. So, what are some of the things to put into consideration before making this life-changing decision?

    It is not an overstatement to say that making this decision is challenging, which is what we tried to address. Ideally, you should think about how your major will affect your life, the activities you enjoy, the type of person you are, and the type of work you will need in the future. The final decision on the college major to select will narrow down on what is best for you. Nevertheless, here are some of the top factors to consider when choosing a major.

    Your Interest

    Every decision we make in life depends mostly on what we love. When you think about the college major that is right for you, your interests are the first thing to consider. Honestly, if you don’t enjoy whatever you are studying, the chances are that your campus life as a student will not be enjoyable. Not only that, but you could lose the motivation to study and possibly ruin your entire life. So, ensure the major you choose is an exciting one and picture yourself doing the same as your rewarding point in your career.

    Your Abilities and Skills

    Whether it relates to your skills, talent, or any other area of concern, your overall abilities will play a vital role in the major you choose. For instance, you could be good in a given subject area like mathematics, and it is only right to say choosing a major related to that is a good idea. However, it is also prudent to note that high school subjects rarely reflect what is taught in colleges. And trying new things you are comfortable with will also open your mindset to exploring new things.

    The Marketability of the Major 

    Let us be honest; one of the most important factors to check on before selecting a major is employability. Honestly, you are not studying to show off but to get a rewarding and fulfilling career path at the end of it all. Therefore, you will want to major in something that will ensure you get a job faster, if not immediately after your graduate school. Researching and assessing the professions facing shortages could help you in deciding on the right major. But ensure you don’t go for a populated one; instead, settle on a major with high market demand.

    Earning Potential

    Education itself is an investment worth returns. Indeed, nobody wants to waste all those years learning only to earn peanuts when they secure a job. For this reason, consider your income potential when choosing a college major because it will also ensure you have a financially fulfilling life. If you are looking for a high salary, teaching or sociology won’t be the best option. Majors like computer science and engineering tend to offer higher wages. Also critical to note is that apart from money, your career advancement is crucial. So, going for a major that pays well while giving you room to advance is an excellent factor to consider.

    Consider Your Situation

    As mentioned, choosing a college major is a personal choice. But we must also agree that while education itself is critical, life happens, and realizing the best from it often can be challenging. A perfect example is your social and economic situation. When it comes to social life, you want to decide what favors you and what will not interfere with your lifestyle. For instance, going for an inexpensive major will save you from spending too much, but it’s not always possible, especially when it comes to majors in medicine and law that tend to take more time to complete.

    The School Choice

    Another critical factor to remember is the school that you choose. Whether it is a community college or a university, you should weigh from different prospects and their majors. Not only that, but you will also want to check on the location of the school itself. Location goes a long way to determine costs in terms of transport, residency, and other areas of concern. Furthermore, since colleges are relatively expensive, choose one that offers financial aid to its students.

    Ideally, the factors to check on while choosing a college major extend far beyond what this list entails. For example, checking on the workload associated with your major will reduce stressful cases, especially for part-time students. Also, check on your mental and physical health before selecting any major. 

    In Summary

    One question most people ask is if a college major is worth it. The most straightforward answer is that it is, but it is rarely the determining factor of one’s career life and future. The truth is that many graduates land jobs that are not related to their majors today. But it is also good to note that with a major, a job seeker has the upper hand in getting the right job that requires some specialization.

    Also crucial to note is the level and sense of accomplishment that having a major brings. Meaning that, apart from getting a job with the right qualification requirement, someone with a college degree in a major they love will have a better chance of fulfilling their career goals. In essence, that is why everyone goes through all the hassles of making life decisions like getting a college degree.

    That said, another area of concern is how to choose a college major. Most students face challenging quests on selecting the right major based on conflicting advice from different sources. However, one essential guide to choosing the right major is the personalized attachments they come with. 

    That is to say, every decision you make before going this route should be based on your individual needs, dreams, and aspirations. Perfect examples are your interests and desires, your abilities and skills. Plus, other advanced factors touching on finance and career advancements, such as your socio-economic situation, career dreams, future earning potential, and a host of other issues like the school you will attend should be factored in. 

    Find the program that’s right for you

    Whether you’re trying to start your career or make a big change, we can help you find the perfect school to help you reach your goals.

    Woman in graduation cap and gown
    Scroll to Top