A Complete Student’s Guide on How to Choose a Major!
Choosing a major can be tricky, especially if you have multiple interests or don't know what
kind of career you want to pursue. Choosing a major is one of the most important decisions
you will make in your life.
But the truth is, many students select a major based on emotion or a very limited set of
criteria-sometimes just a gut feeling. While this won't preclude you from academic success,
such an important decision should probably undergo a higher level of scrutiny. A student's
major can influence their education and career, but choosing the right major takes a lot of
consideration. The decision depends on each learner and what they wish to get out of their
education. Some students seek out the highest-paying college majors, while others might seek
job security by choosing a high-demand field
Choosing a major represents a significant step I n the college process, and it shouldn't be taken lightly.
Where Do You Begin ?
Start by considering common academic disciplines, such as business, humanities, or the sciences. Identify what overarching area attracts you most and how your skills may apply. For example, assertive students with strong social skills might aim for business, while critical thinkers who enjoy mathematics and science should consider science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors.
You can narrow the field into specific majors by considering their personal interests. For instance, an aspiring business student interested in human behavior might choose marketing or sales, while a STEM student looking to help others might pursue a healthcare major, like nursing or nutrition science.
When Do I Choose A Major ?
Students typically declare a major when they enroll during their freshman year. That said, “undecided” or “undeclared” students typically wait until the end of their sophomore year to choose. Undecided students refer to those who still need to choose a major, while undeclared students know which major they want to pursue but haven’t officially declared it. For example, an undeclared student may need to meet certain admission requirements before they announce their chosen major. Some schools may require students to choose a major before enrolling.
In short, students may decide on a major as early as their admission application and as late as the end of their sophomore year
Picking a Major: Key Factors that you need to consider when choosing a Major
Picking a major is one of the most exciting decisions you'll make as it can impact your future. You want to pick something that you love, something that you’re pumped about and something that will give you lots of prospects for a meaningful career.
Pick a major based on abilities choosing a Major
Abilities are what you are able to do, generally speaking. Understanding what areas, you have skills in and which areas could use work is a great way to start the elimination process when choosing a university major.
Pick a major based on values
Choosing a major based on your core beliefs will normally lead to work that is more rewarding and encouraging.
Pick a major based on your biggest priorities
Some students pursue certain majors primarily based upon salary potential and job demand. Alternatively, other students choose majors they're passionate about and/or highly skilled in. Before you choose a major, think about which of these three factors — economic advantage, interest level, and ability — are most important and relevant to you and your future goals.
Pick a major based on passions
your passions seem just like interest areas, only stronger. But this is quite an understatement. Passions are areas of deep interest, sure, but they also incorporate your values and abilities into something that becomes a burning, lifelong desire.
your passions seem just like interest areas, only stronger. But this is quite an understatement. Passions are areas of deep interest, sure, but they also incorporate your values and abilities into something that becomes a burning, lifelong desire.
Following your passions, whatever they may be, is one of the best ways to choose a major, and it generally has the least second-guessing later on. However, as with your interests, passions may be defined later on, even after university is over.
Pick a major based on the Highest-Paying Fields
When considering which major to pursue, determine how important salary and salary potential weigh into your decision-making process. If you're motivated by high earnings, pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field may appeal to you.
That said, some students care more about the importance of their work than the salary offered; they don't want a job just for the money. Non-STEM degrees that students are often passionate about relate to human services, education, and visual/performing arts.
Pick a major based on rigorous will the coursework be
Some majors may feel harder than others based on factors like typical homework load, course expectations, and frequency of exams. Your core classes (i.e., classes specifically related to your major) will make up a significant portion of your college course load. So, before you declare a major, make sure you understand how rigorous your weekly workload will be.
Should You Double Major in College ?
Undergraduates aren't necessarily limited to one field of study. Most colleges and universities allow students to double major or even triple major. Normally, students who double major choose two academic fields that complement each other, though you're not required to do this.
For example, students hoping to establish careers in international business might double major in business management and a foreign language. Other popular major combinations include accounting and finance, engineering and math, political science and philosophy, and criminal justice and psychology.
If you don't have enough room in your class schedule to pursue two majors, you can also declare a minor in a secondary subject that interests you.