Choosing a College Major

Choose your undergraduate major.

Choosing a major is a crucial decision for college students. A college major should help you get a job and a fulfilling career. Deciding what to study in college is a huge life decision. Prospective students should understand how majors position them for preferred industries and how incomes change by field over time.

Talk to your family and friends but understand that field experts have more experience and a diverse one.

They can help you in ways that your family and friends cannot.

Follow Your Passion

Following your passion may not be as easy as it sounds, especially when you don’t even know it.

General education courses provide a stable and diverse base of operation and expose the students to a different subject.

This exposure can ignite or expose an interest. Along with that, many students join major-related clubs and become friends with peers. As students enter the profession, their major can influence their post-college life.

For this reason, it’s best to major in something that a student is passionate about. Lack of passion in college could lead to a passionless job.

Majors and Colleges Are Linked

Predetermined majors should assess how the subject is taught in their chosen schools. For example, does a college produce graduates who have successful careers? Or does a college even provide a candidate’s desired major? The U.S. News rankings also provide information on top colleges in engineering, finance, marketing, and other professions.

Look Beyond Graduation

Experts argue that speaking with industry professionals rather than family and friends can help students better comprehend their majors. In a 2017 study of students seeking important advice, 84% said advice from professionals was practical, while 82% said advice from employers or coworkers was good. Finally, parents should understand that primary selection is not their responsibility.

Declare Your Intention In Your College Application

College application is a competition.

A declared major can assist college admissions officials in better understanding an applicant and their potential contribution to the incoming class.

Don’t pick a major based on what college may want to see, but choose according to what might interest you.

You are not locked into your choice of college major declared on the entrance application. You can always change that.

Know The Horizons of Your Undergraduate Major

A bachelor’s degree suffices for many jobs. But some jobs require more training. College is only the beginning for aspiring doctors and attorneys. While prelaw or premed may be an excellent undergraduate choice, students should know that both professions require different degrees. Experts advise students to consider their career aspirations before choosing a major.

Know And Use STEM

STEM education refers to the deliberate integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Prospective STEM majors should have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as an interest in the workings of the world and the impact of technology on human existence, health, and well-being.

Go for Major and Minor

Though a college major will take up most of a student’s classes, a minor is another way to develop essential skills. A beneficial major and minor combination can help students strengthen their talents across disciplines and equip them to work in more than one field.