What Should You Consider When Choosing A Major?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  • Consider your strengths and weaknesses. Figure out your strengths, weaknesses and goals. …
  • Consider classes you’ve done well in. …
  • Consider what alumni say about the major. …
  • Consider your “personal grit.” …
  • Keep in mind your major is not necessarily your career.

What factors should you consider when choosing a college degree?


  • Academic

    Majors Available.
  • Affordable Cost of Attendance.
  • Location, Location, Location.
  • On-Campus Facilities & Amenities.
  • Student Activities.

  • Career

    Services.

  • Do You Feel

    at Home on Campus?

How important is choosing a major?

Picking a major

often charts the course for one’s future career path

, making it an important decision for college students to consider. Between 20% and 50% of new students enter college as “undecided” on what major they plan to pursue. … There are many areas of study in college to explore.

What are three of the factors you should consider when choosing a major?

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.

What are the five key factors to consider when choosing a major?

  1. Consider your strengths and weaknesses. Figure out your strengths, weaknesses and goals. …
  2. Consider classes you’ve done well in. …
  3. Consider what alumni say about the major. …
  4. Consider your “personal grit.” …
  5. Keep in mind your major is not necessarily your career.

Should you choose a major before a career?

Generally, you will need

to choose a major no later than your second year of college

. Depending on career interest, your choice of major may be irrelevant – the thing that is often important is getting the best education you can and doing well in your selected major.

How do I choose between two majors?

  1. Consider Whether You Love or Hate The Subjects You Will Have To Study.
  2. Visualize Yourself In That Career.
  3. Think About Your Employment Options.
  4. Ask Yourself What Kind Of Lifestyle You Wish To Lead.
  5. Speak To People Who Have Already Chosen The Majors.

Does it matter what you major in?

Here’s the truth: for some people

major selection will matter very much

and for others it won’t matter at all. No global, one-size-fits-all approach is helpful. The only thing that matters is whether major selection is going to matter for you. Let’s take a look at the factors that you should consider.

How do I pick a major fast?

  1. Figure Out Your Goals. …
  2. Take a Wide Variety of Classes Your First Year. …
  3. Talk to Older Students and Professors. …
  4. Don’t Wait Too Long to Declare Your Major. …
  5. Avoid Majors That Take Up Tons of Time. …
  6. It’s Tough to Argue When Your Parents Pay the Bills.

What to Do When You Can’t decide on a major?

  1. List 10 things you love. …
  2. Make a list of strengths and weaknesses. …
  3. Use the Roadmap to Careers Connect your interests to majors and careers, and explore video interviews with professionals in different industries to hear how they got where they are today.

What questions should I ask about a major?

  • Why do I want this major? …
  • Do I know enough about this major? …
  • What are the requirements for this major? …
  • Is my college strong in this major? …
  • What are the career opportunities for this major? …
  • Is this the right–and only–major for my career path?

How do I choose a major for high school?

  1. Step 1 – Consider Advanced Placement classes that fit your interests. …
  2. Step 2 – Weed out fields you don’t want to pursue. …
  3. Step 3 – Research majors based on shortlisted interests. …
  4. Step 4 – Career Paths and earning potential.

What is a good major for someone undecided?

  • Communication. Whether you like to read, write or talk, communication can grow your skill set and broaden your horizons. …
  • English. If English is your first language, consider making it your major. …
  • Health Science. …
  • Psychology. …
  • Economics. …
  • Business. …
  • Biology. …
  • Chemistry.

What are the easiest majors?

  • #1: Psychology. Psychology majors study the inner workings of the human psyche. …
  • #2: Criminal Justice. …
  • #3: English. …
  • #4: Education. …
  • #5: Social Work. …
  • #6: Sociology. …
  • #7: Communications. …
  • #8: History.

What should I major in if I like math?

Typical Degree Paths:

Bachelor’s in mathematics, computer science, statistics or related field

for entry-level positions; MBA or master’s in mathematics or statistics often required for advancement; PhD required for academic and research careers.

What majors make the most money?

  • Computer Science. Technology is a major player when it comes to industries with the highest starting salaries. …
  • Engineering. …
  • Math and Sciences. …
  • Social Sciences. …
  • Humanities. …
  • Business. …
  • Communications. …
  • Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.