Key Takeaway
A major in college refers to a specific subject area that you choose to study as an undergraduate, but it is not the only subject you will study. As a college student, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a wide array of options and create your own personalized curriculum depending on your strengths, interests, and the industry you hope to work in. However, your major will be the main subject you focus on. You can declare a major as early as your freshman year, but most schools will require you to make a choice by the end of your sophomore year. Popular majors include business, health, engineering, education, and biology.
College applications done? Check! Once you figure out where you’ll be studying, now comes the exciting part: deciding on what you’ll be studying while earning your degree. Aka, your major. This specific area of study is usually chosen based on your interests, strengths, or what industry you hope to work in.
This is a decision that will shape your coursework and future career path over the next four years. Because of this, students can feel pressured to choose the ‘perfect’ major. And while some students have always known what their major would be, it’s totally normal to be unsure about what you want to study—after all, there are thousands of options!
Remember, this time should be exciting, not stressful! If you’re feeling overwhelmed about choosing a college major, this guide is here to help. We’ll discuss what a college major is, the importance of choosing one, plus how and when to choose yours.
Important Considerations When Choosing a Major
A major isn’t something you should choose lightly, so here are some factors to consider before making your choice:
- Majors can be a broad field of study. It often refers to a focused area of study or a set of courses that are all relevant to a specific field. For example, if you choose to major in business, you wouldn’t be limited to a single course on accounting. You would also study areas like marketing, finance, and management to get a full understanding of the business world.
- Majors can have a ‘focus’ or ‘concentration.’ Having a focus on your major allows you to dive into a narrower, more specific field of interest. An English major, for example, could choose a focus in Creative Writing, deepening their skills in fiction, poetry, or screenplays. Similarly, a Biology major could choose a concentration in Marine Biology, focusing primarily on ecosystems and animals in the ocean.
- Majors require ‘core courses.’ To earn an undergraduate degree, all students are required to complete certain ‘core courses’ that form the foundation of their chosen field. These classes typically make up about one-third to one-half of the courses you complete in college.
- Majors may have additional requirements. Some programs have additional requirements that may require you to demonstrate your mastery in your chosen field. This could be completing a senior thesis, completing a number of hours in a field—such as student teaching or nursing—or passing a standardized test to graduate. These will usually be detailed in your curriculum.
- Most majors prepare you for a wide range of professions and job opportunities. Majoring in a broad field can help you develop skills that are applicable to many different careers. For instance, a business major can pursue careers in marketing, finance, human resources, or management. Similarly, a psychology major might find opportunities in counseling, human resources, marketing, or research. The exception is if you specialize in very specific fields such as nursing, engineering, accounting, or design.
Popular Majors to Choose
A good major for you will depend on your skills, aptitude, areas of interest, and career goals. These are some of the more common majors and the programs within each:
- Business: Economics, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, General Business
- Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM): Architecture, Biology, Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Physics
- Arts and Humanities: Arts and Entertainment, Creative Writing, Dance, English, Fashion, Film, Graphics Design, Interior Design, Photography, Theater Arts
- Health and Medicine: Dental Hygiene, Nursing, Pre-Med, General Health Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Social Sciences: Criminology, Psychology, Education, Digital Communication, Journalism, Legal Studies, Liberal Arts, Social Work, Communications
Tips for Choosing a Major
Some students decide on their major even before they enter high school. However, many others struggle to make this decision. It’s not surprising—there’s a lot riding on this decision. Your choice of major can play a big role in determining your future career path. Note that some colleges do allow students to double major, or to choose a major and a minor. Here’s some tips for helping you choose a major:
- Give some thought to your career goals. You want to make sure to choose a major that aligns with your career aspirations. For example, if you want to become a doctor, you most likely need to major in a science-related field such as Biology or Chemistry. Make sure to confirm the correct path with academic advisors.
- Consider your personal interests and strengths. If you’re passionate about a particular subject or have a natural talent in a specific area, you might consider choosing that as your major. Not only will you enjoy learning more about that subject but you’re also more likely to excel in it.
- Consider your academic background and performance. Some majors may have more rigorous course requirements than others. Being realistic about your abilities and study habits is important when choosing such majors. Let’s say you want to become an engineer but you’ve struggled with math and physics throughout high school. In this case, choosing to major in engineering could be a frustrating college experience. You may want to reconsider your major.
- Seek advice. Talk to academic advisors, career counselors, and students who are already in the majors you are considering. This could give you the insight you need to make the best decision for you.
When Should I Declare a Major?
If you’ve always known what you want to major in, you can declare it right away! However, if you’re still unsure (and many are when they start college) don’t stress if you can’t decide. Many students enter college without a clear idea of what they want to do, and college is a great place to explore different subjects and interests.
At most four-year colleges, you won’t technically have to choose your major until the end of your sophomore year. This gives you plenty of time to take different classes and explore various subjects. As you go through the classes, you will be in a better position to identify subject areas that interest you.
The process of declaring a major typically involves meeting with an academic advisor to discuss your interests and academic goals. You may need to complete specific prerequisite courses or meet certain academic standards. Once you have decided, you will fill out the necessary paperwork to officially declare your major.
The Exceptions:
There are two exceptions when you have to choose your major early on:
- Certain Career-Oriented Fields: If you’re planning on studying certain career-oriented fields such as design, engineering, or medicine, you will want to choose this as your major at the beginning of freshman year. This is because it takes the full four years to complete all the required courses to receive a degree.
- Enrolling in a Two-Year Degree Program: Another exception is if you are planning on enrolling in a two-year degree program. The shorter program requires you to make this decision at the time of enrollment.
Benefits of Having a Major
- Academic Guidance: Once you’ve chosen your major, your academic requirements will be decided. This means you don’t have to guess what classes to take—you’ll have a structured academic path. This allows you to set goals for your education and prepare for your future.
- Career Preparation: Your major is designed to help prepare you for your future job. For example, if you’re studying elementary education, then your classes will help prepare you for teaching positions after you’ve graduated.
- Focused Expertise: Having a major also allows you to gain an in-depth understanding of the major you choose, giving you the opportunity to become an expert. This knowledge will help you stand out in a competitive job market.
Switching Majors
Whether you want to change your major because you want to pursue your passion, want better job opportunities, or you’re just dissatisfied in your program, you have the option to switch majors! In fact, it’s estimated that 75-85% of students will change their major before they graduate. However, it is important to note that some schools have a deadline after which you can no longer switch.
So, if you are thinking about it, it is best to meet with your academic advisor as soon as possible to figure out if the change will work. Be prepared for the possibility that switching majors might extend your time in college.
Making the Most of Your Major
To get the most out of your college major:
- Join clubs, organizations, or groups related to your major to meet others and build connections with those who share your interests.
- Look for internships or research opportunities that allow you to gain hands-on experience in your future field.
- Connect with career services on your campus and see if they offer resume workshops, mock interviews, job fairs, or one-on-one career counseling.
- Build relationships with professors and academic advisors, as they can provide guidance, mentorship, and support.
Choosing the right major in college can prepare you for a successful career in a field that aligns with your interests, strengths, and goals. It can also provide you with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to pursue advanced education and training in your chosen field. And if you find your interests have changed you can always switch your major during the college semester. Ultimately, you want to choose something that you’re passionate about and that can give you an incredible college experience and enhance your future career opportunities.
Wondering which college is the perfect fit for you to pursue your major? Use College Raptor’s College Match tool to see which schools you match with based on your academic profile versus the college’s average student profile and your preferred majors—for FREE!
