Your friends are gearing up for med school or pursuing a career in journalism while you’re wondering, how in the world do you choose a college major? 🤔
But before you jump into something your family forced on you or flit from one major to another (a surefire way to rack up enormous student debt), you should know the factors involved in declaring a major. We’ll guide you through the 101 of choosing your college major, helping you decide in no time! ✨
What Is a Major?
A college major is your specific or specialized area of study in your undergraduate degree. Around one-half of your courses are dedicated to that subject, while the rest are general and elective courses that help you get a well-rounded education. 📖
Common college majors are business, health, and social sciences. Your major sets the direction for your career path; that’s why it’s a crucial decision. Meanwhile, a college minor typically complements your main area of specialization, whether it’s out of personal interest or when you need that extra leg up in knowledge. 💭
When Do You Declare a Major?
Colleges differ in the major declaration process: you may be required to declare your major in your college application or wait until the end of your sophomore year. Declaring your major as soon as possible comes with perks, like a boosted chance of acceptance, good scholarships and internships, and an aligned class schedule that lets you graduate within four years. ✨
On the other hand, students who are still exploring can opt not to declare to avoid switching later on, which has its own set of cons. For example, your current GPA may not be enough to switch to your intended major, or you’ll have to spend a longer time in college making up for lost time by taking the required courses (which also come at an additional cost).
To decide which option to follow, do your research and reflect on what you value most: is it graduating on time regardless of your college major or pursuing something aligned with your strengths and interests no matter what it takes? And know you’re not alone in having this dilemma! Approximately 20 to 50 percent of college students don’t immediately declare their major, and 75 percent switch at least once. 😬
How to Choose Your College Major
Choosing your college major doesn’t have to be the almighty task of being torn between what you love and what’s practical — it can be both. But if you have absolutely zero idea of what to pursue, here are different ways to get you out of that decision-making rut.
Contact a Career Counselor
When your mind’s a jumble of thoughts, talking to a licensed career counselor can help you put things into perspective. Essentially, their job is to help identify and assess factors that will narrow down potential career choices. Visit your college’s career center for a free consultation with the campus counselor. 🧑💼
On the other hand, approaching a private practitioner can be best for detailed assessments with customized reports. Note that each session will cost, on average, between $100 to $150. 💲
TIP: Search for career counselors through websites like the National Career Development Association and National Board for Certified Counselors or ask your family and friends for referrals.
Take a Quiz
Quizzes are a quick, fun, and easy way to shed light on your dilemma of choosing a college major. You’ve got two options: invest in paid career testing (usually available via career counseling) or take free online career quizzes. Check out popular websites like 123test, Truity, and Career Fitter to see a list of jobs that suit you and help you decide on the relevant college major. ✅
Follow Your Passion
What’s something you’re happy doing regardless of whether you get paid or not? Or what’s something that’s work but doesn’t feel like it? That’s where you’ll find a job that suits your passions. Sticking to what you love may help you be more resilient when the going gets tough, but the downside is that turning your favorite hobby into a full-time gig can lead to burnout. It’s best to create boundaries if this is really what you want. 🔥
TIP: Explore different things before you enter college, as you might find new interests that can shape the career you’re aiming for. Travel to a new place, talk to people from different backgrounds, volunteer for environmental advocacies — the list is endless. 😄
Research What Fields Are in High Demand
Your college major can make or break your chances of landing a job straight out of school. Take healthcare and technology — they’re booming industries, but everyone’s jumping in, which could result in a less competitive salary. 😬
So, what’s the solution? Master a specialized niche in that industry or hunt down high-paying jobs with a low supply of labor. 👍Search for updated news and articles about the best jobs for fresh graduates in your state or your desired location, or ask your career counselor.
READ MORE: How to Write a Winning Cover Letter as a Fresh Graduate [2023]
Consider Your Future Salary Expectations
Imagine your desired lifestyle and calculate the amount of money you’d need to sustain it. Got the number ready? Now, seek out careers that can make you afford the life you want. While you’re at it, research more about the nature of the career and think about whether it’s something you’re prepared to face.
For example, would you be okay earning more than $100,000 per year but working consistently long hours or during weekends and holidays? 🕠
READ MORE: Can You Get High-Paying Jobs Without a Degree? Yes, Totally!
Calculate Return on Investment (ROI)
Think of choosing your college major like making a business decision. If you’re going to invest up to six figures in attending college plus your time and effort over four years, how much do you expect to earn after graduation? 🤔 You’re likely to assess whether you’ve gained returns or not in 10 years instead of your first year of working.
So, use this formula to calculate the ROI of your chosen college major:
ROI = (Average yearly income x 10) / Total cost of attendance and related expenses x 100
Results of more than 100 mean you’ve earned yourself some profit from the job you got aligned with your college major. Meanwhile, results of less than 100 mean you haven’t earned enough ROI in the given timeframe. 💸
TIP: Factor in your student loan interest during your ROI calculation.
READ MORE: How to Budget in College: A Step-By-Step Guide to Financial Success
Use Your Network
When wondering about what is a good college major, asking relatives and older friends about how they landed their current jobs can give you that “aha” moment. 💡
You can also turn to online communities to widen your reach. Find career forums on places like Reddit or specific industry groups on Facebook and leave thoughtful discussion starters, such as: “What made you choose X career?” “What are its pros and cons?” or “What are the steps you took to get that job?”
Take a Test Drive
Getting a better picture of the career path you signed up for is possible with so many choices nowadays. Aside from interviewing someone in the trenches, go to where the action is. Find a summer job or internship in a relevant field, seek mentorship from someone who calls the shots, shadow different workers, or volunteer in organizations where you can get up close and personal with your target career. 🧑💼
Sticking to one college major is one of the first huge decisions you’ll make as a young adult, so it’s normal to feel confused and overwhelmed. However, doing proper research and getting to know yourself better can fan away your worries and lead you to a field that feels the most aligned with your goals. Good luck! 🍀
How to Choose Your College Major: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular college major?
The most popular college majors are those in business, healthcare, and social sciences, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
When do you have to declare a major?
You can declare your major either during your college application or until the end of sophomore year, depending on your school’s policy.
Can you change your college major?
Yes, you can change your college major but keep in mind that it might cost you more tuition money and time spent in school, especially if you’re pivoting to an entirely different field.
Does it look bad to colleges if you apply with an undecided major?
Generally, applying without a declared major won’t harm your chances at most colleges. But it might not work in your favor if you’ve talked about a specific interest in your essay and don’t stick with it or if your chosen college demands you to declare your major during the application process.
How to choose a college major when undecided?
Use these factors to guide you in choosing your college major:
- Take a Test Drive
- Contact a Career Counselor
- Take A Quiz
- Follow Your Passion
- Research What Fields Are in High Demand
- Consider Your Future Salary Expectations
- Calculate Return on Investment (ROI)
Should you double major in college or take a minor instead?
Double majoring in college is best for students with a serious interest in pursuing two different fields and who are willing to devote the time, effort, and extra tuition to complete their studies in both. Meanwhile, taking a minor is best if you’re curious to add new knowledge that can complement your main expertise, like pairing your sociology major with a psychology minor to better understand human behavior.
Choose the option that works best with your intended career path.