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How do I narrow down a major I want to enroll in based on what majors I’m interested in?
I want to enroll in anything related to computer science/programming, graphic design, or psychology. I’m currently a 9th grader and I used to have a programming class which I enjoyed and excelled in. I’ve also had an interest in designing, specifically graphic design, for very long. Recently I’ve been growing a liking for psychology and anything related to it, as I’m fascinated by it. I don’t know how to choose between these 3 specific fields and need help on deciding one for college.
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8 answers
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Dino’s Answer
Hello Parmita, how are you doing? We appreciate your initiative to connect with us. We are eager to assist you in making an informed career choice. You've posed an excellent question! Computer Science and Graphic Design are closely related, both falling under the same academic umbrella. On the other hand, Psychology is a part of the Sciences Program. Interestingly, with the rise of social media, psychologists are now participating in the design of computer games and studying the psychology behind games and social media. This has created a new connection between these fields.
To help you better understand your options and narrow down your career choices, consider the following steps:
1. Investigate the job prospects of your potential careers, like the ones you mentioned.
2. Consider the longevity of your career in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Ask yourself, "Could my job be replaced by AI?" Research the future of your chosen field post-college.
3. Determine if your chosen career offers the flexibility of remote work.
4. Research the financial viability of your potential careers.
5. Ensure your mental aptitude, skills, talents, interests, and values align with your future career.
6. Consider researching community colleges that offer your chosen programs. Interview current students or professionals already working in the field.
By following these steps, you'll be able to make a more informed career decision. Best of luck, Parmita! You're on the right track.
Visit your school counselor and ask some assistance regarding your career exploration for comprehensive information.
To help you better understand your options and narrow down your career choices, consider the following steps:
1. Investigate the job prospects of your potential careers, like the ones you mentioned.
2. Consider the longevity of your career in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Ask yourself, "Could my job be replaced by AI?" Research the future of your chosen field post-college.
3. Determine if your chosen career offers the flexibility of remote work.
4. Research the financial viability of your potential careers.
5. Ensure your mental aptitude, skills, talents, interests, and values align with your future career.
6. Consider researching community colleges that offer your chosen programs. Interview current students or professionals already working in the field.
By following these steps, you'll be able to make a more informed career decision. Best of luck, Parmita! You're on the right track.
Dino recommends the following next steps:
This was super helpful, thank you!
parmita
Updated
David’s Answer
It's fantastic that you have such diverse interests! To narrow down your choice of major, consider exploring each field further to gain a better understanding of what it entails and how it aligns with your passions and career goals. Take advantage of opportunities like online courses, workshops, or internships to get hands-on experience in computer science/programming, graphic design, and psychology. Engage with professionals in each field, ask questions, and seek guidance to learn more about the day-to-day responsibilities, career paths, and potential impact of pursuing a major in any of these areas.
Reflect on what aspects of each field resonate with you the most and consider how they align with your strengths, values, and long-term aspirations. Think about the types of problems you enjoy solving, the skills you want to develop further, and the impact you hope to make in your future career. Additionally, explore interdisciplinary opportunities that combine elements of your interests, such as human-computer interaction, user experience design, or cognitive psychology in technology. Remember that it's okay to change your mind and explore different paths as you continue your academic journey. By taking the time to explore your interests and gather information, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision about which major to pursue in college.
Reflect on what aspects of each field resonate with you the most and consider how they align with your strengths, values, and long-term aspirations. Think about the types of problems you enjoy solving, the skills you want to develop further, and the impact you hope to make in your future career. Additionally, explore interdisciplinary opportunities that combine elements of your interests, such as human-computer interaction, user experience design, or cognitive psychology in technology. Remember that it's okay to change your mind and explore different paths as you continue your academic journey. By taking the time to explore your interests and gather information, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision about which major to pursue in college.
Nyair Washington
Case Manager and Therapist, previously a teacher
18
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Updated
Nyair’s Answer
Hello Parmita,
I am so happy you are thinking about your major and being intentional! So many great comments tell you how to combine these interests, so I want to give you some general encouragement.
1. You do not only have to choose one! You can always choose a major and minor or a double major!
2. Take your time over the next few years to continue garnering experience in your interests. Volunteer! Having first-hand experience in each area may show you which field you may love more than the others.
Continue to have experiences because that will truly show you what aligns most with you.
I am so happy you are thinking about your major and being intentional! So many great comments tell you how to combine these interests, so I want to give you some general encouragement.
1. You do not only have to choose one! You can always choose a major and minor or a double major!
2. Take your time over the next few years to continue garnering experience in your interests. Volunteer! Having first-hand experience in each area may show you which field you may love more than the others.
Continue to have experiences because that will truly show you what aligns most with you.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Firstly, you have to find out what careers you have interest. Then, you can explore more on the relevant subjects.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
Would you like to be web developer, apps developer, graphic designer, fashion designer, product designer, phycologists, counsellor, social worker, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these career. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
Would you like to be web developer, apps developer, graphic designer, fashion designer, product designer, phycologists, counsellor, social worker, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these career. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thanks for the advice! I really appreciate it.
parmita
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
4338
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Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Parmita,
Choosing a College Major: Computer Science/Programming, Graphic Design, or Psychology
When deciding on a college major, especially when torn between multiple interests like computer science/programming, graphic design, and psychology, there are several steps you can take to narrow down your options:
1. Self-Reflection and Assessment:
Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values related to each field. Consider what aspects of each subject excite you the most.
Evaluate your skills in each area based on past experiences and performance in related courses.
2. Research Each Field:
Explore the curriculum for each major to understand the courses you would be taking and the potential career paths available.
Look into job prospects and growth opportunities in each field to see if they align with your long-term goals.
3. Seek Guidance:
Talk to professionals or professors in each field to gain insights into what working in that industry is like.
Consider reaching out to career counselors or advisors at your school for guidance on choosing a major.
4. Consider Your Future Goals:
Think about where you see yourself in the future and which major would best align with those aspirations.
Reflect on how each major could help you achieve your career goals and personal fulfillment.
5. Try Out Courses or Programs:
If possible, take introductory courses or participate in programs related to computer science/programming, graphic design, and psychology to get a feel for each subject.
Hands-on experience can often provide clarity on which field resonates with you the most.
6. Evaluate Your Passion and Motivation:
Consider which subject ignites a passion within you and motivates you to learn more about it.
Choosing a major that genuinely interests you can lead to greater academic success and satisfaction in the long run.
Ultimately, selecting a college major is a personal decision that should consider your interests, strengths, career goals, and overall fulfillment. It’s okay to feel drawn to multiple fields; however, by following these steps and considering various factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your aspirations.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard University: Harvard offers valuable resources on choosing a college major through its career services department. Their guidance on self-assessment tools and exploring different majors can be beneficial for students navigating this decision.
American Psychological Association (APA): The APA provides insights into the field of psychology as a potential major choice. Their resources can help students understand the various subfields within psychology and the career paths available.
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM): ACM is a premier organization for computer science professionals. Their resources can offer valuable information on pursuing a major in computer science/programming, including industry trends and educational pathways.
God Bless You,
JC.
Choosing a College Major: Computer Science/Programming, Graphic Design, or Psychology
When deciding on a college major, especially when torn between multiple interests like computer science/programming, graphic design, and psychology, there are several steps you can take to narrow down your options:
1. Self-Reflection and Assessment:
Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values related to each field. Consider what aspects of each subject excite you the most.
Evaluate your skills in each area based on past experiences and performance in related courses.
2. Research Each Field:
Explore the curriculum for each major to understand the courses you would be taking and the potential career paths available.
Look into job prospects and growth opportunities in each field to see if they align with your long-term goals.
3. Seek Guidance:
Talk to professionals or professors in each field to gain insights into what working in that industry is like.
Consider reaching out to career counselors or advisors at your school for guidance on choosing a major.
4. Consider Your Future Goals:
Think about where you see yourself in the future and which major would best align with those aspirations.
Reflect on how each major could help you achieve your career goals and personal fulfillment.
5. Try Out Courses or Programs:
If possible, take introductory courses or participate in programs related to computer science/programming, graphic design, and psychology to get a feel for each subject.
Hands-on experience can often provide clarity on which field resonates with you the most.
6. Evaluate Your Passion and Motivation:
Consider which subject ignites a passion within you and motivates you to learn more about it.
Choosing a major that genuinely interests you can lead to greater academic success and satisfaction in the long run.
Ultimately, selecting a college major is a personal decision that should consider your interests, strengths, career goals, and overall fulfillment. It’s okay to feel drawn to multiple fields; however, by following these steps and considering various factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your aspirations.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard University: Harvard offers valuable resources on choosing a college major through its career services department. Their guidance on self-assessment tools and exploring different majors can be beneficial for students navigating this decision.
American Psychological Association (APA): The APA provides insights into the field of psychology as a potential major choice. Their resources can help students understand the various subfields within psychology and the career paths available.
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM): ACM is a premier organization for computer science professionals. Their resources can offer valuable information on pursuing a major in computer science/programming, including industry trends and educational pathways.
God Bless You,
JC.
Thank you for the recommendations!
parmita
Updated
Emily’s Answer
By the sounds of it, I think your interests can all intersect for one single career path. I would look into web design. With web design, you have to have skills in computer programming, but you also need to understand the fundamentals of design. There is also an element of psychology within web design because you have to think about how to get people to click certain things and visit certain links.
I would try to take some of these kinds of classes in high school and make sure you truly do enjoy design and psychology. From there, you can major in computer science in college and explore minors in design and potentially Psychology.
Above all else, you are young and you have time before you have to figure anything out for sure. I changed my major multiple whilst in college, so even once you get there, you still have an option to change paths.
I would try to take some of these kinds of classes in high school and make sure you truly do enjoy design and psychology. From there, you can major in computer science in college and explore minors in design and potentially Psychology.
Above all else, you are young and you have time before you have to figure anything out for sure. I changed my major multiple whilst in college, so even once you get there, you still have an option to change paths.
Thanks for this! I haven’t really considered incorporating all 3 of my interests into one career path, so this really helped.
parmita
Updated
Michele’s Answer
Hello Parmita,
You mention that you are in ninth grade. So, this gives you time to explore your interests. Keep in mind that there are ways to combine your interests, and also that a decision at this point doesn't need to be permanent.
If your high school offers courses in these fields, take courses to learn more and to see if you are still interested in those areas. For example, in college, I learned that I only enjoyed creating small programs, so computer programming was not a good field for me.
Learn about different career options in these fields, and find out more about those careers.
Check whether there are colleges or universities that are good in two or all three of those fields.
You mention that you are in ninth grade. So, this gives you time to explore your interests. Keep in mind that there are ways to combine your interests, and also that a decision at this point doesn't need to be permanent.
Michele recommends the following next steps:
Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it!
parmita
Updated
Elicia’s Answer
Hello Parmita,
The synergy between Graphic Design and Programming is truly remarkable, especially when it comes to crafting UI/UX Design flows or wireframes for Development teams. This dynamic duo will enable you to comprehend developer or business needs more effectively. With design, you can communicate these needs back to the developers in a language they understand. You might even find yourself creating work or process flow diagrams, which map out the user's journey through a multifaceted web application involving various backend vendors, databases, and even in-house customer applications. A foundation in Design can empower you when it comes to User Interface design, shaping the aesthetic of your programming projects. Remember, not all web applications use a hexa color code. Some software or vendors have their own unique code type, so it's important not to limit yourself to what you're familiar with.
As for your interest in Psychology, it can definitely contribute to your journey. It can be particularly useful in User Acceptance Testing or Development, providing you with a glimpse into the user's mindset, their reactions to your creations, displays, or code. It can guide you in Use Case development and creation, helping you consider where your work will be seen, how your message will be perceived, and whether your color choices are more appealing to a child or an adult. All three of your interests can harmoniously contribute to your future path. Stay alert to trends. Your school counselors, or even the academic advisors at your local college, can provide valuable guidance on how to structure your courses for maximum benefit.
The synergy between Graphic Design and Programming is truly remarkable, especially when it comes to crafting UI/UX Design flows or wireframes for Development teams. This dynamic duo will enable you to comprehend developer or business needs more effectively. With design, you can communicate these needs back to the developers in a language they understand. You might even find yourself creating work or process flow diagrams, which map out the user's journey through a multifaceted web application involving various backend vendors, databases, and even in-house customer applications. A foundation in Design can empower you when it comes to User Interface design, shaping the aesthetic of your programming projects. Remember, not all web applications use a hexa color code. Some software or vendors have their own unique code type, so it's important not to limit yourself to what you're familiar with.
As for your interest in Psychology, it can definitely contribute to your journey. It can be particularly useful in User Acceptance Testing or Development, providing you with a glimpse into the user's mindset, their reactions to your creations, displays, or code. It can guide you in Use Case development and creation, helping you consider where your work will be seen, how your message will be perceived, and whether your color choices are more appealing to a child or an adult. All three of your interests can harmoniously contribute to your future path. Stay alert to trends. Your school counselors, or even the academic advisors at your local college, can provide valuable guidance on how to structure your courses for maximum benefit.