9 answers
Miku
Student
West Des Moines
1
Question
Updated
3347 views
What STEM major to choose when unsure?
Hi, I’m a rising senior yet I don’t really have an idea for a college major.
I know I want to go into a STEM route, but I kind of just like everything. I enjoy math classes the most for all I know.
I think I might be interested in comp sci and programming and such, but other than one coding class I will be taking this coming year, I’ve done nothing on it. The only coding I’ve done is on my own, without much major projects and what not.
When it comes to STEM, engineering is most famous but I’ve taken 0 engineering classes too… who knows, if I do it I might actually end up loving it but I’ll never know.
Out of the sciences, I’ve taken bio and chem so far, and enjoyed chem decently but mostly because it was just math. I’m taking physics this year, so I’m not sure if I’ll enjoy it or not (but judging from Youtube videos i’ve watched of some physics stuff I’m excited for the class).
Everything feels so unknown and I just don’t know what to choose. I want to at least have an idea for when I’m searching for colleges.
If you could help me or give me some advice, I’d appreciate it :)
Login to comment
9 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1093
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Miku,
It's great that you have figured out you want to go into a STEM field. You don't have to have it all figured out at this stage.
Talk to your guidance counselor at school, maybe take an aptitude test.
Keep exploring different things. Look at different industries and different careers and research education requirements to get there. You can start with family, friends and neighbors. Where do they work, and what do they actually do? Also professionals you come in contact with: teachers, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, pilots, etc.
There are many degrees that you don't even know about yet Get on some university websites and check out the science and the engineering departments/schools as well as health sciences. Research the different degree options and where they might lead you.
Your first 2 years in college are fairly basic and allow you to explore. Science students will all have some math, some physics, some chemistry, some bio classes. Engineering majors have a lot of the same fundamental engineering classes and fundamental science classes. You can cover those fundamentals plus your gen ed requirements while exploring different options.
If you enjoy all the sciency subjects, you can also look for interdisciplinary degrees. Geosciences, environmental science, robotics, biomedical engineering or materials science come to mind. But there are many more.
Explore career options based on the subjects you enjoy. You like math - you could major in math, or in physics or computer science because it involves plenty of maths. You could become a math teacher or an auditor, a statistician or a financial/business analyst.
You are also not stuck in one major. Your undergraduate studies are just the foundation. Interdisciplinary skills and interdisciplinary teams are super important. You can get a bachelors degree in physics and end up in engineering. You can get a bachelors degree in chemistry and end up in software development. You are likely to take pivots and change direction during your career. You'll learn something new every step of the way.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
It's great that you have figured out you want to go into a STEM field. You don't have to have it all figured out at this stage.
Talk to your guidance counselor at school, maybe take an aptitude test.
Keep exploring different things. Look at different industries and different careers and research education requirements to get there. You can start with family, friends and neighbors. Where do they work, and what do they actually do? Also professionals you come in contact with: teachers, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, pilots, etc.
There are many degrees that you don't even know about yet Get on some university websites and check out the science and the engineering departments/schools as well as health sciences. Research the different degree options and where they might lead you.
Your first 2 years in college are fairly basic and allow you to explore. Science students will all have some math, some physics, some chemistry, some bio classes. Engineering majors have a lot of the same fundamental engineering classes and fundamental science classes. You can cover those fundamentals plus your gen ed requirements while exploring different options.
If you enjoy all the sciency subjects, you can also look for interdisciplinary degrees. Geosciences, environmental science, robotics, biomedical engineering or materials science come to mind. But there are many more.
Explore career options based on the subjects you enjoy. You like math - you could major in math, or in physics or computer science because it involves plenty of maths. You could become a math teacher or an auditor, a statistician or a financial/business analyst.
You are also not stuck in one major. Your undergraduate studies are just the foundation. Interdisciplinary skills and interdisciplinary teams are super important. You can get a bachelors degree in physics and end up in engineering. You can get a bachelors degree in chemistry and end up in software development. You are likely to take pivots and change direction during your career. You'll learn something new every step of the way.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Isabella Pasquale
Engineering
1
Answer
Bradenton, Florida
Updated
Isabella’s Answer
Hi, Miku! I'm an engineering student, so I know what you're going through. Richard's advice about looking into "careers" instead of just "subjects" is really useful. I found it helpful to check out job descriptions on sites like LinkedIn and Indeed, or even just by searching on Google. YouTube is also fantastic! There are "day in the life" videos that show what engineers actually do each day, which helped me figure out which type of engineering I wanted to pursue. Although my tips are about engineering, they can work for any field. Remember, even if you love a school subject like physics, it might not directly relate to your future job. You might not enjoy every class, but that doesn't mean the career isn't right for you!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2432
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have interest in STEM.
Below are my suggestions:
1. There are many careers related to STEM, eg Engineering, Accounting, Medical, Scientist, Pharmacist, Zoologist, etc..You can find out more online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, 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. There are many careers related to STEM, eg Engineering, Accounting, Medical, Scientist, Pharmacist, Zoologist, etc..You can find out more online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, 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!
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Miku! HERE ARE 10 STEM SUBJECTS:-
● Astronomy ● Biology ● Chemistry ● Computer Science ● Engineering
● Earth Science ● Health Science ● Information Technology ● Mathematics ● Physics
There are clues on the best STEM subject for you. Three billion base pairs make up your DNA. So, if greatest grandpa or grandma N generations removed was Isaac Newton or Marie Curie, you will inherit 2 to -N fraction of their DNA. [1/2^N] So which careers were in your ancestry? Engineering may be in your family you may have extraordinary talents there. There is plenty of mathematics there! What is fascinating is the way one subject calls in another! Engineering requires Physics which requires Mathematics. Try tests which you can take to determine your psychological aptitude for various jobs. I never took these tests. I am self-taught in computer programming since 1972.
If you self-teach, you do not have that massive tuition debt. In my studies, Advanced Organic Chemistry was difficult with all the stereochemistry. Geology was easy. Medical Biochemistry was hard work, but fascinating training dental and medical students. Try a generalist undergraduate degree if you are unsure which subject to pursue. Then you can select the one you like best.
If you are really excellent at programming computers and mathematics you can earn well over USD $100,000 per annum! Python is a good language for data manipulation. You could be a business consultant too!
GOD BLESS!
● Astronomy ● Biology ● Chemistry ● Computer Science ● Engineering
● Earth Science ● Health Science ● Information Technology ● Mathematics ● Physics
There are clues on the best STEM subject for you. Three billion base pairs make up your DNA. So, if greatest grandpa or grandma N generations removed was Isaac Newton or Marie Curie, you will inherit 2 to -N fraction of their DNA. [1/2^N] So which careers were in your ancestry? Engineering may be in your family you may have extraordinary talents there. There is plenty of mathematics there! What is fascinating is the way one subject calls in another! Engineering requires Physics which requires Mathematics. Try tests which you can take to determine your psychological aptitude for various jobs. I never took these tests. I am self-taught in computer programming since 1972.
If you self-teach, you do not have that massive tuition debt. In my studies, Advanced Organic Chemistry was difficult with all the stereochemistry. Geology was easy. Medical Biochemistry was hard work, but fascinating training dental and medical students. Try a generalist undergraduate degree if you are unsure which subject to pursue. Then you can select the one you like best.
If you are really excellent at programming computers and mathematics you can earn well over USD $100,000 per annum! Python is a good language for data manipulation. You could be a business consultant too!
GOD BLESS!
Christopher Carpenter
3
Answers
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Hi Miku,
There are many great answers here, but I wanted to expand on a topic a few have touched on. You've already made the hard decision of which general field you want to go to. This will help in deciding on the university to attend.
Most universities split the course work of their degree's into two categories: Core and Major
The core course work is the same for all of the degree's offered by the university. Part of this course work is a number of electives that you get to decide on what the course to take. You can work with the guidance councilors to find entry level courses in the majors your interested in that could be used for electives.
This will let you create a plan for your first two years that works on your core while taking various courses from the majors you are interested in. When you decide on your major, the electives that are for other majors will be counted as an elective and the electives that match the major will count towards your major's course work.
Effectively letting you delay making a decision till you can be better informed without delaying your college experience.
There are many great answers here, but I wanted to expand on a topic a few have touched on. You've already made the hard decision of which general field you want to go to. This will help in deciding on the university to attend.
Most universities split the course work of their degree's into two categories: Core and Major
The core course work is the same for all of the degree's offered by the university. Part of this course work is a number of electives that you get to decide on what the course to take. You can work with the guidance councilors to find entry level courses in the majors your interested in that could be used for electives.
This will let you create a plan for your first two years that works on your core while taking various courses from the majors you are interested in. When you decide on your major, the electives that are for other majors will be counted as an elective and the electives that match the major will count towards your major's course work.
Effectively letting you delay making a decision till you can be better informed without delaying your college experience.
Karthick Natarajan
Postdoctoral Researcher at NYU Langone Health
32
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Karthick’s Answer
1. Let Your Love for Math Guide You
You don't need a perfect plan. Your math skills are a great starting point because math is key in fields like computer science, engineering, and physics.
2. Best Majors for Undecided STEM Students
Pick a major that keeps your options open in the first year.
Undecided Engineering: A top choice. Many universities offer a "First-Year Engineering" program where you can try different areas like mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering before deciding.
Computer Science: A solid option even if you're new to it. Programs often start from scratch, focusing on logic and math.
Physics or Applied Mathematics: These majors are versatile in STEM. They can lead to careers in engineering, data science, or software development.
3. What to Look for in Colleges
Flexibility: Choose schools where changing majors within engineering or STEM is easy.
Introductory Courses: Find universities that offer broad intro courses in engineering or programming for freshmen.
Your Plan for This Year
Explore Online: Try a free coding course like Harvard's CS50x or a Python course on Coursera to see if you enjoy programming.
Apply Broadly: Apply to colleges as "Undecided Engineering" or "Computer Science." The first-year courses for these majors are similar, giving you time to decide.
You don't need a perfect plan. Your math skills are a great starting point because math is key in fields like computer science, engineering, and physics.
2. Best Majors for Undecided STEM Students
Pick a major that keeps your options open in the first year.
Undecided Engineering: A top choice. Many universities offer a "First-Year Engineering" program where you can try different areas like mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering before deciding.
Computer Science: A solid option even if you're new to it. Programs often start from scratch, focusing on logic and math.
Physics or Applied Mathematics: These majors are versatile in STEM. They can lead to careers in engineering, data science, or software development.
3. What to Look for in Colleges
Flexibility: Choose schools where changing majors within engineering or STEM is easy.
Introductory Courses: Find universities that offer broad intro courses in engineering or programming for freshmen.
Your Plan for This Year
Explore Online: Try a free coding course like Harvard's CS50x or a Python course on Coursera to see if you enjoy programming.
Apply Broadly: Apply to colleges as "Undecided Engineering" or "Computer Science." The first-year courses for these majors are similar, giving you time to decide.
Imran Rashid
Engineering Manager
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Imran’s Answer
Hi Miku,
It sounds like you have a lot of great interests and opportunities ahead of you! Echoing the other answers, I don't think you have to have it all figured out now, you have time to figure it out.
I'd echo the other answers, especially Karin P's answer. There are a lot of ways you can make small steps to explore different directions as you try to figure this out. Don't feel bad that you don't know which specialization you want yet -- for most them, its normal that you haven't had any exposure yet. I think coding in particular can be intimidating because some folks have been coding from a much earlier age, but I didn't start till college and did just fine (the same for many of my peers).
But I'd add that in the long run, if you are always eager to learn, you can keep adjusting your plan as you go. I made a number of small pivots and I'm happy where it has taken me. I started in chemistry in college, and though I found the science fascinating, in the end I realized I didn't want to spend my time in lab. I first minored in CS, then double-majored, and went on to a grad degreee in bioinformatics to put the two together. But it slowly morphed into career opportunities that were in data science more generally. I've enjoyed learning and the transitions along the way, but it was never part of my plan.
I think regardless of your choice, you have bright future ahead of you!
It sounds like you have a lot of great interests and opportunities ahead of you! Echoing the other answers, I don't think you have to have it all figured out now, you have time to figure it out.
I'd echo the other answers, especially Karin P's answer. There are a lot of ways you can make small steps to explore different directions as you try to figure this out. Don't feel bad that you don't know which specialization you want yet -- for most them, its normal that you haven't had any exposure yet. I think coding in particular can be intimidating because some folks have been coding from a much earlier age, but I didn't start till college and did just fine (the same for many of my peers).
But I'd add that in the long run, if you are always eager to learn, you can keep adjusting your plan as you go. I made a number of small pivots and I'm happy where it has taken me. I started in chemistry in college, and though I found the science fascinating, in the end I realized I didn't want to spend my time in lab. I first minored in CS, then double-majored, and went on to a grad degreee in bioinformatics to put the two together. But it slowly morphed into career opportunities that were in data science more generally. I've enjoyed learning and the transitions along the way, but it was never part of my plan.
I think regardless of your choice, you have bright future ahead of you!
Jasmine Tai
Nursing and Occupational Therapy
2
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Jasmine’s Answer
You don't have to have it all figured out right now! I am a senior in college and I just went from nursing to occupational therapy. I have always wanted to be a nurse but after I started working in the rehabilitation side of things, I decided to pursue therapy instead. Take some time to get experience! Don't put all your eggs in one basket for a STEM field!
Richard A. (Tony) Eckel
49
Answers
Updated
Richard A. (Tony)’s Answer
Miku,
Exploring is good!
I did notice that you are mentioning "subjects" and not "Careers". Maybe you should look at Careers more than Subjects(?)
STEM careers fall into several categories - Pure, Applied, Operational, Regulatory, and Adjunct.
Pure careers are focused entirely on subject matter research and teaching. Here true "science" is performed to establish knowledge and verify the veracity/truth in other's work in the "Subject" field or adjacent fields.
Applied careers are engineering and design where the principles and knowledge are turned into practical realizations that have value in society, economic or otherwise.
Operational careers take a STEM view of managing and maintaining systems and services developed by engineers. Day to day, they ensure that everything is working well and resources are ready to quickly mitigate damage and recover from breakdowns in whatever system they manage.
Regulatory is where government defines HOW commerce will operate and be monitored in a society to minimize the danger technology imposes on a nation, state, county, or village. Think of building codes, electrical plugs, hospital regulations, or even how long a dashed stripe will on highway passing areas (look at MUTCD 2023 Part 3 if you care!)
Adjunct careers are harder to define - because they are where you land when your interests shift, but you're still leveraging prior training. Like a Patent attorney, where the STEM education is required, but the practice is really legal.
So - Explore all you can until you find that something that engages you strongly. You have to find it; aspirations don't just find you (unless you are willing to "Settle" for what ever falls into your lap). Seek out internships or shadowing with professionals to get a "feel" on what rewards your soul (make you feel so good you would do it for free!).
I for one am a "Solution Architect" which is simply a fancy title for "designing systems of computers and software that solve customer problems", in some cases, problems the customer didn't even know they had!
Seek and you shall find - What you find may not satisfy your every desire but should at least keep you from making bad choices.
Tony
Exploring is good!
I did notice that you are mentioning "subjects" and not "Careers". Maybe you should look at Careers more than Subjects(?)
STEM careers fall into several categories - Pure, Applied, Operational, Regulatory, and Adjunct.
Pure careers are focused entirely on subject matter research and teaching. Here true "science" is performed to establish knowledge and verify the veracity/truth in other's work in the "Subject" field or adjacent fields.
Applied careers are engineering and design where the principles and knowledge are turned into practical realizations that have value in society, economic or otherwise.
Operational careers take a STEM view of managing and maintaining systems and services developed by engineers. Day to day, they ensure that everything is working well and resources are ready to quickly mitigate damage and recover from breakdowns in whatever system they manage.
Regulatory is where government defines HOW commerce will operate and be monitored in a society to minimize the danger technology imposes on a nation, state, county, or village. Think of building codes, electrical plugs, hospital regulations, or even how long a dashed stripe will on highway passing areas (look at MUTCD 2023 Part 3 if you care!)
Adjunct careers are harder to define - because they are where you land when your interests shift, but you're still leveraging prior training. Like a Patent attorney, where the STEM education is required, but the practice is really legal.
So - Explore all you can until you find that something that engages you strongly. You have to find it; aspirations don't just find you (unless you are willing to "Settle" for what ever falls into your lap). Seek out internships or shadowing with professionals to get a "feel" on what rewards your soul (make you feel so good you would do it for free!).
I for one am a "Solution Architect" which is simply a fancy title for "designing systems of computers and software that solve customer problems", in some cases, problems the customer didn't even know they had!
Seek and you shall find - What you find may not satisfy your every desire but should at least keep you from making bad choices.
Tony