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How do you decide what major to do for college?
i still haven't thought of what to do for my major.
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12 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
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Paul’s Answer
There are several things that you can do in order to determine what you want to major in when you attend college.
Remember, you will have two years (until you declare a major at the beginning of your junior year in college), to make a final determination, of what you want to do. So, definitely take advantage of this time and complete your General University Requirements (during your first two years), so you can eventually progress into a major.
You might start out by exploring your personal interests and strengths through activities like career assessments and the courses that you will be taking in your first two years. There will be a variety of things, that you will be taking. This includes Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Math, and other courses. So definitely use these classes to determine where your strongest interests are.
Next, research different majors, their course content, and potential career paths by conducting informational interviews with professors and people at the college career center, and investigating job market trends.
Finally, consider your long-term goals and values, and remember that it is okay to start as an undecided student and change your major as you learn more about yourself and different fields.
I have a basic formula, when it comes to determining a major or a future occupation related to that major. Choose something that you love to do, not just a passion, but really love. It must be something that you love so much, that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway. American historian, David McCullough, said it even more clearly. He stated that he loved writing about history so much, that he would have paid someone, so that he could do it every day. His love of his major and occupation was this great.
Remember, you will have two years (until you declare a major at the beginning of your junior year in college), to make a final determination, of what you want to do. So, definitely take advantage of this time and complete your General University Requirements (during your first two years), so you can eventually progress into a major.
You might start out by exploring your personal interests and strengths through activities like career assessments and the courses that you will be taking in your first two years. There will be a variety of things, that you will be taking. This includes Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Math, and other courses. So definitely use these classes to determine where your strongest interests are.
Next, research different majors, their course content, and potential career paths by conducting informational interviews with professors and people at the college career center, and investigating job market trends.
Finally, consider your long-term goals and values, and remember that it is okay to start as an undecided student and change your major as you learn more about yourself and different fields.
I have a basic formula, when it comes to determining a major or a future occupation related to that major. Choose something that you love to do, not just a passion, but really love. It must be something that you love so much, that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway. American historian, David McCullough, said it even more clearly. He stated that he loved writing about history so much, that he would have paid someone, so that he could do it every day. His love of his major and occupation was this great.
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Steven’s Answer
You can learn about various careers using the Occupational Outlook Handbook, which you can find in print or online. Also, websites like The College Board offer quizzes to help you figure out what job might suit you.
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Benrui !
Choosing a college Major is a very important decision, one that can determine your future in the workplace. Although college is great for obtaining that degree credential, college is a lot more than preparing for a career which is the one benefit of college.
The reason you do not know how to choose a major is because you have yet to choose the career you plan to do. You're going to want to prepare for a career and it's okay that you haven't chosen one yet, but Majors are not willy nilly chosen by pulling subjects randomly and no one should tell you what to major in until you have a definite career plan. That's how it works. It is useless to get a degree that qualified you for work that you don't want to do just because it's been a hobby or something you have liked. Right now careers may be just a thought to you so it's a good time to start exploring.
So the question is more about how to choose a career. The truth is that you need to be inspired and obtain life experience and that inspiration will come to you. Life experience is not passive. You can start exploring Careers by starting to do volunteer work, joining extracurriculars at school and giving it some time. Learn how to align Majors with professional positions.
If you are not inspired with a career by the time you're ready to apply to college, you have some choices. You can take a gap year, you can enroll as an Undeclared Major but decide by the beginning of your Junior year. Take a gap year and use it to further explore careers. People that get hired have degrees that align and prepare them for specific fields of work. We do not necessarily always have to have a career based on all of our interests, either. You can also enroll at college and take General Education Requirement courses at first. But getting a degree in a subject that doesn't align with a career you want may serve for some disappointment in the end.
You can read about different careers, watch presentational videos on You Tube about various careers and borrow books about careers from the Library. Your career and the supporting Major need to be chosen independently by you.
So, how do you choose a college Major ? You wait. You make discoveries through living life, meeting new people, observing your surroundings, whatever it takes to be inspired. Some people know early on what career they want so they know the path to take and what to Major in to have the appropriate degree. Some people need time so do not feel compelled to rush it. Once you decide on a career goal, you can be assured of what Major fits that career. Becoming well informed about careers can help with the inspiration you'll need so that you'll then know what Major to invest in at college.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Choosing a college Major is a very important decision, one that can determine your future in the workplace. Although college is great for obtaining that degree credential, college is a lot more than preparing for a career which is the one benefit of college.
The reason you do not know how to choose a major is because you have yet to choose the career you plan to do. You're going to want to prepare for a career and it's okay that you haven't chosen one yet, but Majors are not willy nilly chosen by pulling subjects randomly and no one should tell you what to major in until you have a definite career plan. That's how it works. It is useless to get a degree that qualified you for work that you don't want to do just because it's been a hobby or something you have liked. Right now careers may be just a thought to you so it's a good time to start exploring.
So the question is more about how to choose a career. The truth is that you need to be inspired and obtain life experience and that inspiration will come to you. Life experience is not passive. You can start exploring Careers by starting to do volunteer work, joining extracurriculars at school and giving it some time. Learn how to align Majors with professional positions.
If you are not inspired with a career by the time you're ready to apply to college, you have some choices. You can take a gap year, you can enroll as an Undeclared Major but decide by the beginning of your Junior year. Take a gap year and use it to further explore careers. People that get hired have degrees that align and prepare them for specific fields of work. We do not necessarily always have to have a career based on all of our interests, either. You can also enroll at college and take General Education Requirement courses at first. But getting a degree in a subject that doesn't align with a career you want may serve for some disappointment in the end.
You can read about different careers, watch presentational videos on You Tube about various careers and borrow books about careers from the Library. Your career and the supporting Major need to be chosen independently by you.
So, how do you choose a college Major ? You wait. You make discoveries through living life, meeting new people, observing your surroundings, whatever it takes to be inspired. Some people know early on what career they want so they know the path to take and what to Major in to have the appropriate degree. Some people need time so do not feel compelled to rush it. Once you decide on a career goal, you can be assured of what Major fits that career. Becoming well informed about careers can help with the inspiration you'll need so that you'll then know what Major to invest in at college.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
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Vanessa’s Answer
If you are taking a full class load then use the electives to explore. Go through the catalog, if something sparks an interest take a basic class in it.
You will still be getting credit while also seeing if this is something you might like to pursue.
You will still be getting credit while also seeing if this is something you might like to pursue.
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Wong’s Answer
Hi Benrui. You need to think about what subjects you enjoy studying the most in school. Do you like solving problems, writing, designing, or helping people? Often, the things you enjoy can point you toward a field that will keep you motivated in college and beyond.
Next, you need to consider your strengths and skills. Ask yourself what you are naturally good at. Maybe you are creative, logical, or good at communicating with others. Your strengths can help you succeed in certain majors. For example, if you like math and problem-solving, you might enjoy engineering, computer science, or economics. If you prefer reading, writing, or discussing ideas, majors like English, psychology, or sociology could be a good fit.
It also helps to research different majors and what kinds of jobs they can lead to. You can talk to teachers, career counselors, or college advisors. They can share information about what each major involves and what careers might match your personality. You could also take a few introductory classes in your first year of college to explore your options before deciding. Many students start college undecided and choose their major later after discovering what they truly enjoy. So, take your time, stay curious, and choose something that feels right for you. Your major should be something that helps you grow, learn, and feel excited about your future. Good luck!
Next, you need to consider your strengths and skills. Ask yourself what you are naturally good at. Maybe you are creative, logical, or good at communicating with others. Your strengths can help you succeed in certain majors. For example, if you like math and problem-solving, you might enjoy engineering, computer science, or economics. If you prefer reading, writing, or discussing ideas, majors like English, psychology, or sociology could be a good fit.
It also helps to research different majors and what kinds of jobs they can lead to. You can talk to teachers, career counselors, or college advisors. They can share information about what each major involves and what careers might match your personality. You could also take a few introductory classes in your first year of college to explore your options before deciding. Many students start college undecided and choose their major later after discovering what they truly enjoy. So, take your time, stay curious, and choose something that feels right for you. Your major should be something that helps you grow, learn, and feel excited about your future. Good luck!
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Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Firstly, you need to find out what careers you have interest.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to become a singer, musician, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to become an accountant, financial analyst, maths teacher, engineer, banker, etc.
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 counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue.
5. The relevant subjects are the major you start to explore. Find out the entry criteria of these 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
E.g. If you like music, would you like to become a singer, musician, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to become an accountant, financial analyst, maths teacher, engineer, banker, etc.
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 counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue.
5. The relevant subjects are the major you start to explore. Find out the entry criteria of these subjects in colleges.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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Dr’s Answer
People will tell you that "choosing a college Major is a very important decision and that it can determine your future, yadda yadda....". This is total BS. Don't be stressed about it. You can always shift gears later. As most people advised here, just choose something that seems somewhat interesting to you. It's not unusual for people to end up doing something completely different than what they majored in during college. It's the overall college experience is what you'll take away most from your time there. No matter what your major is, there is an overlap of courses you have to take anyway to would round you out. The worse thing to do is to pick a major in a topic you don't enjoy just because of the pressure from other people. That's a bad mistake and certainly one you'd live to regret. Just go with what you're into now, and as your interests change or gets directly elsewhere then not only will you be able to change your path, but the unique experience you had while on a different path would become invaluable because it's what all the other people in your new interest didn't get exposed to. Creativity and real break-throughs in any discipline comes from combining your interests and experience from different areas. So, push that current weight off your shoulders about the future and just be who you are now.
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Sharon’s Answer
Hi! Picking a college major starts with thinking about yourself. Consider what subjects or activities you truly enjoy, what skills come easily to you, and what values matter most to you. Some people love being creative, others enjoy solving problems, or helping others. Knowing your interests, strengths, and values helps you explore options that suit you, instead of choosing a major just because it seems practical.
Once you know what you like, look into careers linked to different majors. Some areas, like engineering or nursing, lead to specific jobs, while others, like business or computer science, offer more choices. Check out job prospects, talk to professors, advisors, or alumni, and see what potential earnings or job demand are like. Taking beginner courses or getting involved in clubs, internships, or volunteering can also help you understand what a field is really like.
Remember, your major doesn’t set your career in stone. Many students change their majors, and employers often value skills, experiences, and internships just as much. You can also add a minor, double major, or certificate to widen your opportunities. Think of choosing a major as picking a direction, not a fixed path. You just need a starting point that matches your interests and strengths, and you can adjust as you learn more.
Once you know what you like, look into careers linked to different majors. Some areas, like engineering or nursing, lead to specific jobs, while others, like business or computer science, offer more choices. Check out job prospects, talk to professors, advisors, or alumni, and see what potential earnings or job demand are like. Taking beginner courses or getting involved in clubs, internships, or volunteering can also help you understand what a field is really like.
Remember, your major doesn’t set your career in stone. Many students change their majors, and employers often value skills, experiences, and internships just as much. You can also add a minor, double major, or certificate to widen your opportunities. Think of choosing a major as picking a direction, not a fixed path. You just need a starting point that matches your interests and strengths, and you can adjust as you learn more.
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Amanda’s Answer
Choosing a college major is very personal due to one's priorities and options, but here’s what worked for me:
- I started by listing areas I was genuinely interested in—math, physics, literature, and arts—and checked which universities offered strong programs in those fields.
- I researched as much as possible not only the courses but also what careers look like after graduation. Some options I loved academically, but I realized I wouldn’t enjoy working in those fields.
- I understood my other priorities, like studying abroad. So I looked for majors with exchange programs and scholarships. I also avoided anything too specific that could limit my options in the future.
I believe the most important is to think about both what you enjoy learning and what kind of work you’d like to do later. Balancing passion with practical opportunities makes the decision easier.
- I started by listing areas I was genuinely interested in—math, physics, literature, and arts—and checked which universities offered strong programs in those fields.
- I researched as much as possible not only the courses but also what careers look like after graduation. Some options I loved academically, but I realized I wouldn’t enjoy working in those fields.
- I understood my other priorities, like studying abroad. So I looked for majors with exchange programs and scholarships. I also avoided anything too specific that could limit my options in the future.
I believe the most important is to think about both what you enjoy learning and what kind of work you’d like to do later. Balancing passion with practical opportunities makes the decision easier.
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Jeff’s Answer
Hello Benrui,
This is a great question. My degree didn't have anything to do with what I do now from a traditional perspective. I think as long as you apply yourself and work hard, you can do many things with a plethora of degrees. That said, if I was starting over again, I'd make sure you pick something that you feel will help you in the future, but something that you're also interested in as well. I also wouldn't hesitate to use any network you have to ask them questions. I would talk to people in your life that you enjoy what they do or respect them as people and ask them how did they find their path(s)? In a lot of cases, they know you better than a lot of high school counselors do and can answer real time questions on what struggles and triumphs they had.
This is a great question. My degree didn't have anything to do with what I do now from a traditional perspective. I think as long as you apply yourself and work hard, you can do many things with a plethora of degrees. That said, if I was starting over again, I'd make sure you pick something that you feel will help you in the future, but something that you're also interested in as well. I also wouldn't hesitate to use any network you have to ask them questions. I would talk to people in your life that you enjoy what they do or respect them as people and ask them how did they find their path(s)? In a lot of cases, they know you better than a lot of high school counselors do and can answer real time questions on what struggles and triumphs they had.
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Ranjit’s Answer
Consider what truly interests you and the subjects you excel in. Also, think about the careers that excite you and the majors that might help you get there. Look for majors that fit both your interests and career goals.
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Don’s Answer
Hello Benrui,
It is okay that you are not sure about what major you want right now. Not everybody knows exactly what they want straight away and I know for myself that it took me a couple of years to find something that interested me which was Social Work. There are many different ways you can find out what major you want which include evaluating your personal goals, evaluating the skills/experience you have, find things that interest you, try out different jobs/opportunities, do research and speak with a career advisor or a mentor. You will be fine and hopefully you find something that interests you!
It is okay that you are not sure about what major you want right now. Not everybody knows exactly what they want straight away and I know for myself that it took me a couple of years to find something that interested me which was Social Work. There are many different ways you can find out what major you want which include evaluating your personal goals, evaluating the skills/experience you have, find things that interest you, try out different jobs/opportunities, do research and speak with a career advisor or a mentor. You will be fine and hopefully you find something that interests you!