3 answers
Tyler
Student
Madrid, Iowa
1
Question
Updated
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How important is it to know your major as a freshman ?#spring2025
#spring2025
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3 answers
Joseph Ford
221
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Not really that important because many of us think we know what we want in the beginning and later find out our strength and passion changes during the 2nd semester in your freshman year.
Kali Odell
Academic Advisor, School of Public Policy at Oregon State University
11
Answers
Corvallis, Oregon
Updated
Kali’s Answer
Hi Tyler!
A lot of students go to college not knowing what they want to major in. And a lot of students who think they know change their mind about what they want to study. Most college programs are designed to give you the first year or so to explore. You can use general education requirements that are needed for any degree to explore potential majors that interest you, so you’re getting classes you need for your degree while figuring out what you like.
That said, there are some majors that don’t have that flexibility; in my experience, there are some STEM majors, like engineering, that have a lot of requirements that need to be taken in a specific order, which can make it harder to explore a bunch of majors first and then finish the major in the “typical” four-year degree time period.
It’s worth it to spend some time thinking about what kind of things interest you: what kind of classes you enjoy taking now, what kind of topics you like to explore or learn about outside of school, what kind of careers sound intriguing. You can also look at descriptions of college courses from colleges and universities you’re applying to and make a list of which ones sound really interesting. This can give you a good start on thinking about what majors you want to explore.
Once you’re at a college, you’ll have access to faculty or an academic advisor when you’re choosing your first classes, so you can share what you’re interested in and they can help you figure out how best to explore and plan if you’re not sure where to start. There will be a lot of resources available to help you figure this out.
A lot of students go to college not knowing what they want to major in. And a lot of students who think they know change their mind about what they want to study. Most college programs are designed to give you the first year or so to explore. You can use general education requirements that are needed for any degree to explore potential majors that interest you, so you’re getting classes you need for your degree while figuring out what you like.
That said, there are some majors that don’t have that flexibility; in my experience, there are some STEM majors, like engineering, that have a lot of requirements that need to be taken in a specific order, which can make it harder to explore a bunch of majors first and then finish the major in the “typical” four-year degree time period.
It’s worth it to spend some time thinking about what kind of things interest you: what kind of classes you enjoy taking now, what kind of topics you like to explore or learn about outside of school, what kind of careers sound intriguing. You can also look at descriptions of college courses from colleges and universities you’re applying to and make a list of which ones sound really interesting. This can give you a good start on thinking about what majors you want to explore.
Once you’re at a college, you’ll have access to faculty or an academic advisor when you’re choosing your first classes, so you can share what you’re interested in and they can help you figure out how best to explore and plan if you’re not sure where to start. There will be a lot of resources available to help you figure this out.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Tyler. There are some clear benefits to knowing your major when you begin college. If you already know what you want to study, you can plan your classes right away and stay on track to graduate on time. For example, majors like engineering, nursing, or education often have strict course sequences that start freshman year. Getting an early start can help you avoid taking extra semesters later. Knowing your major can also help you focus your energy and build experience early on, can be through internships, research, or clubs related to your field. This can give you a head start when it comes to building your resume and career connections.
However, there are also advantages to waiting before deciding. Many students change their major at least once after starting college, and that's completely normal. Taking general education courses during your first year gives you a chance to explore different subjects and see what interests you most. You might discover a passion for something unexpected, like psychology, environmental science, or marketing.
It's also important to remember that your major doesn't always determine your entire career path. Many employers care more about your skills, experiences, and how you think than about your specific major. For example, a history major can work in law, business, or communications, and a biology major might go into teaching, research, or public health. The most important thing is to develop strong critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills as these are the qualities that can apply to many careers.
However, there are also advantages to waiting before deciding. Many students change their major at least once after starting college, and that's completely normal. Taking general education courses during your first year gives you a chance to explore different subjects and see what interests you most. You might discover a passion for something unexpected, like psychology, environmental science, or marketing.
It's also important to remember that your major doesn't always determine your entire career path. Many employers care more about your skills, experiences, and how you think than about your specific major. For example, a history major can work in law, business, or communications, and a biology major might go into teaching, research, or public health. The most important thing is to develop strong critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills as these are the qualities that can apply to many careers.