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How do you find out what you want to major in at college?
I'm in a dilemma. I think I want to go into a STEM major, but I'm still undecided. I really love ECON and FINANCES. Science is something I really enjoy doing it seems pretty interesting to me.
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16 answers
Updated
Evan’s Answer
You don't have to choose right away!
I started my college experience off thinking I wanted to be a civil engineer, but freshman year after taking an engineering economics class I decided I really enjoyed the financial analysis - in the end I got degrees in both. Anytime you're unsure, the trick is to create opportunities for yourself - once you're sure you exploit those opportunities. What that meant for me, in my freshman and sophomore years, was that I mapped out all the classes of the two programs I was interested in and talked with my advisors about electives and basically created a Venn diagram - I prioritized the classes and electives that were in the middle, shared between the two programs, and was planning to explore both and make a decision my junior year - in the end I found that they overlapped quite a bit and my advisors gave me some flexibility with electives (let me use a required operations class as from the finance degree as an engineering management credit for the civil degree). This explore/exploit approach served me really well and helped me stand out as a candidate when job searching. At civil firms I had business acumen and in the finance departments of manufacturing or construction firms I had the technical background. So if you like econ and chemistry/biology you might stand out as a pharma candidate, econ/physics might help you stand out in manufacturing, aerospace, or a defense contractor.
For now, don't focus so much on making the right decision today, but instead of giving yourself the experience you need to make the right decision when you need to: end of sophomore / begenning of junior year.
Find the curriculums for any/all programs you're considering, highlight the classes you're most interested in
Meet with an advisor in one or both programs and ask which classes they'd be willing to dual enroll / treat as credit for both degrees
Create your schedule, focusing on classes shared between the programs (prioritize degree electives over gen. ed)
I started my college experience off thinking I wanted to be a civil engineer, but freshman year after taking an engineering economics class I decided I really enjoyed the financial analysis - in the end I got degrees in both. Anytime you're unsure, the trick is to create opportunities for yourself - once you're sure you exploit those opportunities. What that meant for me, in my freshman and sophomore years, was that I mapped out all the classes of the two programs I was interested in and talked with my advisors about electives and basically created a Venn diagram - I prioritized the classes and electives that were in the middle, shared between the two programs, and was planning to explore both and make a decision my junior year - in the end I found that they overlapped quite a bit and my advisors gave me some flexibility with electives (let me use a required operations class as from the finance degree as an engineering management credit for the civil degree). This explore/exploit approach served me really well and helped me stand out as a candidate when job searching. At civil firms I had business acumen and in the finance departments of manufacturing or construction firms I had the technical background. So if you like econ and chemistry/biology you might stand out as a pharma candidate, econ/physics might help you stand out in manufacturing, aerospace, or a defense contractor.
For now, don't focus so much on making the right decision today, but instead of giving yourself the experience you need to make the right decision when you need to: end of sophomore / begenning of junior year.
Evan recommends the following next steps:
Your advice was so helpful!
Jesus
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Sophie’s Answer
It’s completely normal to feel undecided—especially when you’re interested in more than one area. The good news is that your interests actually overlap more than you might think.
Since you enjoy Econ and finance and are also drawn to science, you might want to explore majors that sit at the intersection of STEM and business. Fields like economics (especially quantitative or econometrics tracks), data science, business analytics, financial engineering, applied math, or engineering with a business or economics minor all combine analytical thinking with real-world problem-solving.
One of the best ways to figure out what you want to major in is through exposure, not immediate commitment. In your first year of college, you’ll usually have flexibility to take introductory classes in multiple areas. Pay attention to which classes you look forward to, which ones challenge you in a good way, and which types of problems you enjoy solving.
It also helps to think about how you like to work, not just what subjects you like. For example:
- Do you enjoy analyzing data and trends? (Economics, data science, finance)
- Do you like building, experimenting, or testing ideas? (Engineering, science fields)
- Do you enjoy applying technical knowledge to real-world decisions? (Analytics, financial engineering)
You don’t need to have the perfect answer before college. Many students refine their major after taking a few classes, and starting with broad interests like yours gives you a lot of flexibility and strong options.
Look at college majors that blend STEM with economics or finance, and review their required courses to see which excite you most.
Try a small experiment—like an online intro course in data science, economics, or finance—to see which type of work you enjoy doing day to day.
Since you enjoy Econ and finance and are also drawn to science, you might want to explore majors that sit at the intersection of STEM and business. Fields like economics (especially quantitative or econometrics tracks), data science, business analytics, financial engineering, applied math, or engineering with a business or economics minor all combine analytical thinking with real-world problem-solving.
One of the best ways to figure out what you want to major in is through exposure, not immediate commitment. In your first year of college, you’ll usually have flexibility to take introductory classes in multiple areas. Pay attention to which classes you look forward to, which ones challenge you in a good way, and which types of problems you enjoy solving.
It also helps to think about how you like to work, not just what subjects you like. For example:
- Do you enjoy analyzing data and trends? (Economics, data science, finance)
- Do you like building, experimenting, or testing ideas? (Engineering, science fields)
- Do you enjoy applying technical knowledge to real-world decisions? (Analytics, financial engineering)
You don’t need to have the perfect answer before college. Many students refine their major after taking a few classes, and starting with broad interests like yours gives you a lot of flexibility and strong options.
Sophie recommends the following next steps:
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Jesus
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Yoav’s Answer
Choosing a major is a big decision, so it is completely understandable that you feel a bit stuck when you have so many genuine interests like economics, finance, and science. A great way to narrow this down is to look for the intersections where these fields meet, such as financial engineering, environmental economics, or even data science, which allows you to use scientific methods to solve economic problems. You might try looking at the course catalogs for a few colleges to see which specific classes actually get you excited, or even reach out to professionals in those fields to ask what their day-to-day work really looks like. Remember that many students start college as undecided, and your first year is often the perfect time to take an introductory class in both areas to see which one feels like the best fit for your long-term happiness. It is clear that you are a bright and curious person, and having multiple passions is actually a huge strength that will serve you well no matter which path you eventually choose. You have plenty of time to figure this out, and I have no doubt you will find a major that makes you feel both challenged and inspired. Good luck.
Thanks for the advice.
Jesus
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Bob’s Answer
First - there is no wrong answer here or wrong path - whatever you choose can lead you to where you are meant to be.
I would encourage you to consider a university with both a liberal arts path as well as those more specialised - this could allow you to start in a liberal arts environment which can provide a great baseline for future academic growth - then (and if) you decide to focus in engineering you can always pivot knowing you have a solid background on which to grow.
Best of luck in whatever you choose to do!
I would encourage you to consider a university with both a liberal arts path as well as those more specialised - this could allow you to start in a liberal arts environment which can provide a great baseline for future academic growth - then (and if) you decide to focus in engineering you can always pivot knowing you have a solid background on which to grow.
Best of luck in whatever you choose to do!
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Wendy’s Answer
Hi Jesus -- You don't have to figure out your college major right away! A lot of people change their major more than once in college. You can also double major in college as well. Take some time to explore what you like and enjoy. Talk to people and your friends. It's never too late to change! Best of luck.
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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. Most peolpe would advise to 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 later 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. So what if your career path and interest take you in a snakey, curvy path rather than a straight line. You're a unique individual and are entitled to change your mind and interest, so don't restrict yourself to a narrow future. You can only be somewhat certain about the now, so go with that, for now.
I appreciate your support, Dr
Jesus
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Peter’s Answer
Choosing a major and career path can be one of the hardest decisions early in college, and it’s completely normal to feel undecided. What you experience in college classes can differ significantly from what the work actually looks like in the professional world, so it’s okay if things aren’t crystal clear yet.
A good starting point is to pay attention to which classes genuinely interest and motivate you—both in STEM and in economics or finance. Notice which subjects make you curious enough to dig deeper, not just which ones you’re “good at.” Early on, taking a mix of introductory courses can help you test those interests without locking you into a single path.
To take it a step further, be proactive and reach out to people working in roles you could see yourself pursuing. Ask them about what their day-to-day work looks like, the challenges they face, and what they find rewarding about their careers. Their real-world perspective can give you insights that go far beyond the classroom and may help clarify which direction aligns best with your interests and strengths.
Remember your major doesn’t have to perfectly define your career. Many students blend interests (for example, STEM with economics or finance), switch majors, or end up in careers that didn’t exist on their original plan. Focus on building skills, exploring thoughtfully, and giving yourself permission to adjust as you learn more about yourself.
A good starting point is to pay attention to which classes genuinely interest and motivate you—both in STEM and in economics or finance. Notice which subjects make you curious enough to dig deeper, not just which ones you’re “good at.” Early on, taking a mix of introductory courses can help you test those interests without locking you into a single path.
To take it a step further, be proactive and reach out to people working in roles you could see yourself pursuing. Ask them about what their day-to-day work looks like, the challenges they face, and what they find rewarding about their careers. Their real-world perspective can give you insights that go far beyond the classroom and may help clarify which direction aligns best with your interests and strengths.
Remember your major doesn’t have to perfectly define your career. Many students blend interests (for example, STEM with economics or finance), switch majors, or end up in careers that didn’t exist on their original plan. Focus on building skills, exploring thoughtfully, and giving yourself permission to adjust as you learn more about yourself.
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Jannie’s Answer
Figuring out what to major in college can feel overwhelming, but there are a few helpful steps you can take to clarify your interests and make a decision that fits you. To start you should explore your interests. Think about the subjects or activities you enjoy most in high school or in your free time. What classes do you look forward to? What hobbies or topics capture your attention? You can also take Intro Classes. In your first year of college, try taking a variety of general education and introductory courses across different fields. This firsthand experience can help you discover what you like and dislike.
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Zac’s Answer
Don't worry about having everything figured out when you start college. As you go through your college years, your interests might change. I began thinking I wanted to go to medical school, so I picked biomedical engineering. But after three years, I realized I was more interested in finance and investments. I switched paths, and it still worked out well.
In many schools, your first few semesters cover a broad range of subjects before you specialize. No matter your major, you can talk with your college advisor and try internships.
Internships are a great way to see if a career is right for you. They give you hands-on experience and help you decide if a field is a good fit. They can also help you rule out paths that might not be right for you.
Take advantage of the variety of courses available. Try classes in different majors you're interested in. Some might resonate more with you than others. You can then take more advanced courses in those areas. Remember, you control your college journey, and there are many paths to reach your goals.
Look at courses in each area that interests you
Make a plan to speak with a collegiate advisor
See if internship opportunities are available
In many schools, your first few semesters cover a broad range of subjects before you specialize. No matter your major, you can talk with your college advisor and try internships.
Internships are a great way to see if a career is right for you. They give you hands-on experience and help you decide if a field is a good fit. They can also help you rule out paths that might not be right for you.
Take advantage of the variety of courses available. Try classes in different majors you're interested in. Some might resonate more with you than others. You can then take more advanced courses in those areas. Remember, you control your college journey, and there are many paths to reach your goals.
Zac recommends the following next steps:
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Carrie’s Answer
The first year of college is usually a time to explore your interests, through classes, before picking a major, that is why we have those general requirements to fulfill. Also, if you can, don't forget that you can double major.
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David’s Answer
Luckily, you do not have to choose right away, you have time to take courses and see what you like more, which I would strongly encourage you to do. Take advantage of every opportunity you can to make this decision, like if your school has an investment club, joining that early on can help you see what finance is like, or if you can network with people in the industry, that can also help you learn about the various jobs in each industry and help you come to your conclusion. And, I would always recommend going with what you are passionate about.
That being said, I do think that some of the STEM majors can be pretty applicable in econ/finance jobs as well, while an econ/finance major won't really do the same. Some examples are people who have physics majors are very appealing for complex mathematical finance positions, as while the material may be different, someone with a physics major has proven their capabilities of understanding complex mathematics, and their problem solving capabilities. Some other sciences can be helpful as well, depending on what you are looking for. Another example is biology/pre-med, if you major in that but decide you want to go more into the finance track, there are many jobs this is still very applicable for, like- consulting positions that focus on hospitals or pharmaceutical companies, internal finance at a pharmaceutical company, or any type of financial analyst valuation position where you are evaluating hospitals/pharmaceutical companies (like venture capital for biotech companies). These are just some examples.
That being said, I do think that some of the STEM majors can be pretty applicable in econ/finance jobs as well, while an econ/finance major won't really do the same. Some examples are people who have physics majors are very appealing for complex mathematical finance positions, as while the material may be different, someone with a physics major has proven their capabilities of understanding complex mathematics, and their problem solving capabilities. Some other sciences can be helpful as well, depending on what you are looking for. Another example is biology/pre-med, if you major in that but decide you want to go more into the finance track, there are many jobs this is still very applicable for, like- consulting positions that focus on hospitals or pharmaceutical companies, internal finance at a pharmaceutical company, or any type of financial analyst valuation position where you are evaluating hospitals/pharmaceutical companies (like venture capital for biotech companies). These are just some examples.
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Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you have interest on both STEM and Finance. Firstly, you need the find out what careers you have interest first. Then the relevant subjects are the major you can consider.
Below are my suggestions:
1. There are many jobs related to STEM or finance, eg Engineering, Doctor, Pharmacist, Zoologist, Park Ranger, Accountant, Financial Analyst, Banker, Finance Manager, etc. You can find out more careers 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 jobs related to STEM or finance, eg Engineering, Doctor, Pharmacist, Zoologist, Park Ranger, Accountant, Financial Analyst, Banker, Finance Manager, etc. You can find out more careers 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!
Kevin O'Brien, CFA, CAIA, CIPM
Senior Manager - Financial market and corporate performance analysis
3
Answers
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
This is a very normal dilemma — and honestly, you’re in a good position because you’ve already identified real interests.
I’ll share a quick personal story, because I think it helps put things in perspective.
When I started college, I thought I wanted to be a lawyer, so I majored in political science. Then I started worrying about whether I could afford law school, so I switched to molecular biology with the idea of becoming an ER physician. After that, I realized I wasn’t sure about medical school, so I switched to civil engineering — then learned that to do the kind of design work I wanted, I’d probably need a master’s degree.
So I switched again, this time to economics. Later, I realized that to work as an actual economist, graduate training was probably necessary there too. Eventually, I landed in finance. Two years after graduating, I decided to go back and get an MBA.
In hindsight, this sounds ridiculous — and at the time, it felt chaotic. But the silver lining is that I got exposure to a lot of fields, learned what I liked and didn’t like, and ultimately ended up happy in finance, even if I didn’t choose it for the “perfect” reason at the time.
A few takeaways that might help you:
1. You don’t need to plan your whole life right now
Very few people get it “right” on the first try. Careers are long, and it’s normal for your interests and constraints (money, time, school length) to influence decisions.
2. Focus on exposure early, not commitment
In your first year or two, try to:
Take intro courses in economics, finance, and at least one science
Talk to professors and upperclassmen about what the major is actually like
Join clubs, research projects, or competitions tied to your interests
Real exposure clarifies things far better than overthinking.
3. STEM, Econ, and Finance overlap more than you think
If you enjoy Econ, finance, and science, you might want to look at:
Economics with a quantitative or data focus
Statistics, data science, or applied math
Engineering with an economics or finance minor
These keep a lot of doors open.
4. Think in terms of skills, not just majors
Analytical thinking, problem-solving, quantitative skills, and communication matter in many careers — and multiple majors can get you there.
Bottom line:
Your job right now isn’t to choose the “perfect” major. It’s to learn more about yourself through classes and experiences. You can change direction later — many people do — and it doesn’t mean you failed. It means you learned.
That’s not indecision. That’s smart exploration.
I’ll share a quick personal story, because I think it helps put things in perspective.
When I started college, I thought I wanted to be a lawyer, so I majored in political science. Then I started worrying about whether I could afford law school, so I switched to molecular biology with the idea of becoming an ER physician. After that, I realized I wasn’t sure about medical school, so I switched to civil engineering — then learned that to do the kind of design work I wanted, I’d probably need a master’s degree.
So I switched again, this time to economics. Later, I realized that to work as an actual economist, graduate training was probably necessary there too. Eventually, I landed in finance. Two years after graduating, I decided to go back and get an MBA.
In hindsight, this sounds ridiculous — and at the time, it felt chaotic. But the silver lining is that I got exposure to a lot of fields, learned what I liked and didn’t like, and ultimately ended up happy in finance, even if I didn’t choose it for the “perfect” reason at the time.
A few takeaways that might help you:
1. You don’t need to plan your whole life right now
Very few people get it “right” on the first try. Careers are long, and it’s normal for your interests and constraints (money, time, school length) to influence decisions.
2. Focus on exposure early, not commitment
In your first year or two, try to:
Take intro courses in economics, finance, and at least one science
Talk to professors and upperclassmen about what the major is actually like
Join clubs, research projects, or competitions tied to your interests
Real exposure clarifies things far better than overthinking.
3. STEM, Econ, and Finance overlap more than you think
If you enjoy Econ, finance, and science, you might want to look at:
Economics with a quantitative or data focus
Statistics, data science, or applied math
Engineering with an economics or finance minor
These keep a lot of doors open.
4. Think in terms of skills, not just majors
Analytical thinking, problem-solving, quantitative skills, and communication matter in many careers — and multiple majors can get you there.
Bottom line:
Your job right now isn’t to choose the “perfect” major. It’s to learn more about yourself through classes and experiences. You can change direction later — many people do — and it doesn’t mean you failed. It means you learned.
That’s not indecision. That’s smart exploration.
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Lindsey’s Answer
Great question!
Finding out what you want to major in is a big step. For me personally it took time and experience. I was undecided until I took a class in college and decided that I wanted to go into Communications. If STEM is something you are interested in, see if you can find anyone who is in that field and see if they would be willingly to answer your questions. You can do the same thing for any major that interests you. Something else is you can talk to your college advisor and see if you could take classes related to both and get some experience that way. Don't be afraid to ask your college advisor questions, they are there to help you!
Finding out what you want to major in is a big step. For me personally it took time and experience. I was undecided until I took a class in college and decided that I wanted to go into Communications. If STEM is something you are interested in, see if you can find anyone who is in that field and see if they would be willingly to answer your questions. You can do the same thing for any major that interests you. Something else is you can talk to your college advisor and see if you could take classes related to both and get some experience that way. Don't be afraid to ask your college advisor questions, they are there to help you!
Thank you so much, Lindsey!
Jesus
Updated
Teresa’s Answer
Hi,
I would recommend taking a broad range of courses that genuinely interest you during your first two years of college. I entered college intending to major in communications, but after taking an economics course, I realized it was a better fit and changed my major. I went on to earn a master’s degree in economics and have never regretted that decision.
The most important thing is to find a subject that truly engages you and that you can excel in. When you are interested in what you study, you are far more likely to perform well and build a successful path forward.
I would recommend taking a broad range of courses that genuinely interest you during your first two years of college. I entered college intending to major in communications, but after taking an economics course, I realized it was a better fit and changed my major. I went on to earn a master’s degree in economics and have never regretted that decision.
The most important thing is to find a subject that truly engages you and that you can excel in. When you are interested in what you study, you are far more likely to perform well and build a successful path forward.
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Amanda’s Answer
When I started college, I thought engineering would be my path and took a few classes during my freshman year. However, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me - I couldn't picture myself enjoying this field for the foreseeable future. What I really enjoyed were subjects that involved analysis, critical thinking, and logical problems, but engineering wasn't it for me. I had loved my AP Economics class in high school, so I started exploring business school options. That’s when I discovered information systems and operations management, which combined the technical side of business with areas I enjoyed, such as economics and finance. I even learned coding and other technologies, which was a great mix that opened many career opportunities after college.
One thing that really helped was coming in with AP and dual-enrollment credits, which gave me the flexibility to explore different classes without falling behind on graduation requirements. My advice is: you don’t need to have your major figured out before college. Use your time to explore different subjects and interests, and try to connect with professionals in fields you’re curious about to learn what their day-to-day looks like. That way, you can find something that truly fits you.
One thing that really helped was coming in with AP and dual-enrollment credits, which gave me the flexibility to explore different classes without falling behind on graduation requirements. My advice is: you don’t need to have your major figured out before college. Use your time to explore different subjects and interests, and try to connect with professionals in fields you’re curious about to learn what their day-to-day looks like. That way, you can find something that truly fits you.