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Will I be able to study other things in college and then somehow apply them to what my major is?

#choosing-a-major #college-major #majors #physicists #astronomy #environmental

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Thank you comment icon Hi, Isabelle! Are you referring to like, being undecided in major and deciding later or exploring beyond your major and trying to tie it all back? You can 100% study things that are outside your major (its how I ended up with my minors), and you can definitely go to college without having a set idea of what exactly you want to pursue, and change as you go along. This is your journey, and only you can really decide where you want to go. Just understand that this can add years onto the time it takes to finish a degree. Depending on what you chose to pursue as additional courses, you will have to speak with your academic advisor on making it so they can be counted towards a major, though, even if they do not everything you study has value to your future, Ashley
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Whitney’s Answer

Hi Isabelle,

Many degree programs have credits needed for electives. For these electives, you can pick classes that you want to take. If you have interests in something other than your major, this will give you the opportunity to learn about different fields. You can then use these courses to relate them to your major and the field you want to go into.
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Samantha’s Answer

Hello,

Most universities offer undergrad classes, general education classes to help you decide on what you want to study. My university allows people to obtain a degree in integrated studies. This means that they were able to take a bunch of different classes from different fields. This makes them very versatile and really helps narrow down what they want to do in life.

Most majors have specific classes that you must take in order to graduate with that degree. There is some wiggle room for electives. Electives are classes from which you have to choose from to fill some gaps and better your education. This is where you get the most say in what you take as a student.
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Anna’s Answer

Yes Yes Yes Yes. Try to take electives, study what interests you, and follow your passions. Core classes are great for rounding out your education and teaching you key skills like critical analysis, communication skills, and complex project planning. Don't treat required classes as chores, see what you can get out of them. I started in community college which was much cheaper and on the quarter system rather than a semester. It gave me the opportunity to take many electives and discover new interests that helped me find my path after graduation.

Coming out of school and realizing how many different types of jobs exist can be overwhelming but the best way to see if something is a fit for you is to try it out. One of my favorite quotes is "You can't connect the dots looking backward" by Steve Jobs from his Stanford commencement speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc

Also, study abroad if you can, I went twice. It's easier than you think it will be. EARLY in your academic journey go talk to an advisor, they can help make it happen. I saved money from going abroad because school fees can be cheaper. If your major has lots of requirements you need to plan ahead. Go see the world, it opens your eyes.
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Pro’s Answer

If your major doesn't include electives, try an Interdisciplinary, Liberal Studies, or General Studies major, that will let you combine multiple interests. Or an Individually Designed major that you can even name yourself.
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Bryce’s Answer

Hi Isabelle,

In college you do have great freedom for the most part. Your first two years will be general education requirements, but you are given multiple choices within each category. For some of your general education classes, you will have to take specific ones because they are prerequisites for your major, but for the most part you have freedom to take any class that applies to each category. Once you get into your major you will have certain classes that are required for your major, then you will have what is called a restricted elective. Restrictive electives consists of courses that are related to your field of study, but may not be directly related to your major. I hope this helped you get insight on what to expect with college courses.
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