Choosing a College Major

Choosing A College Major

With over 900 majors to choose from, choosing a college major can be a daunting process. While it is true that nearly 60% of students change their major at least once, it is still very important that you have an idea of how your interests and talents may translate into various programs of study. Knowing which major you want can be a very important step in the college selection process, as some schools axe geared towards certain disciplines (i.e. business, nursing and engineering schools). Here are a few suggested steps to follow to help you research and choose a college major:

Identify your favorite subjects from high school. Make a list of your favorite classes. Focus on the most enjoyable courses in which you excelled. Make a list of your least favorite subjects. This may be even more important — ruling out subjects you dislike is half of the self-assessment process.

Consider your personality, values and motivations. Are you outgoing or reserved? Do you like working on abstract problems that require analytical thinkng or do you prefer activities where you can lead, control or persuade other people? Do you prefer structured environments where you know precisely what is expected of you? Do you like to train or teach people? Do you enjoy helping others solve personal problems? Do you value humanitarian pursuits or are you more salary-driven? Do you like working independently or as part of a team? The answers to some of these questions will help you to narrow the programs to those that suit you best.

Take a career assessment questionnaire. Complete a free career profile on Choices or Bridges. While no assessment can predict with 100% certainty which careers will be perfect for you, the questionnaires and surveys are a helpful way to research possibilities you may never have considered.

Gather information. Learn about the career paths that match various majors. New careers are constantly emerging as the world of work becomes more knowledge-based. If you want to find out more about the college major that is right for you, also find out more about the world of work. An informational interview with a professional in the career field you are interested in is one of the best ways to get information first-hand.

If you still haven’t been able to find the right major before you go to school, do not fear! Since nearly two-thirds of college students begin their first year undecided, you won’t be the only one still searching for that perfect fit. However, be sure to choose colleges with a wide variety of majors so your options aren’t limited when it comes time to make a decision.

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Choosing A College Major

With over 900 majors to choose from, choosing a college major can be a daunting process. While it is true that nearly 60% of students change their major at least once, it is still very important that you have an idea of how your interests and talents may translate into various programs of study. Knowing which major you want can be a very important step in the college selection process, as some schools axe geared towards certain disciplines (i.e. business, nursing and engineering schools). Here are a few suggested steps to follow to help you research and choose a college major:

Identify your favorite subjects from high school. Make a list of your favorite classes. Focus on the most enjoyable courses in which you excelled. Make a list of your least favorite subjects. This may be even more important — ruling out subjects you dislike is half of the self-assessment process.

Consider your personality, values and motivations. Are you outgoing or reserved? Do you like working on abstract problems that require analytical thinkng or do you prefer activities where you can lead, control or persuade other people? Do you prefer structured environments where you know precisely what is expected of you? Do you like to train or teach people? Do you enjoy helping others solve personal problems? Do you value humanitarian pursuits or are you more salary-driven? Do you like working independently or as part of a team? The answers to some of these questions will help you to narrow the programs to those that suit you best.

Take a career assessment questionnaire. Complete a free career profile on Choices or Bridges. While no assessment can predict with 100% certainty which careers will be perfect for you, the questionnaires and surveys are a helpful way to research possibilities you may never have considered.

Gather information. Learn about the career paths that match various majors. New careers are constantly emerging as the world of work becomes more knowledge-based. If you want to find out more about the college major that is right for you, also find out more about the world of work. An informational interview with a professional in the career field you are interested in is one of the best ways to get information first-hand.

If you still haven’t been able to find the right major before you go to school, do not fear! Since nearly two-thirds of college students begin their first year undecided, you won’t be the only one still searching for that perfect fit. However, be sure to choose colleges with a wide variety of majors so your options aren’t limited when it comes time to make a decision.

Return to College Research