What should I major in? What major will I be happy with many years from now? If you’re facing high school graduation or heading to college, you must be wondering about such questions. Choosing a major is a big decision, and you don’t want to take this lightly. Even though it’s not the only determinant in your life or career, it significantly impacts where you go and what career you will choose.
But how can you decide which major is best for you? Like many other college students, you might feel substantial pressure while choosing a major. But it doesn’t have to be an extremely stressful process. Armed with the right resources, selecting the right major can be pretty straightforward. For instance, before committing to a major, remember to keep in mind your current interests and future career goals.
Still unsure how to pick the right major? Here are some things you should consider selecting the best major for yourself.
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Consider What You Like
The first thing to think about while choosing a major is what you like to do. By the time you finish high school, you’ll have adequate information and experience from your classes to figure out what you might be interested in. To determine your interests, start by listing the things you love.
Listing what you enjoy doing inside and outside the classes is a great way to see potential paths you can take. For instance, if you wish to learn the practical uses of trigonometry, calculus, or geometry, consider opting for a Bachelors civil engineering degree. If you enjoy art and drawing but are also interested in tech, you can think of majoring in graphic design. Besides that, make a list of your weaknesses and strengths. Doing so helps you assess which major is right for you.
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Evaluate The Cost
Are you choosing a demanding major that might require you to relocate? If yes, consider all the costs and expenses involved with this process. If you decide to opt for a major that only a few colleges or even state universities in other states offer, expect to pay more as tuition might be higher out of state.
Keeping in mind the challenges in balancing college and work, you need to consider whether you can afford to move for a major. Moreover, suppose you’re planning on entering an industry that needs extensive education beyond the initial years, such as law or medicine. In that case, such majors can be considerably more costly. These majors require a greater amount of dedication, especially when it comes to financing your education, making it essential to evaluate your major’s cost.
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Get Help From Advisors And Professionals
Once you start getting attracted to a particular major or field, it’s time to get more specific advice. How can you get that? Reach out to an advisor or a counselor. They can inform you regarding majors and programs offered by the college. They can also help you learn more about what you’ll study in your chosen major, what career potential there is, or whether your skill fits well with the major. Not just that, they can also discuss the benefits and disadvantages of that line of study.
What should you ask your school counselor? Consider asking them these essential questions:
- Which elective courses do you suggest?
- Does the campus have any college fairs?
- Can you help me contact recent grads of the colleges I’ve shortlisted?
Besides your school advisors, you can also reach out to experts in the industry you’re interested in. They can discuss with you how they got from college to where they are currently. Whether they’re your guardians, family members, or friends, set up a time to talk to them.
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Do Your Research On What Schools Offer
Are you set on a particular major? If yes, you must consider how that major is taught at your target schools. Does that college offer that degree? Does that college have a record of success with students from that particular major? For instance, one of the colleges you’ve shortlisted might not offer the major you’ve decided to pursue. Remember, just because a college is renowned doesn’t mean it has to be the best fit for you. Hence, research the school and choose the college that aligns with your interests and offers the major you decide to pursue.
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Think About Career Goals
After exploring your interests and potential career options, you need to think about your future career and goals. If you have a particular career goal, you must choose your program or major in advance, sometimes as early as when filling out your college application.
Moreover, you should also know which degree you require for the field that interests you. So, what are the different types of college degrees you can get? Here are some of the types of college degrees you can pursue:
- Associate Degree: This is a two-year associate of science (AS) or arts (AA). For instance, this degree gives you a chance to transfer it to a four-year bachelor’s program or use it for diving straight into work.
- Joint Degree: This type of degree allows you to earn a bachelor’s and a professional degree in less time by combining them. Pursuing a joint degree can help you apply to a graduate program as an undergraduate and start the grad course in your fourth year of college.
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Decide On Your Priorities
Remember, college doesn’t represent the same thing to everyone. You might see it as an opportunity to learn more about a field that interests you. At the same time, others might be more focused on the financial aspect of it.
As a result, having a clear idea about your priorities and what you expect to get out of the years studying in college is one of the main factors for your major decision. For instance, if a good salary is your main aim, you’ll probably start your search by looking for majors with the highest salaries.
Final Thoughts
Undoubtedly, selecting the right major can seem like a daunting task. But remember that it doesn’t have to be that way! Look at the points mentioned above and consider them while choosing a major to pick the right choice for yourself.