college course to help decide what major you're interested in

by Emelia Dare 8 min read

How do I decide what major to choose?

 · According to the U.S. Department of Education, 33% of undergraduate students changed their major at least once. About 9% changed their major twice or more. Other data shows that more than half of ...

How can you help students know what majors they want to pursue?

 · The major a student wishes to study can influence which school he or she should attend. Those interested in a science might want to look into research-intensive universities. Budding poets should find schools with strong liberal arts programs. You can help students who know what majors they want to pursue before they begin applying to colleges by researching …

What should I major in college if I don't know anything?

 · According to Academic Advising: A Comprehensive Handbook, 50 to 75% of undergraduate students change majors at least once before graduating, and that is okay. Encourage your student to take general education classes to see what interests them and where they excel. With experience and research, it will help them narrow down college major choices.

What are some popular majors that go well together?

 · Consider pursuing a major or minor in the language. Keep an open mind; you’ll find something you’re passionate about, even if you don’t know what that something is by the end of your freshman year of college. Which leads me to my next question to ask yourself. 2.

How do you decide what you wanna major in?

Decide what to study as an undergraduate. ... Find your passion. ... Think about colleges when picking a major. ... Carefully consider career advice. ... Carefully consider career advice. ... Declare a major on college applications. ... Know how far your major will take you at the undergraduate level. ... Pair your major with a useful minor.More items...

How do you pick a major when you don't know what you want to do?

Choosing your major can be difficult, but it's not the end of the world if you don't know what you want to do after graduation. Take classes that sound interesting, find an internship or part-time job, and talk to professors to get a better idea of what you would like to do in the future and what you should major in.

What is the happiest major?

Which Subjects Have the Happiest Students?In the top three happiest subject areas to study at university is engineering with a score of 3.87 out of five. ... Sports and exercise science students are the second happiest students according to TheKnowledgeAcademy's survey.More items...•

What is the easiest major in college?

The 14 Easiest Majors to Study in College#1: Psychology. Psychology majors study the inner workings of the human psyche. ... #2: Criminal Justice. ... #3: English. ... #4: Education. ... #5: Social Work. ... #6: Sociology. ... #7: Communications. ... #8: History.More items...•

How to choose a major?

The first thing to consider when picking a major is what you like to do. By the time you graduate high school you’ll have enough information and experience from your classes to figure out what you might or might not be interested in pursuing. Here are some ways you can dig deeper: 1 List 10 things you love. Listing what you love doing, both inside or outside the classroom, is a great way to see possible paths you can take. If you enjoy art and drawing but you’re also interested in technology, consider majoring in graphic design. If you’re into business and traveling, investigate majoring in international business. 2 Make a list of strengths and weaknesses. Figuring out your strengths and weaknesses can help you assess what kind of major to go into. For example, if public speaking isn’t really your thing, you might want to avoid majors that could lead to careers like being a news anchor or spokesperson. You can also take your weaknesses and build on them in college. If public speaking is something you want to improve, go ahead and take a speech class. You might love it! 3 Use the Roadmap to Careers Connect your interests to majors and careers, and explore video interviews with professionals in different industries to hear how they got where they are today. Use your College Board login to map your future—it’s free for students who take the PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, PSAT/NMSQT, or the SAT.

Do you have to know what you want to major in?

You don’t have to know what you want to major in (or even what you want to do with the rest of your life) during your major search process. College gives you the opportunity to take classes you think you might enjoy or even classes you’ve never been exposed to before. Volunteer and find internships.

What is a major in college?

A major is a specific subject area college students specialize in. Typically , between one-third and one-half of the courses you’ll take in college will be in your major or related to it. Some colleges even let you design your own major!

When do you decide on a major?

Generally at most four-year colleges you don’t have to decide on a major until the end of your sophomore year. This gives you time to try a couple of classes and see what you like before you decide, and earn general education credits that count toward your degree.

What is an associates degree?

Associate Degree The two-year associate of arts (AA) or associate of science (AS). Some students who earn this degree transfer to a four-year bachelor’s program; others use it to go straight to work. Community colleges, career colleges, and some four-year colleges offer associate degrees.

How many times can you change your major?

Studies find that most students change majors at least once and many students switch several times. No matter what year you’re in, sometimes the major you declare doesn’t end up being the right one. If you decide to change your major, make sure the credits you need align with your expected graduation date.

What to do if you decide to change your major?

If you decide to change your major, make sure the credits you need align with your expected graduation date. Go to your counselor for guidance on picking a new major and setting up your schedule. It’s a big decision, but you know yourself and your interests better than anyone.

How many college graduates would change their major if they could go back to school?

Choosing a major field of study can be a difficult decision. In fact, 61% of college graduates would change their major if they could go back to school. Today's college students are encouraged to weigh several factors before choosing an area of focus for a four-year degree program. Important considerations include:

How many courses are required for a minor?

Minor fields of study typically require four to eight courses in an area of study that is different from the student's major. According to New York Times contributor Michelle Slatalla, most students choose a minor that will either "complement or counterbalance" their major.

What is an interdisciplinary degree?

According to USA Today, this interdisciplinary option typically requires the student to write a proposal, present their major to faculty members and curate advisors to provide academic assistance throughout the course of the program. The ' Individualized Studies ' option at the University of Washington is one prominent example of this alternative degree pathway.

What is an associate degree?

An associate degree is given to undergraduate students who successfully complete two years of coursework. Earning an associate credential at an accredited community or technical college can be a cost-effective option, since most (if not all) course credits will be transferable to a bachelor's program and the tuition at these institutions tend to be more affordable than public universities or private colleges. Certain schools offer specialized associate degrees in fields like computer science, nursing and education. However, the bulk of earners go on to pursue a bachelor's degree.

What does ENFP mean?

Others lean toward Perceiving (P), or keeping an open mind when it comes to information and experiences. ENFP. "The Champion".

What do liberal arts majors do?

While there is an ongoing argument that the liberal arts don’t prepare students for the workforce, liberal arts majors develop interpersonal, research, communication, analytic reasoning, and critical thinking skills.

What can a communications major do?

Communications majors develop skills in public speaking, writing, interpreting, and problem solving which are skills necessary for every field. Communications majors may go on to become…. Investigative reporters. Digital marketing specialists.

What do you learn in psychology?

As a psychology major, you’ll develop both quantitative and qualitative skills. You’ll learn how to research and analyze data, as well as develop interpersonal, critical thinking, and writing skills. Many psychology majors find careers as…. 2.

What is dual degree?

In many cases, dual degree programs allow students to earn both a bachelor's and an advanced degree such as an M.B.A., potentially making them more attractive job candidates upon graduation. Academically curious students might also look into interdisciplinary studies and self-designed majors.

What is the ASVAB?

The ASVAB (the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery), though used to determine one’s eligibility for enlistment in the armed forces, can also help students gauge their skills in various occupations.

What is the Bureau of Labor Statistics' occupational outlook?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers the incredibly valuable Occupa tional Outlook Handbook, which details hundreds of types of jobs including the training and education required, earnings, expected job prospects, what workers do on the job, and typical working conditions.

What is the first step in college?

Selecting a college major is one of the first steps your college student will take at the beginning of their college years , preferably during their first year at school. Selecting a college major is an important decision and your student should consider his or her academic strengths, interests and long-term career goals.

What to do with a college counselor?

In addition to a college counselor, encourage your college student to talk with peers, family and friends who are already in the major or have graduated from the program. They'll give more in-depth information about what the program is like, which professors to take courses from and future careers.

1. What are you passionate about?

Surprised passion is the first topic on this list? You shouldn’t be.

2. Have you explored your options?

If you have no idea what it is you want to study—or even if you think you know what your passion is—exploring your options is crucial to making the right choice when it comes to picking a major. Many colleges help you out with this by assigning students general requirements.

3. Do you have a vocational goal?

What’s important to remember here is that there are many careers for which a number of undergraduate majors would be appropriate. You plan on going to law school and becoming a lawyer? Feel free to pursue any relevant passion as an undergraduate student: Political Science, English, History, Economics, Philosophy, etc.

4. Are you good at this subject?

Your skill in the subject shouldn’t necessarily be the main determining factor on whether you pursue a major in that field, but it is a relevant piece of information to consider when making your decision.

5. Why do you want to be in this major?

Reflecting on why you want to pursue your potential major is an important step in going from undecided to declared. You should research the major at your university. It is also a good idea to get in touch with professors in your chosen department and with students who have declared that major as their own and can provide some further insight.

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What is the best way to find a degree?

Narrowing down your interests is the easiest path to finding a degree that best suits you, and it often means exploring the many degree programs colleges have to offer. For the undecided student, a more general major may be the best choice, as it offers exposure to a broad range of educational models, topics, and potential career paths.

Why do we need an education major?

An education major allows students to explore the process of human learning and the best methods of teaching. As is common for liberal arts degrees, the education major provides flexibility. While many education majors pursue careers in teaching, there are several alternative options for those who wish to explore them.

What is the most versatile degree?

Among the most versatile of degrees is biology. A degree in biology offers exposure to a broad range of topics within the world of nature and healthcare. It assists students in developing the necessary experience required for careers as medical professionals, botanists, biochemists, educators, and more.

What is a biology major?

A degree in biology offers exposure to a broad range of topics within the world of nature and healthcare. It assists students in developing the necessary experience required for careers as medical professionals, botanists, biochemists, educators, and more. The biology major unlocks multiple career options and contains several specializations ...

What is a communications major?

Communications is another broad-ranged degree for students interested in journalism, media, film, writing, or general storytelling . “This major is a fit for those who consider themselves media literate and want to study how media shape everyday life” ( U.S. News & World Report ).

What are the courses required for an English major?

Depending on the track a student chooses, she or he may take courses in screenwriting, American poetry, graphic novels, and filmmaking. With such a broad range of topics, students working toward a degree in English will be able to explore their interests without the unnecessary stress of constraints within a designated major.

What are some examples of liberal studies?

A few examples of the concentrations offered a liberal studies major are anthropology, biology, theatre, and philosophy, among several others.

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Academics

Impact

Rankings

  • Students typically tend to their major based on career-related factors on job availability employment rates in their proposed field. The following table lists the most popular majors among today's college graduates; the data was originally published in a report from Georgetown University titled, 'The Economic Value of College Majors.' Highest Median Annual Earnings Rank…
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Alumni

  • College alumni can be a helpful source of information for students who are exploring different areas of study or considering a change in their major focus. These individuals offer valuable insights about their major for both current students and job-seekers. A recent poll by Payscale found that degree-holding alumni generally recommended majors in science, technology, engine…
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Statistics

  • Georgetown's 'The Economic Value of College Majors' report noted that roughly 80% of today's incoming college freshmen ultimately choose a major based on potential salary and benefits. The study also found that the average median annual salary across bachelor's graduates in all majors was $33,000 for employees 21-25; additionally, the median earnings for high school graduates w…
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Purpose

  • The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality test enables students to determine subjects that closely align with their personal interests. MBTI uses habits and attitudes to generate algorithmic individual profiles for men and women. This test plays an integral role in today's corporate culture. According to a report from The Boston Globe, hir...
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Behavior

  • Extroverts (E) prefer to interact with others in the outer world, while Introverts (I) tend to focus on their own inner worlds.
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Philosophy

  • Some tend to make decisions based on logic and objectivity; this is known in Myers-Briggs as Thinking (T). Others make decisions on a case-by-case basis, also known as Feeling (F).
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Variations

  • Some individuals prefer Judging (J), or using a set of rules to inform how they process information and experiences. Others lean toward Perceiving (P), or keeping an open mind when it comes to information and experiences. Each of the 16 Myers-Briggs Personality Types includes one preference from each of the four groups listed above. For example, ENTJ types are typically …
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Cost

  • Students can determine the overall expense of a bachelor's program by calculating the degree's return-on-investment, or ROI. This figure represents the total cost of a four-year program (tuition, fees, books and all other expenses) subtracted from the degree recipient's career earnings. The DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) are another option for earning experienced-based c…
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Curriculum

  • Students are not necessarily limited to one major field of study. Most granting institutions allow students to 'double-major' in certain fields, and some even offer 'triple-major' options. A 2012 Vanderbilt University study found that many students who double-majored chose a foreign language as one of their major fields. Other popular combinations included business and econo…
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Advantages

  • In recent years, online education has emerged as a hugely popular alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar learning. A report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) found that 5.4 million U.S. college students -- or one in four -- enrolled in at least one web-based course in the Fall 2012 semester. As the demand has grown year-to-year, more degree-granting institutions ha…
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