Yeah, we know, it’s a big decision: your major. It’s probably one of the first questions you’re asked when people find out you’re a college student. Seriously, they’re not trying to be annoying—they’re just trying to make conversation. But if you don’t have one yet—especially if you are confused about which to choose—that question might make you squirm just a little bit.
Take a deep breath and relax. You’re not deciding on a tattoo that will be with you the rest of your life (unless you laser it off). It’s more like a favorite hoodie. You might love that hoodie at first, but someday you might wake up and decide you hate it. (Tattoos can be like that too, by the way.)
So let’s break down how to pick a major without overthinking yourself into a stress coma. Here’s an easy-to-follow strategy.
Start With What You Like (Or At Least Something You Don’t Hate)
Before you dive into salary charts and hot jobs forecasts, start with what actually interests you. What are the classes you don’t dread attending? What topics do you find yourself Googling at 2:00 a.m.? What could you talk about for hours without getting bored?
If you love writing, English, Communications or Journalism might be good fits. If you enjoy solving puzzles, Engineering, Computer Science or Mathematics could be great options. If you’re passionate about helping people, consider Psychology, Education or Nursing. If you like athletics, how about Recreation & Sport Management or Kinesiology (the study of human movement). The key is to start with something that excites you, even if it’s only a little.
Consider the Job Market (But Don’t Freak Out About It)
Let’s be real—some majors lead directly to stable, well-paying jobs. Others require a bit more creativity … or even education beyond a bachelor’s degree. That doesn’t mean you should only pick majors with high salaries or a bright job outlook, but it would be foolish to not do any research into it.
Jobs can give you security or a high salary, but your own personal fulfillment is the key indicator about whether you will have a successful career. And one career may not be forever. Most people change careers five times in their lives! And many highly successful people work in fields unrelated to their degrees. What matters more is whether you are satisfied in your career, how you apply your skills across fields and how you leverage your experiences.
Try Before You Commit
Before locking yourself into a major, test the waters. Take an intro class, attend a department event or talk to upperclassmen who are already in the program. Even better, look for internships, job shadowing or volunteering opportunities related to the field.
If a subject sounds exciting but the actual coursework bores you to tears, take that as a sign to consider. On the flip side, you might stumble into a subject that surprises you and sparks a new interest. The key is to be open-minded and scratch beyond the surface of what you think you might enjoy.
Don’t Pick a Major to Impress Others
Most parents would be thrilled if you picked a major in pre-med, pre-law or engineering. But your major should be about what works for you, not what sounds cool to your parents, friends or relatives who ask too many questions at family gatherings.
Some majors seem prestigious now, but if they’re not for you, you might end up hating every assignment and dreading every class. And let’s be honest, nobody wants to spend four years (or more) being miserable. To say nothing of the career beyond the major! Trust your gut and put in the work!
Remember, Your Decision Is Not Set in Stone
If you’re feeling the pressure to make the perfect decision, take a deep breath, go get a coffee or do whatever you need to do to decompress for a little while. Most students change their majors at least once, and lots of people end up working in careers completely unrelated to their degree.
Part of the college experience is gaining new experiences and figuring things out on your own. Choosing a major is all part of the process. So analyze yourself, talk with a trusted professor, do the research into careers that look interesting, visit the on-campus career center … and don’t lose your mind!
