It's not easy to decide on a college major, whether you're drawn to several options or you have no idea.You don't have to declare right away.The best way to understand your options is to look at them.Don't be afraid to make mistakes along the way, learn about the majors available to you, and tune in to your dreams and passions.Continue reading for more advice.
Step 1: Do your research.
You will need to know your options if you are going to choose a college major.Inform yourself about the majors that you might be interested in.It sounds like every major is interesting.There are specific jobs and how people get them.University websites are a good place to explore forums.Common majors and what people do with them are things to research if you aren't at college yet.You should look for colleges that have strong programs in those fields once you have a few solid choices.If you don't want to transfer, look at the available majors on your university's website.
Step 2: Ask for help.
Ask your teachers about careers, majors, and the college industry.It's important to speak with people you know: your friends, parents, and relatives.These people can give you advice about your strengths and weaknesses.Don't choose a major just because someone tells you to, and make sure that you take every suggestion with a grain of salt.Speak to people who have completed their degrees.Ask for their point of view.Find out what they might do differently.Advisers from your college will be happy to talk to you.There is a lot of information on the web about different majors.It's best to talk to a professional.They can answer questions about any department that you're considering joining.
Step 3: Find out how long it takes to declare a major.
This is different from college to college.You have to decide on a major by the time you enroll in your first class.You can be given one year, two years, or more to declare at other schools.Take your time before committing to a singular focus if you are uncertain.If you have the freedom to explore, try out a wide variety of courses and majors that interest you.
Step 4: Consider if you're ready for college.
College can be expensive if you don't have a goal or major in mind.Before committing to a four-year degree, think about taking a gap year, working full-time, or fulfilling general education requirements at a community college.You can save money and travel the world, volunteer or work abroad, audit classes for free, attend school part-time, or try to join the workforce in a field that sounds interesting, then use that experience to inform your college major decision.Do it your way!You don't need to go to college right away because a lot of other people are doing it.Are you being shepherded into this?Do you know what you want to do in college?Is it your choice or your parents'?
Step 5: Trust your gut.
Some majors jump out at you from the beginning.The first thing to do is explore what it might mean to pursue those degrees.It's natural for someone who loves to write to go for a creative writing degree or another humanities degree.If you like to solve problems, you might be drawn to engineering or the sciences.Think about what you love to do.You may find your calling in a major that you initially dismiss.If you take an introductory econ class, you will discover your love for economics.Keep an open mind, but trust your gut.It can be difficult to trust your gut when you are drawn to many different majors.Can you see yourself majoring in Biology, Music, or Computer Science?You can always mix majors and minor.If you're up to the challenge, you can choose a double major.
Step 6: Do you have a purpose?
Do you want to be in five years?Consider the kind of life you want to live.What is important to you?Maybe you want to make a lot of money, fight climate change, write a novel, work with numbers, or change the world.It doesn't hurt to start thinking about this, even though you may not have a lot of concrete answers.You should research the job market.If you want to find a job quickly after graduation, it's important to know which jobs are in high demand.Use this knowledge to your advantage.
Step 7: Audit classes.
Enrolling in a class without taking a grade or credit for the work is called "auditing".Regardless of whether you are a student at a college or not, visit a university and take a few courses that sound interesting.In the "courses" or "undergraduate programs" section of the university website, you can find specific classes.Ask the instructor about auditing.If you stay engaged and don't disrupt the professor, you'll be able to sit in on a class for free.The instructor's name and contact information should be listed on the website.You can run a web search for the professor if you can't find the contact information.If a school has a lot of people in one room, you don't need to reach out to the professor.Accompany a friend to a big lecture, or just listen to the crowd.This is a great way to feel out a course.
Step 8: It is necessary to declare a major.
You have to choose a major by the deadline at most colleges.It could be one year, two years, or more.It's a good idea to choose a major that you like.The act of declaring a focus makes it easier to see what you want and don't want.You will have a better idea of what it means to pursue a degree once you've spent a semester taking classes.Pick something that makes you want to do it.Don't pick a major based on the catalog.Give it a try, and be honest with yourself.
Step 9: This decision may not be final.
You have given yourself a path for moving forward in college if you choose a major.You haven't locked yourself into anything.People change their majors a lot.Some people go back for a second degree.Keep perspective.
Step 10: Keep your eyes open.
You can always change course.You can switch to something more fulfilling if you don't like the major you pick.You can always transfer to another school if your college doesn't offer the major that you want.There is always a way out.Even if you aren't sure, you can still get into a major that interests you.It's easy to switch majors.There are many classes that overlap between the English degree path and the Comparative Literature path.There are a lot of similarities between the Environmental Science track and the Biology track.The general education requirements within a university are usually the same.Many of the introductory classes for the mechanical engineering track apply to other tracks within the engineering department.A mixture of the same introductory science courses is required for biology, chemistry, and physics degree paths.
Step 11: Your major should be changed.
College degrees give you plenty of room to define your own focus and organize classes under broad themes.The concentration should be within the major.If you can handle the workload, add a double major.Pursue a minor or two.You have an outlet for your other interests.Don't be afraid to make your own path with a degree.