Choosing a college major is a big decision that can shape your academic and professional journeys! In this article, we’ll break down what you need to know about college majors–how they work, how to choose one, and how to navigate issues that may come up along the way.

What is a college major?

A college major is a specific area of study that a student specializes in. Students must take a specific number of credits in their chosen major to be able to graduate with that degree. Students typically don’t begin taking major-specific classes until their junior year, after they’ve completed their general education requirements. Examples of college majors include sociology, business administration, Spanish, communications, and computer science.

A student’s major is typically related to what they plan to pursue professionally after graduating. For example, a student studying journalism may want to be a reporter for a local newspaper, or a pre-med major may plan to continue their education to become a surgeon. 

How to explore majors 

If you’re in high school or are a first-year college student, you have time to explore majors, since you typically won’t need to declare your major until your sophomore or junior year of college. Here are a few ways to start exploring your academic pathway: 

In high school

When building your college list, it can be helpful to explore the majors offered at each school–even if you’re not sure what you want to study. Taking some time to reflect on subjects or extracurriculars you enjoyed in high school can help you identify things you may want to study in college. It can also help you decide where you end up applying. For example, if you know you’re interested in computer engineering, but a college on your list doesn’t offer that major, it’s probably not a great fit for you!

Through extracurricular activities

Joining clubs, working jobs and internships, and volunteering can help you identify things you’re passionate about! For example, volunteering for a local animal hospital may inspire you to study biology and become a veterinarian, or hosting a DJ show for your college’s radio station could introduce a passion for music production. 

Taking diverse elective classes

Once you’re in college, try taking general education requirement courses in a subject you’re not familiar with but may be interested in. Similarly to extracurricular activities, exploring different classes can help you narrow down what does and doesn’t interest you. 

The Way

Learn about careers and industries directly from people working in them through our career video series, The Way! Watching professionals share their journeys from college to the career that they love can help you identify what interests you. You may be surprised to find how many people found their passions and pathways through trial and error!

How to choose a college major

Talk to your academic advisor and professors

Once you have a sense of potential majors you’d like to explore, talk to your academic advisor about your options. They should be familiar with many different academic programs offered at your school, so take advantage of their knowledge and ask questions about the majors you're interested in. They can also refer you to another advisor or professor who can answer more specific questions you may have about a major or program. You can also utilize a professor’s office hours to get insight into majors that interest you and the types of careers people can enter with a degree in that major. 

Declare your major

Different colleges will have their own processes for declaring majors. Some may allow students to declare through their student portal, while others will require students to formally apply. Regardless of the major you declare, you will likely need to have already taken a certain number of general education credits. In general, be sure you know beforehand what will be expected of you when declaring your major. 

Didn't get accepted into your major? Here’s what to do 

Depending on the size of your school, it may be possible that you don’t get accepted into your major. If this happens, be sure to talk to your advisor to troubleshoot and plan your next steps. Here are some other things you should do: 

Reapply to the major (if possible)

If it’s an option, we recommend reapplying. You can try asking students currently in the major what they did to stand out in their application, or speak to an advisor or professor in that department for any advice or tips.

Choose a different major 

While many students choose a major related to their professional goals, it’s important to note that a major is not the end-all-be-all. Your major doesn’t necessarily limit you to what you can or can’t pursue professionally after college. If there are majors similar to your first choice, or if there are other majors that interest you, it’s worth exploring those. As long as you have the drive to learn new things, it’s possible to get a job in any field–regardless of what you studied! For example, maybe you’re passionate about writing novels or plays, but your school doesn’t offer a fiction-writing major. Be sure to look into communications, English, or creative writing as pathways.

Explore transferring 

It’s important to note that transferring should be a last resort once you’ve explored all of your other options. If you are absolutely certain that you want to pursue a specific major, and transferring makes the most sense for your academic and career goals long-term, be sure to weigh all the pros and cons carefully, and talk to your academic advisor about your options and next steps. Read our ultimate college transfer guide here to learn more. 

You can change your major!

Changing your major is normal! After exploring classes and extracurriculars, while learning more about themselves along the way, many students realize that the major they had in mind isn’t what they want to pursue anymore. If you’re considering changing your major, be sure to start the process as soon as possible. It’s important to give yourself enough time to complete the major in the timeframe you’ve set for yourself to attend college. Ideally, changing your major should not significantly impact the amount of time (and money) you’re spending in college. 

Choosing a major doesn’t have to be a decision you make alone! Have any questions or need support? Text #College to 33-55-77 to chat with one of our advisors. If you're using a mobile device, click here to have the text message set up for you!