How to choose a college major

Do you remember being a kid and having someone ask you what you wanted to be when you grew up? You might have given a whimsical answer like "unicorn" or a practical one like "nurse." But now that college is right around the corner, choosing a major in college can seem more serious or overwhelming.

But here's the thing: you're not expected to have it all figured out yet. In fact, do you know what the most popular college major among incoming freshmen is? Undecided. If you don't have a clear direction now, it doesn't mean you can't create one.

Whether you have an idea of what you want to study or you have no idea, this guide will help you make an informed decision about your college major.

What is a college major (and why is it important)?

Think of your college major as your academic focus—the subject you'll spend the majority of your time studying. This area of study is chosen based on your interests, strengths, or what industry you hope to work in. For instance, if you know you want to be a fourth-grade teacher, you'd declare a major in elementary education. However, it's not always so cut and dry. For instance, if you want to work in social media marketing, you might not find that exact title. Instead, you may choose business and marketing as your degree. But that also means you can work many jobs in the business and marketing realm, not just social media.

A college major is important because when you apply for a job one day, you'll see qualifications on an application, and if you don't have the correct degree, you might not be able to apply for the job. Choosing the right major now can set you up for success later.

5 popular college majors

Not sure what you want to study? Here are five of the more common majors and the specific programs within each:

• Business: This major covers a wide range of areas like accounting, marketing, economics, finance, and general business administration.
• Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM): You'll find everything from computer science and chemical engineering to marine biology, applied math, architecture, and physics.
• Arts and Humanities: If you're creatively inclined, this category includes majors such as English, dance, theater, creative writing, photography, interior design, graphic design, fashion, and film.
• Health and Medicine: For those who want to care for others, this field includes everything from nursing and dental hygiene to pre-med, health sciences, and pharmaceutical companies.
• Social Sciences: Interested in how people think, learn, and interact? If so, you might be interested in programs like psychology, criminology, education, communications, journalism, social work, and legal studies.

Considerations for choosing a college major

Choosing a major is a big decision, so you'll want to take some factors into consideration. While you can certainly change your major later on, it can often extend your time in school, so it's worth thinking it through now. Here are a few things to consider:

• Start with your passions: What is something you genuinely enjoy? What topics excite you? If there is something you love and could see yourself doing long-term, start there and look into options related to that.
• It's okay to change your mind: A lot of students switch their major at least once. Sometimes what seems like a great fit on paper doesn't feel right in practice, and that's totally okay.
• Understand pre-professional pathways: For pre-professional programs (i.e., law or medicine), consider what prerequisite courses those paths require and start planning ahead.
• Think about career versatility: Some majors, like business or communications, can lead to a wide range of careers. For instance, majoring in business can open doors for roles in marketing, finance, or management. It's important to consider what job opportunities your major could land you.
• Know your strengths and weaknesses: Maybe you love math but dread English. Or maybe you thrive in a collaborative environment. Reflect on the things you gravitate toward, what comes naturally to you, and which areas you struggle in. These are great starting points to steer you toward a major that matches your skills and interests.

Choosing a college major

If you're still struggling to declare your major, don't worry—a lot of students go through this! After all, it does play a role in your future career. It's not quite as simple as picking your pizza toppings but, with a little thought, it doesn't have to be overwhelming either. Here are a few steps to help guide your decision:

1. Reflect on what you enjoy

Choosing which college you want to go to is often dependent on how much it costs and what academic majors it offers. But if you don't know what to major in, how do you choose? The answer lies in knowing yourself. Take a step back to think about what truly interests you.

You need to have a general idea of:

• What kind of environment suits you well—structured, fast-paced, creative, independent?
• What are you naturally good at?
• What subjects do you find most exciting?
• What do you dislike?

Spend some time thinking about what you enjoy and what you are good at. Eliminate what you aren't interested in learning and explore what you are interested in. Often, students select a major once they've taken a course that inspires them. Others participate in internships that capture their enthusiasm. Keep an open mind and avoid the pressure to choose before you are ready.

2. Do some research

Once you have an idea of your strengths and weaknesses, it's time to start connecting the dots by exploring majors and careers. If you love theater and art, you might explore majors like performing arts or graphic design. But if you know one of your weaknesses is math, you're probably not going to look into majors that lead to careers like accounting or engineering.

As you're researching, look into what courses you would need to take and read their descriptions. You could even talk to current students who are pursuing that major. The more you learn, the more confident you'll be when it comes time to make a decision.

3. Don't assume the path Is straightforward

The route to your dream job might not always be so straightforward. For example, let's say that you want to be a doctor. When asked your major, you confidently say "pre-med"—but programs like pre-med or pre-law aren't actual majors. While they can help guide your course selection for grad school, you can major in almost anything as long as you complete the required prerequisites.

For instance, you could be a biology major or even an English major and still go to med school—as long as you complete the required science courses. It's crucial to have these conversations with both your high school advisor and college advisor sooner rather than later.

4. Don't be afraid to be different

You don't have to feel boxed in when it comes to majors. In fact, choosing a unique college major could be what sets you apart from other students when applying for grad school. As long as you've met the required coursework, you don't have to follow a traditional path.

Just think of it this way: law school applicants have majored in everything from environmental studies to music, and MBA programs have accepted students with degrees in education or biology. Explore what excites you and what you're curious about. Know what is required for your desired profession and then align that with your interests.

5. Consider the big picture

Every career comes with its own challenges, so it's essential to weigh the big picture before committing. Dreaming of becoming a doctor? The impact is meaningful, but don't forget to consider the paperwork, regulations, and pressures that come with it. Want to teach? It's rewarding, but can also mean large classes, testing requirements, and limited resources.

When you understand the full picture of a career, it can help you make a well-informed choice. No path is perfect, but if you can look at the downsides and still say, "This is what I want," that's a sign it's the right fit for you.

When to declare your college major

If you already know your major, go ahead and declare it right away! If not, know that there isn't a huge rush. Your freshman and sophomore years are typically full of general education courses, so a lot of big schools don't require you to declare a major until the end of your sophomore year. A lot of students find their major by taking different courses and exploring what they like. This sets you up well for success.

Ultimately, you should do your research and choose a college major with realistic expectations. This will help you enjoy your work while navigating the inevitable challenges you will face. Remember that not knowing right now is alright, as long as you are actively seeking a path that will help you be successful in college.

If you're still wondering what to major in during college, our Career Finder tool can help you plan your career and decide which major is best for you!