It's important to choose a college major.Your major can have a huge impact on your future.Some people prefer to major in a major that makes them happy.Others look at more practical factors, such as their salary after graduation.You might want to keep your options open.There's nothing wrong with taking a year or more to pick a major if you're not sure.
Step 1: Follow your interests.
Think about things that interest you.There is a chance that there is at least one major centered around your interests.Evaluate your own interests when selecting a major.How did you get to high school?Did you look forward to any of the subjects?Maybe you loved your history, philosophy, and political science courses.You could get a political science degree.You don't have to think that way either.If you're interested in something outside the classroom, pay attention to it.You might have volunteered at the local animal shelter through high school.A degree like zoology can benefit you.You should think about what kind of classes you would like to take.If you create a list of your interests, you can see how they line up with majors.
Step 2: What makes you happy?
Happiness is important when it comes to passion.If you want to pick a major, it's a good idea to evaluate when and where you're most happy.Pick a major that will make you happy.There are things that make you happy.If you see things like reading, writing, and watching movies on the list, a degree in something like English or film studies could benefit you.There is research on the happiest majors.People in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics tend to be the most happy after graduation, according to some studies.
Step 3: Pay attention to what makes you excited.
If you want a major, think about when you are enthusiastic.Think about the classes you took during high school.Think about what you enjoy doing.A sense of passion is linked to enthusiasm.Some courses always demanded your attention.It's possible that you got a thrill out of math or chemistry classes.You might like studying mathematics or chemistry.Think about what you enjoy doing outside the classroom.If you enjoy watching historical documentaries and reading books about history, you may want to major in history.
Step 4: If your college has any assessment tools, check them out.
It can be difficult to nail down one major if you have a wide range of interests.Ask your college's career counseling center if they offer any assessment tools.Many schools have questionnaires that you can fill out to help direct you to the right areas of study.You can make an appointment with the career counselor at your school.They can help you find a major that is relevant to your interests.You should keep an open mind during this process.If you end up taking a roundabout route, you will find the best major for you.
Step 5: You should recognize your natural abilities.
Do you know what you're good at?It's a good idea to build upon your skills in college.Do you remember your strengths and weaknesses in high school?This can help you figure out where you are likely to excel.You might have high scores on standardized tests for math and science.A degree in a field related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics may benefit you.You know you're good at the kind of thinking required for such a degree.You may have excelled in fields like writing and reading comprehension if you never took to math and science.It is possible to do better in a field that is based in the humanities.
Step 6: Pick out your dream job.
Where do you see yourself after college?If you could have a job in the world, what would it be?It is possible to identify a major that will help you on your career path by answering these questions.Career paths can give you specific guidance about the degree you should pursue.You will need a teaching degree if you want to be a teacher.If you want to become a doctor or a lawyer, you'll need a pre-med degree.Other paths are not as obvious.If you want to work for a grassroots political organization, there are degrees that can help.Politics, history, journalism, or communications may pay off.You could get a degree related to the organization's interests.If you want to work for a group that cares about the environment, you should get a degree related to it.Meeting with a career counselor can help you plan your career path.
Step 7: The financial payoff of certain majors can be looked into.
If you want to make a living after graduation, look into the ultimate pay off.It's important if you're taking on a lot of debt to get your degree.Do you know which degrees tend to pay the most?Business, architecture, engineering, computer, math, and science degrees pay the highest.Midrange pay is offered by degrees in areas like health, social sciences, and public law.Communications and journalism degrees tend to pay less than degrees in the humanities.
Step 8: Are you on a specific career path?
If you already have a career path in mind, your major could be decided for you.There is a very specific pre-med track that you need to follow if you are going to medical school.It's a good idea to talk to a career advisor at your school to make sure you pick the right major for your career.Make sure to address your specific concerns when you're asking.Say something like, "I plan to go to medical school after graduation."Is there a major I need to declare to get into a good college?
Step 9: Know the prerequisites.
Before you sign up for a major, you need to complete certain courses.Some majors can be declared, while others have an admissions process.Prerequisites should be reviewed prior to selecting a major.Make sure you fulfill all the requirements before you commit to a major.If you talk to a college advisor, you can make sure you get the prerequisites down.If you want to declare a major in your freshman year, you may have to take certain classes.Do you want to study music?
Step 10: Minors and double majors can be looked into.
You can see if a double major is an option if your passions are wide-reaching.You can choose more than one major so you can study what interests you the most.You might be able to declare one or two minor interests.A double major may require a lot of extra work.Make sure you can commit to the demands before declaring a double major.
Step 11: A highly specialized major is not advisable.
A major that reflects your future job description is what you may want to choose.Over time, tastes and passions change.Upon graduation, majoring in something too specific to that field limits your options, as your dream job may be to work for a grassroots environmental organization.If you start looking into different careers, your job search will be harder.If you're not sure about your future career, it's important to keep your major open.You could major in a field like biology or psychology.Upon graduation, you have the opportunity to pursue a variety of careers.
Step 12: Before choosing a major, explore some courses.
If you're unsure, you don't need to pick a major before your freshman year.If you want to explore your options, give yourself a couple of semesters to do so.If you want to get your general education requirements out of the way, take a few classes that interest you.This will help you figure out what you want to study in the future.
Step 13: You can always change your major.
Early on in college, there is nothing set in stone.Students change their majors at least once during their college career.Don't be stressed out about choosing a major.If you don't like the path you chose, you can always switch majors.
Step 14: Seek help from others.
If you're not sure, you can always ask around.Talk to people who have been through the college experience, such as college advisers.Friends, family members, and professors can help guide you.Ask your parents and siblings how they chose their majors.They might be able to give you some guidance.If you're interested in a major, ask other students about it."Hey, you're majoring in English?"Is it possible to get coffee and discuss what that entails?I'm considering studying English as well.You can ask a professor.If you want to teach biology at the university level, ask your biology teacher what they majored in during college.