{"id":11741,"date":"2023-10-23T13:22:44","date_gmt":"2023-10-23T17:22:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=11741"},"modified":"2024-12-13T16:37:45","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T21:37:45","slug":"how-to-choose-college-major","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/how-to-choose-college-major\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose a College Major that is Right for You"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether they are still in high school or navigating their first year of college, many students wonder how to choose a college major that is right for them.<\/p>\n

Choosing a college major is equally challenging and essential, especially if students have multiple passions or interests. Additionally, many students struggle to select a major because they don\u2019t know what kind of career they want long-term.<\/p>\n

While the major chosen ultimately will impact students\u2019 future careers, it\u2019s normal for students to take their time and use their college experience to inform this decision.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s look at what choosing a college major means and how and when to do so, as well as other tips students can use to choose a major that is right for them.<\/p>\n

What is a College Major?<\/h2>\n

A college major is a student’s main subject of study, in which they earn a degree.<\/p>\n

This means that outside of the general education requirements, students will take courses in the subject they choose, such as Business Administration<\/a>, Health Science<\/a>, or Human Services<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Typically, students will discuss their interests and desired major through an assigned academic advisor (or their school\u2019s academic advising center<\/a>). This helps students understand the requirements of each major, select their courses within their major of choice, and encourage students in their development and academic success.<\/p>\n

5 Tips for Choosing a Major in College<\/h2>\n

The question, \u201cHow to choose a college major?\u201d often depends on each student\u2019s goals, interests, and passions. However, there are a number of tips and questions they can ask themselves to determine the right college major for them.<\/p>\n

1. Consider Your Interests.<\/h3>\n

Unsurprisingly, students do better in classes they are interested in. If you enjoy what you are learning and studying, you\u2019ll likely stay more engaged in your classes, leading to better grades and relationships with your professors and peers.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, your college major is meant to set you up for your future career, so you should choose a subject and career you can see yourself pursuing in the long term.<\/p>\n

If you are struggling to know your interests or have too many, consider taking a personality quiz or joining clubs and organizations<\/a> at your college or university. You may also begin your freshman year by taking various general education courses and electives, to explore different areas of study and see which appeal to you most. Not only will this exploration help you choose a major, but it can also give you a positive experience in college, pursuing studies you love.<\/p>\n

2. Think Ahead to Your Career Goals.<\/h3>\n

Another effective way to choose a major is to consider your career goals. Where do you want to be in the next five or ten years? Do you want to manage people or be involved in world-changing research? Do you wish for a hands-on, creative profession, or does an administrative position appeal to you? Are you seeking a career working with people, or do you prefer a more independent role?<\/p>\n

While some majors can lead to various careers, most are designed to prepare students for specific career paths or advanced study in their chosen field. For example, if you want to be a nurse, you must earn your nursing degree<\/a> and use what you learned in that major to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).<\/a><\/p>\n

If you find yourself with multiple passions and career options, take a few classes in the relevant major and talk to students currently majoring in that field. Doing so helps you prepare for the coursework necessary to pursue the career of your choice.<\/p>\n

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Explore Goodwin University\u2019s wide variety of career-focused academic programs!<\/em><\/a><\/h3>\n

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3. Weigh the Salary Potential.<\/h3>\n

While money isn\u2019t everything, students should consider how important salary and salary potential is to them.<\/p>\n

If you want to make a high salary and be able to retire early, a career in a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) related field might be the right choice. Conversely, if salary is less of a decision point, and you care more about impacting the world and the lives of others, you might be better suited for a career in human services or education.<\/p>\n

Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics\u2019 website<\/a>, where they regularly update their list of highest-paying occupations. Students should also keep in mind that just because a career boasts a high salary does not mean that alone will make them happy, so be sure you are also passionate about the work and career you wish to pursue.<\/p>\n

4. Discuss Options with an Academic Advisor.<\/h3>\n

Academic advisors help students explore their career and personal goals by challenging, supporting, and encouraging students to actively participate in their learning, development, and academic success.<\/p>\n

Thus, checking in with your academic advisor can be extremely beneficial when choosing a major. They\u2019ve likely had the same or similar conversations with hundreds of students and can even offer information about majors you\u2019ve not considered that align with your interests, passions, and goals.<\/p>\n

Academic advisors help<\/a> students achieve their academic goals by:<\/p>\n