How To Decide On A College Major

Many college students switch their academic major multiple times, but it’s important to at least have a general idea of what disciplines interest you.  After all, it would be a waste of time for you to major in sociology when you are far more interested in business for instance.  Fortunately, there are many resources out there to help you decide what you want to major in.  Here’s my list of tips to make a more informed decision.

1. List your interests and talents

You are going to want to major in something that interests you.  While it is possible to pursue a college degree in a field without much passion, going after such a degree will likely make you miserable in the long run.  So take about 10 minutes and list out the things that you are passionate about.  Then research available college majors at your school and see if any of your interests correspond with academic majors.

2. Talk to a Counselor

Back in grade school, going to see the counselor was something that was frowned upon.  It made you appear weak and prone to personal problems.  In college, the opposite is true.  Seeking out assistance in choosing which courses to take is often a wise decision.  On almost every college campus, there are individuals who make a living by informing college students advice and insight you might not get elsewhere.  

3. Experiment

Never be afraid to venture out and take new courses.  I didn’t even know what philosophy was until my freshman year when I took an introductory class.  Now, philosophy is one of my majors.  I caught the philosophy bug so to speak, and the same thing could happen to you if you take an elective course that you find very interesting.

4. Audit Classes

Most professors are more than willing to let you “sit-in” or audit their class.  If you sit in on a class, you can avoid the embarrassment of dropping the course if you don’t enjoy it.  After auditing, ask the professor a few questions about career paths or requirements related to their field.  If they don’t know, they will probably point you in the direction of someone that does.  

5. Talk to Other Students and Your Family

Often times, people have a different perspective that you hold of yourself.  Just as you can see talents in others that they cannot see in themselves, others can see talents in you that you might not perceive.  Ask your close friends and family what careers they could see you in.  However, it is important to take what they say with a grain of salt, because after all, the career path you choose is entirely up to you.

6. Consult a Course Catalog

A course catalog will list information about each major as well as provide a synopsis of each course.  Look at this book early and often to find out if a class is a right fit for you.