How to Easily Choose Your Major with New Confidence

Welcome to the college major bootcamp! Picking your college major is a big decision, and there are so many factors that influence it! Maybe your family has expectations, or you’ve heard certain majors are too easy or too hard. Perhaps you’re basing it on a hobby, or maybe you have absolutely no idea what you want to do. And guess what? That’s okay!

Let me be real with you—choosing your major is a major responsibility. However, it’s completely normal to change it once or even multiple times. This is your journey, your education, and your future. If you pick a major just to please someone else, you might not enjoy the process, and that’s a fast track to burnout. Therefore, let’s talk about how to choose a major that actually works for you and what to do if you need to change it!

Step 1: Research Available Majors Like a Pro

Your college major should be based on more than just a whim. Every college has different majors available. Instead of rushing the process, take time to look at the following:

• The degree path course curriculum – Check out what classes you’ll take and see if they genuinely interest you. This is the fastest way to see if you should further consider the switch.
• Future job opportunities – What careers align with this major? Can you apply this degree path to other possible careers?
• Salary expectations – Does the future earning potential align with your lifestyle goals? Sadly, money matters for your long term goals.
• Professor reviews – Websites like Rate My Professors can provide insight into what to expect from your instructors. This is a gold mind for professors at your college so take advantage of this tool. 

When I was in college, I didn’t use Rate My Professors for the first two years, and I regretted it! Trust me, knowing what to expect from a professor can save you stress and help you perform better in class. Additionally, hearing first hand experiences from past students can guide you in making informed decisions.

Step 2: Start With Core Classes

If you’re feeling unsure about your major, begin by taking core classes like English, math, science, and history in your first two semesters. Meanwhile, sprinkle in a class or two related to the major you’re considering to see if you truly enjoy the subject.

I did this my freshman year and quickly realized that nursing wasn’t for me. Had I jumped straight into a full schedule of nursing classes, I would have wasted time, money, and energy on a path that wasn’t right for me. Furthermore, taking core classes first gives you flexibility if you decide to switch majors.

Step 3: Think About Long Term Flexibility

Your major should be multidirectional, not just unilateral. That means picking a degree that gives you options rather than locking you into one career path. For example, I majored in psychology, and even though I later decided I didn’t want to be a therapist, I was still able to use my degree to explore other career opportunities.

Pro-tip: To reference your degree during interviews effectively, you can frame it as a way to showcase your relevant knowledge, applied skills, and the value it brings to the employer.

If you’re torn between two majors, consider a field that allows you to pivot later without starting over completely. Some versatile majors include:

• Business Administration
• Communications
• Psychology
• Computer Science
• Education

Moreover, picking a flexible major ensures that you have a variety of career options post-graduation.

Step 4: Consult Your Academic Advisor

Before making any major changes, schedule a meeting with your academic advisor. Not only can they help you understand what credits will transfer, but they can also explain how changing your major impacts your graduation timeline. Additionally, they might suggest alternative options like a minor or double major that could work for you. You might fall in love with two majors, so a double major would be the perfect option, allowing you to avoid having to choose between them. Don’t overthink your decision or get too caught up in your head. Ask for help!

Step 5: Be Strategic With Your Major Decision

Switching majors can add extra time and costs to your college journey. Therefore, if you’re thinking about changing, make sure it’s the right move. Here are a few ways to minimize the impact:

• Check your degree audit – Your college website likely has a tool that shows what credits you’ve completed, current GPA, and what classes are still needed.
• Choose a related major if possible – If you’re moving from, say, biology to environmental science, you might be able to keep some of your credits.
• Talk to students in your desired major – Gain their perspective on what the classes are like and whether they think it’s a good fit. Try to connect with teaching assistants to get their insights as well. Furthermore, you can research teaching assistants on LinkedIn by searching for your corresponding school. Introduce yourself, ask for their perspective, and make your first LinkedIn connection.

Moreover, being strategic about your decision will help you save both time and money while ensuring you graduate on schedule. You do not want to have to keep changing your major because you were careless.

Major Do’s and Don’ts

Your major doesn’t define you, and you don’t have to have everything figured out right away. Instead, college is about exploring your interests and discovering what you love. Whether you stick with your first choice or change it along the way, make sure it’s a path that excites and inspires you.

So take a deep breath, do your research, and trust yourself.

You’ve got this, and no matter what major you choose, you’re going to create a future that’s uniquely you!

Now it’s your turn! Take a moment to reflect on your interests, research your options, and trust yourself in this journey. What major are you considering? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Pro-Tip #2: Check out our similar blog post- 4.0 GPA Unlocked: The Ultimate Guide to Academic Triumph