Choosing a College Major: FAQ
What is a college major? What’s the difference between a major and a minor?
A major is a specific subject area college students specialize in. Typically, between one-third and one-half of the courses you’ll take in college will be in your major or related to it. At some colleges, you can even:
Major in two fields.
Have a major and a minor (a specialization that requires fewer courses than a major).
Create your own major.
A minor is a secondary field you can study in while completing your major degree program. It’s a specialization that requires fewer courses than a major. Minors are only required for certain degrees.
What does it mean to choose a major?
When you choose a major, you're picking an area of knowledge and expertise that'll shape your educational journey and potentially impact your future career. You’ll dive deep into a subject. You’ll complete coursework and gain the skills and knowledge needed to excel in that field.
Why should I choose a major?
Choosing a major is a crucial decision that can have a positive impact on your college experience and future career. It provides focus and specialization, allowing you to delve deep into a subject of interest, gain expertise, and prepare for your desired profession. Picking a major clarifies your long-term goals, connects you with valuable networks, and promotes personal growth and development. You’ll be required to select a major during your sophomore year if you haven’t already declared one by then.
When do you declare a major?
Generally at most four-year colleges you don’t have to decide on a major until the end of your sophomore year. This gives you time to try a couple of classes and see what you like before you decide, and earn general education credits that count toward your degree. Keep in mind, certain fields and programs (like most pharmacy programs) require an early commitment so you can take all the required classes and graduate on time. Some colleges may require or encourage you to choose a major on your application and ask for essays explaining your choice. It’s helpful to start thinking about this in high school so you’re prepared.
What if you can’t decide on a major?
It’s okay to enter college as an undecided major. You don’t have to know what you want to major in (or even what you want to do with the rest of your life) during your major search process. College gives you the opportunity to take classes you think you might enjoy or even classes you’ve never been exposed to before.
Volunteer and find internships. Internships and volunteer work are the best ways to get real hands-on experience in fields a major can lead to. You’ll get a great understanding of what day-to-day life in the profession is like. If you can, talk to people in different departments to see if their work interests you.
Events at local colleges/college visits. You can learn a lot from visiting colleges or attending events on campus. Colleges have open houses or accepted student days where department representatives answer questions and offer you their knowledge. There are also students around you can talk to about their major and class experiences in the major.
Can you change your major?
You can absolutely change your major in college. Studies find that most students change majors at least once and many students switch several times. No matter what year you’re in, sometimes the major you declare doesn’t end up being the right one. If you decide to change your major, make sure the credits you need align with your expected graduation date. Go to your counselor for guidance on picking a new major and setting up your schedule.
It’s a big decision, but you know yourself and your interests better than anyone. Remember, when choosing a major, the most important thing is to make sure you’re happy and clear about your priorities for your life and career after college.
What support services does a college provide to help students choose a major?
Colleges typically provide various support services to assist students in choosing a major. These services include career counseling, academic advising, and resources to help students explore different fields of study. Career counseling and academic advising services offer guidance in assessing interests, skills, and values. In addition, these services provide information on potential career paths related to different majors.
Find more advice in our guide to choosing a college major.