As soon as you enter the final year of high school, everyone around you starts asking this one thing: “What are you going to study in college?” “What’s your major going to be?” And while it may seem like a distant-future concern that you often deflect with a shrug and an “I don’t know yet,” the truth is, you don’t have much time to make up your mind. 

A college major is a significant decision – it will affect your future career, earning potential, and even your lifestyle. So, before you decide on a major, thoroughly consider what you want to study and pursue as a career. 

What is a major in college?

A major is a student’s primary field of study during their undergraduate years. It is the area in which they will receive the most in-depth knowledge and complete the majority of their required coursework. 

A major should not be confused with a degree. A degree is a credential you receive after completing your undergraduate studies. In contrast, a major is a subject you focus on during your studies. The type of degree you receive is based on the major you select.

Now that you better understand a major, it’s time to start thinking about which one is appropriate for you. Here are seven tips to help you select the perfect major:

• Do your research

Before making any decisions, it’s essential to research and learn as much as possible about the different majors available today. Explore what each major entails and what type of career you can expect to have after graduation. 

For example, if you’re going into biomedical science, you can expect to focus on the study of living organisms and diseases. In contrast, biomedical engineering focuses on designing and developing medical devices and systems. By searching “biomedical science vs biomedical engineering,” you can learn more about the critical differences between these two majors and their respective career paths.

• Consider your interests and strengths

What is your passion? What topics can you not stop talking about during every discussion? Your major should interest you, not something you think you should study. You’re more likely to succeed and be engaged in your studies if you enjoy the course material. Moreover, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals, making the college experience more enjoyable.

Think about your strengths as well. Do you prefer working manually or with advanced machinery and equipment? Do you like to operate in a lab or an office? Would you rather work alone/independently or on a team? Your major should play to your strengths so you can excel in your field.

• Think about your future career

Most majors will lead to a specific career path, but you’ll have to decide if that’s the path you want to take. One way to help you make this decision is to connect with people already working in the field. They can tell you about their routine duties, work/life balance, and what they like and don’t like about their occupation. It will give you a better idea of what to expect if you choose a specific major.

Moreover, consider the earning potential of the major you’re selecting. Will you be able to support yourself and your family on the salary you’ll earn? It might open up (or close off) specific majors for you. 

• Research the job market

Now, you don’t want to major in something that won’t lead to a lucrative employment prospect. But you also don’t want to choose something so popular that you’ll compete with hundreds of other candidates. An excellent way to research the job market is to look at job postings and see what kinds of majors they seek. 

You can also talk to a career counselor to help you assess the job market for different majors. They may even connect you with employers who can give you insightful information.

• Consider your lifestyle

Some majors are more demanding and require extensive time and effort. If you’re the type who likes to have excess free time, you should steer clear of these majors. On the other hand, if you’re always looking for a challenge, consider majors that will keep you on your toes. 

Ensure to pick a major that best fits you and your lifestyle. Otherwise, you might struggle to keep up with work responsibilities and resent your professional life.

• Take intro classes 

Generally, most introductory classes for majors will give you a broad overview of the topics you’ll be studying in more depth later. You can evaluate the material and see if you enjoy it as much as you thought. If you don’t like the material or are struggling to keep up, it might not be the right major for you.

While you’re still exploring, taking classes outside your major is also a good idea. It will help you improve your skillset and make you a more well-rounded individual. It will also allow you to explore other academic interests and see if there’s something else you might be passionate about or a subdomain.

• Don’t be afraid to change your mind

Some people might tell you that you must pick a major as soon as possible and stick with it. However, this isn’t always the best advice. If you’re struggling with your major or don’t enjoy it as much as you thought, feel free to change your mind. It’s better to find a major you’re passionate about and will excel in, even if it takes a little longer. 

Pursuing an academic major, you’re not interested in can lead to poor grades and overall academic underperformance. You’ll also witness burnout and won’t be motivated to continue your studies. And don’t forget the thousands of dollars you’ll pay for your education. It’s not worth it to continue studying a major you’re not happy with – so if you need to, switch.

Conclusion

Picking a major is a challenging task. It’s a big decision that will drastically impact your future. But don’t fret – if you spend the time researching and exploring all your options, you’re sure to find the perfect major. And who knows, maybe your dream job will be waiting for you right around the corner. 

Just remember to be patient, stay positive, and, most importantly, trust your gut. You can also take help from your friends, family, and teachers. They can unload valuable information for you.