Choosing your college major is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. What you study in college will typically determine what types of careers you may pursue later.
Naturally, that means many college students stress over this decision. That’s entirely understandable. However, it isn’t necessary.
Not sure how to choose a college major? These essential tips will help.
How to Choose a College Major: 3 Tips to Keep in Mind
Be Practical
It’s important to consider your interests when deciding what to major in. However, you also need to remember that a college education is a significant investment. You don’t want to waste your time and money studying a subject merely because it interests you. You need to account for your skills and proficiencies as well.
For instance, maybe you’re interested in theater. That said, if you have no acting talent, it might not be a good idea to choose theater as your major. There’s a chance that studying the subject over the course of several years will help you develop your skills, but there’s no guarantee that will occur. You might be better off choosing a major that aligns with your natural proficiencies.
It’s also a good idea to consider your future goals when choosing a major. Yes, you might be interested in a particular subject right now, but maybe you plan to eventually pursue a career that offers a higher income than you can expect to earn if you study that subject.
Yes, majoring in a subject that interests you can be fun, but it’s not always the most practical choice. Just keep in mind that it is often possible to find a major that strikes the right balance. There may be a subject that’s a practical choice and an interesting one.
Consider a Double Major
You might be able to significantly reduce the stress involved in choosing a college major by opting for a double major. Of course, you have to accept the reality that a double major will often be more time-consuming, costly, and stressful than just one, but in some cases, students find that studying two subjects helps them more easily make a decision when they’re not sure which individual subject to choose.
(Tip: Consider a minor if a double major seems like too much work. This will give you the chance to study two subjects without burdening yourself as much as you would if you chose a double major.)
Ask Questions
You’re not in this alone. When you don’t know how to choose a college major, you need to remember that there are many people out there who can probably help you with this process.
Your advisor is one of them. Schedule a meeting with them to discuss the topic if it’s stressing you out. Other students (preferably those with more academic experience), family members, and older friends who’ve since graduated can also offer advice.
It’s okay to feel that choosing a college major is difficult. Many people feel this way. That said, these tips can make what seems like a challenging experience much easier.