Item Number Two

Once you arrive to college, and sometimes even before, you’ll need to select your major. A big part of your college experience, your major dictates your area of study and can range from anything as basic as business to something as specific as theme park engineering. There are a few important things to know about selecting a college major – we’ve outlined them below.

• Some schools will require you to select a major on your college application, while others will give you the option to mark yourself as “undecided.” Unless you’re applying to a specific program (see our next bullet), it’s usually simple to switch majors once you get to campus. Just make sure you consider course requirements within each major – you should be able to locate these lists online – and the classes for which you’re already registered.
• When applying to college, certain majors often require a separate application to a specific program within the school, such as Nursing or Performing Arts. Be sure to do your research during your college search process so you don’t miss a requirement.
• As you select your major, think about two things: What subjects do you enjoy? And what careers interest you? The answers to these questions can help set your path. Check out our Discover Careers page to find out more about potential future jobs.
• Your major will dictate the classes you take throughout your time at school, so as you consider majors, research the course requirements for each one – if they sound interesting to you, that’s a sign you’ve found a good fit.
• If you’re really uncertain about what you’d like to major in, concentrate on picking classes during your freshman year that can help you decide. Take courses that serve as introductions to different areas of study, and keep an open mind as you explore your options.
• If you can’t decide between two majors, most schools allow you to minor in a certain subject. This lets you concentrate on a second subject area, but doesn’t require as many classes as a major.

Choosing a college major is an exciting part of planning for your future. It will immerse you fully into a subject area of your interest, and help prepare you for your career. As you consider majors, talk to your family, teachers, and guidance counselor. They can help you determine your interests, and provide guidance as you consider your options.