How to Choose the Perfect College Major
A Comprehensive Guide to Deciding Your Major Before Starting College
Choosing a college major can feel like one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. With thoughtful consideration and research, you can find a major that aligns with your interests and sets you up for a successful future. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this important choice, featuring insights from various universities and career statistics.
Reflect on Your Interests and Strengths
Start by listing subjects and activities you enjoy and excel at. For example, if you excelled in high school calculus and physics, a major in Engineering at Purdue University might be a good fit. If you have a passion for writing and critical thinking, consider English or Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Research Career Paths Early
Investigate potential career paths, industry trends, and job market demands for the majors you're considering. Understanding the demand and growth potential in various fields can help you make a more informed decision. Here are some statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and other sources:
Software Development: Projected to grow 22% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Healthcare Administration: Expected to grow 32% from 2020 to 2030.
Environmental Science: Projected growth of 8% from 2020 to 2030.
Financial Analysts: Projected growth of 6% from 2020 to 2030.
Take Introductory Courses in Potential Majors
Enroll in introductory courses for the majors you’re considering. This will give you a feel for the coursework and help you determine if it’s something you’re passionate about. For example, if you’re considering Economics at the University of Michigan, start with an introductory macroeconomics course. Many students discover their true interests through these foundational classes.
Seek Internships and Shadowing Opportunities
Look for internships or shadowing opportunities in fields you’re interested in. This real-world experience can provide valuable insights and help you determine if a particular major and career path are right for you. The extensive alumni networks at universities like the University of Minnesota and Ohio State University can be great resources for finding these opportunities. Here are some top schools with strong internship programs and career services:
University of Michigan: Known for its strong career services and extensive alumni network.
Indiana University: Offers numerous internship opportunities through its Kelley School of Business.
Texas A&M University: Provides a robust internship program, especially in engineering and business.
Use Departmental Resources
Visit departmental offices and talk to professors about the majors you’re considering. They can provide detailed information about the coursework, research opportunities, and career outcomes for graduates. The University of Florida’s Department of Computer and Information Science and Engineering, for example, offers extensive resources and advising to help students understand potential career paths.
Attend Major-Related Events and Clubs
Join clubs and attend events related to the majors you’re interested in. This will help you meet people who share your interests and get a sense of what studying that major might be like. For example, the University of Colorado Boulder’s Robotics Club can give you a taste of what majoring in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering would entail. At the University of Iowa, participating in the Environmental Coalition can give you insights into an Environmental Studies major.
Evaluate the Curriculum and Requirements
Carefully review the curriculum and graduation requirements for each major. Some majors, like Engineering at Virginia Tech, have very structured curricula with specific course sequences, while others, like Anthropology at the University of Oregon, may offer more flexibility. Make sure the structure aligns with your learning style and academic goals.
Consider Program and University Rankings
Choosing a college major is a critical decision that can shape your future career. Some programs are highly competitive and difficult to get into due to their prestigious reputations, rigorous curricula, and outstanding career outcomes. Here’s a look at some of the most competitive and hard-to-get-into programs in the United States and Canada, ranked by their selectivity and reputation.
Engineering Programs
United States:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Stanford University
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
University of California, Berkeley
University of Michigan
Canada:
University of Toronto
University of Waterloo
University of British Columbia (UBC)
McGill University
University of Alberta
Business Programs
United States:
University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
Harvard University
University of California, Berkeley (Haas)
University of Michigan (Ross)
Indiana University (Kelley)
Canada:
University of Western Ontario (Ivey)
University of Toronto (Rotman)
Queen’s University (Smith)
University of British Columbia (Sauder)
McGill University (Desautels)
Computer Science Programs
United States:
Carnegie Mellon University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Stanford University
University of California, Berkeley
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Canada:
University of Waterloo
University of Toronto
University of British Columbia (UBC)
McGill University
University of Alberta
Pre-Law Programs
United States:
Yale University
Stanford University
Harvard University
University of Chicago
Columbia University
Canada:
University of Toronto
McGill University
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Osgoode Hall Law School (York University)
University of Ottawa
Pre-Medicine Programs
United States:
Harvard University
Johns Hopkins University
Stanford University
University of Pennsylvania (Perelman)
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Canada:
University of Toronto
McGill University
University of British Columbia (UBC)
University of Alberta
University of Montreal
Architecture Programs
United States:
Cornell University
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
University of California, Berkeley
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
University of Texas at Austin
Canada:
University of British Columbia (UBC)
University of Toronto
McGill University
University of Waterloo
Carleton University
Consider Study Abroad Opportunities
If studying abroad is important to you, check if the majors you’re considering offer this option. Many majors at universities like the University of Georgia and the University of Connecticut have partnerships with universities around the world, providing you with unique educational experiences.
Look at Graduate Outcomes
Research the job placement rates and average salaries for graduates of the majors you’re considering. Both universities publish this information, which can give you a realistic expectation of job prospects after graduation. For example, Computer Science graduates from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have high job placement rates in the tech industry, with many landing positions at top companies like Google and Microsoft. Similarly, Nursing graduates from the University of Iowa have a strong employment rate, with many working in top hospitals across the country.
Talk to Recent Graduates
Connect with recent graduates from the majors you’re interested in. They can provide firsthand insights into what the program is like and how it has helped them in their careers. Use LinkedIn or university alumni networks to find these contacts. For example, speaking to a recent University of Arizona graduate who majored in International Relations might reveal the diverse career paths available.
Evaluate Graduation Ease
Consider the difficulty of graduating within four years. Some majors have demanding coursework and may require more time to complete. Research the average time to graduation for the majors you’re considering. For instance, Caltech’s Engineering program is known for its intensity and may require additional time compared to other programs. Conversely, majors with more flexible curricula, like Sociology at the University of Kansas, might offer a smoother path to graduation.
Consider Double Majoring or Minoring
If you have multiple interests, consider double majoring or adding a minor. For example, you could major in Political Science and minor in Environmental Studies at the University of Georgia, combining your interests in politics and environmental issues. This combination can make you more versatile and attractive to potential employers.
Stay Flexible and Open-Minded
Your interests and goals may change as you gain more experience and knowledge. Be open to adjusting your major if you discover new passions or career paths. Many successful professionals found their calling through exploration and flexibility during their college years. Michael, a student at the University of Iowa, switched from a pre-med track to a major in Computer Science after discovering a passion for coding.
Choosing a major is a significant step, but with thoughtful consideration and exploration, you can find a path that excites and fulfills you. Use these tips to guide your decision-making process and ensure that you choose a major that aligns with your interests and career goals.
Sources
Maclean's University Rankings