Choosing a college major can feel overwhelming, especially when it seems like everyone else already has their plans sorted out. I’ve met so many students who weren’t sure what to pick, and honestly, that’s totally normal. There are plenty of things to consider when choosing a college major, and it’s not just about picking something that sounds impressive.
From my perspective, the most important thing is to choose a major that fits with your interests, talents, and long-term ambitions. With a bit of thought and the right mindset, you can make a wise choice without undue stress.
What Is a College Major?
A college major is basically your main focus or “specialty” while you’re in school. You’ll still take plenty of general classes like math or English, but your major is where most of your energy (and credits) go. It gives you deeper knowledge and skills in one specific area—something that can help you build a career or just learn more about what you love.
Many students I’ve worked with feel like choosing a major means deciding their entire future, but that’s not really the case. Sure, majors like law or engineering lead to pretty clear career paths. Still, plenty of degrees (like psychology, English, or communications) are super flexible and can take you in lots of directions.
By the way, most colleges give you until sophomore year to declare a major, so you’ve got time to try out different subjects first.
What to Consider When Choosing a College Major?
To pick a major, you need to find something that actually fits who you are—your areas of interest, strengths, and what you see yourself doing in the future.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a college major, but starting with the simple stuff makes the whole decision a lot less stressful.
1️⃣ Your Interests and Passions
One of the first questions I ask students is, “What do you enjoy learning about?” Your passions are a natural guide when choosing a major.
If solving complex problems makes you feel accomplished, majors like engineering or computer science could be a strong match. And if you’re drawn to creative work, something like marketing, film production, or design might keep you motivated.
When you’re genuinely interested in your classes, staying focused becomes a lot easier.
2️⃣ Skills and Strengths
Another key point in what to consider when choosing a college major is your natural abilities. Think about what comes easily to you—are you great at writing essays, analyzing data, or working with teams? Your talents may predict academic and professional success.
Below is a quick list of things that help you choose the right major:
- What subjects or assignments feel effortless to you?
- Which tasks do your friends or teachers always compliment you on?
- What types of challenges excite you rather than frustrate you?
- Are you better at creative problem-solving or logical, step-by-step thinking?
I also recommend using self-assessment tools or personality tests like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or StrengthsFinder. These can highlight skills or traits you might not have realized.
3️⃣ Job Prospects and Market Trends
Looking ahead at potential careers and job prospects is just as important as thinking about what you enjoy. Some majors naturally lead to high-demand positions, while others may require further education to pay off.
For example, fields like healthcare, renewable energy, and tech offer promising salaries. Researching job outlooks, salaries, and industry growth trends can help you narrow down the choices.
4️⃣ Internship and Networking
Another thing I tell students to think about is how a major can connect them with the right people and real-world experience.
Some majors have built-in internship programs, alum connections, or partnerships with companies. These opportunities can give you a big head start when it’s time to apply for jobs.
A strong network can open doors you might not have expected, so ask your college which programs or majors have the most career support.
5️⃣ Financial Aid and Cost
Considering your interests and career aspirations is important, but I also recommend taking into account the costs when choosing your major. Some programs require extra lab fees, equipment, or additional years of study, which can add up.
From my experience, students often overlook this when deciding, but it’s smart to consider how financial aid, scholarships, or work-study programs can help. If a particular major leads to a lower-paying career, think about how you’ll manage student loans or living expenses after graduation.
6️⃣ Lifestyle Goals and Work-Life Balance
Your ideal lifestyle should also influence your choice. Certain careers come with long hours, heavy travel, or high stress, while others provide more flexibility and balance.
If you know you want a career that gives you free evenings or the chance to work remotely, it makes sense to choose a major that aligns with industries offering those perks.
How Hard Is It to Switch a Major in College?
Switching your major in college might sound like a big hassle, but it’s actually very common. Many students start with one chosen major and later realize it’s not the best fit.
You can change your mind because of a new interest, a challenging class, or a career goal shift. In any case, it’s okay to decide to switch your field of study. From my experience as an advisor, I can tell you that nearly half of students go to college unsure of what they genuinely want to study—and that’s perfectly normal.
The difficulty of switching depends on how far along you are in your program. If you’ve just started and haven’t completed a lot of classes in your major yet, the process is usually simple. And if you’re in your junior year and close to finishing your bachelor’s degree, it may require taking extra courses or staying in school longer.
Here’s what I suggest keeping in mind if you’re planning to change your major:
- Talk to your academic advisor to understand the steps and requirements.
- Check which credits will transfer to your new field of study.
- Consider the extra time and cost if the new major has additional prerequisites.
- Think about your long-term goals and how this major supports them.
Overall, switching is a smart move if it helps you find a better path. Remember, college is about learning what works for you, and changing directions is just part of that process.
Can You Take Double Majors in College?
Yes, most colleges allow students to pursue two majors, and it can be a great way to study multiple areas that interest you. If you’re interested in several different fields and can’t pick just one field of study, a double major might be the perfect option. It means you’ll complete the requirements for two academic fields while working toward a single bachelor’s degree.
I recommend you do several things before deciding:
- Look for overlap between the two majors to avoid extra semesters.
- Map out your general education courses early to keep your schedule flexible.
- Talk to advisors in both departments to stay on track.
- Ask yourself if both majors add real value to your future career plans.
Double majoring works best if you plan carefully from the start. In many cases, students at liberal arts colleges find it easier to take on a second major because of the flexible course structure and general education requirements that overlap with both fields. However, even at larger universities, it’s possible as long as you meet the credit and course requirements.
Before committing, you should consider how a double major will affect your timeline:
- Will you still finish your degree on time?
- Do you have the energy and schedule to handle the workload?
With the right planning, you can graduate with a degree that highlights your strengths, helps with choosing a career, and even matches your salary expectations.
Don’t Stress: You Can Start Undeclared
If you’re not sure what to study, starting college without a declared major can actually make your college experience more flexible and enjoyable. Many schools don’t require students to declare a major right away, which gives you time to try different subjects and find what truly excites you. So, taking an elective or two in various fields can help you see what feels like the best fit for your strengths and interests.
Some colleges even allow you to design your own major, which is perfect if you’re curious about more than one specific career path. Choosing a major based solely on what you think will define the rest of your life often leads to stress, but you don’t have to rush.
From my experience, the best college admission consultants can give you expert advice and help you make an informed decision about your future studies.
❓ FAQs
What if I don’t know what to major in?
That’s completely normal! Many students start college undecided. You can take elective classes, talk to academic advisors, or even explore career assessments to figure out what interests you most before committing.
Can I change my college major later?
Yes! Most colleges allow you to change your major if your interests or goals change. Just remember that switching majors later in your program might mean taking extra classes to meet the requirements.
How many majors can I have in college?
You can have one, two, or even combine a major with a minor. If you’re interested in several different fields, some schools let you pursue two majors or even design your own major.
What if my chosen major doesn’t match my future career?
This happens more often than you think. A bachelor’s degree is about developing skills, not just training for one specific job. Many careers value critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving more than your exact field of study.
Should I pick a major based on salary expectations?
Salary matters, but it’s not the only factor. From my experience, students who choose majors they genuinely enjoy tend to perform better and find fulfilling careers. Look for a balance between choosing a career you like and realistic salary expectations.