Choosing a college major is a big decision. It’s something that will affect your career, your income, and your overall happiness. So it’s important to take the time to find a major that’s right for you. If you’re not sure where to start, read on for some tips.
Self-discovery is fundamental to finding the correct major. Who are you? What are your interests? What are you good at? Reflecting on these inquiries will lay the groundwork for selecting a major compatible with your identity and life objectives.
## Explore Your Interests
One of the best ways to find a major that’s right for you is to explore your interests. What do you like to do in your free time? What subjects do you enjoy learning about? What careers sound interesting to you? Once you have a good idea of your interests, you can start to narrow down your choices.
## Consider Your Skills and Abilities
In addition to your interests, you should also consider your skills and abilities. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Some majors require certain skills and abilities, so it’s important to make sure that you have them before you commit to a major.
## Research Different Majors
Once you have a good idea of your interests and skills, you can start to research different majors. There are many different majors to choose from, so it’s important to take the time to find one that’s right for you. You can read about different majors online, talk to your high school counselor, or visit college campuses to learn more about different programs.
## Talk to People in Different Fields
One of the best ways to learn about different majors is to talk to people who are already working in those fields. They can give you firsthand information about what the job is like, what the career prospects are, and what kind of education and training is required.
## Visit College Campuses
Visiting college campuses is a great way to learn more about different majors and get a feel for the campus culture. You can talk to professors, students, and admissions counselors to get their insights on different programs.
## Take Career Assessments
There are a number of career assessments available that can help you identify your interests, skills, and values. These assessments can be helpful in narrowing down your choices and finding a major that’s right for you.
## Don’t Be Afraid to Change Your Mind
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to choose a major right away. You can start out by taking general education courses and then declare a major later on. And if you change your mind about your major, that’s okay too. Many students change their majors at least once before they graduate.
What are the Most Popular Majors?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the most popular majors for undergraduate students in 2020-2021 were:
| Rank | Major | Number of Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Business | 399,987 |
| 2 | Health professions and related programs | 311,381 |
| 3 | Social sciences | 254,069 |
| 4 | Education | 246,284 |
| 5 | Engineering | 222,964 |
| 6 | Biological and biomedical sciences | 206,421 |
| 7 | Computer and information sciences | 173,523 |
| 8 | Psychology | 158,737 |
| 9 | Communication, journalism, and related programs | 141,177 |
| 10 | Visual and performing arts | 106,749 |
What are the Highest-Paying Majors?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-paying majors for bachelor’s degree holders in 2021 were:
| Rank | Major | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petroleum engineering | $135,310 |
| 2 | Computer science | $128,430 |
| 3 | Electrical engineering | $127,700 |
| 4 | Aerospace engineering | $126,680 |
| 5 | Chemical engineering | $126,520 |
| 6 | Nuclear engineering | $125,840 |
| 7 | Industrial engineering | $125,680 |
| 8 | Mechanical engineering | $124,860 |
| 9 | Civil engineering | $123,300 |
| 10 | Computer engineering | $122,840 |
How to Choose the Right Major for You
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what major is right for you. The best way to choose a major is to consider your interests, skills, and values. You should also research different majors and talk to people who are already working in those fields. With careful planning, you can find a major that will help you reach your career and life goals.
Tips for Choosing the Right Major
- Start early. The sooner you start thinking about your major, the more time you’ll have to research different options and make an informed decision.
- Talk to your high school counselor. Your high school counselor can help you explore different majors and find resources to help you make a decision.
- Visit college campuses. Visiting college campuses is a great way to learn more about different majors and get a feel for the campus culture.
- Take career assessments. Career assessments can help you identify your interests, skills, and values. These assessments can be helpful in narrowing down your choices and finding a major that’s right for you.
- Don’t be afraid to change your mind. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to choose a major right away. You can start out by taking general education courses and then declare a major later on. And if you change your mind about your major, that’s okay too. Many students change their majors at least once before they graduate.
Conclusion
Choosing a college major is a big decision, but it’s also an exciting one. With careful planning, you can find a major that will help you reach your career and life goals.
