AZ College Solutions

Choosing a Major for College

Clueless about what to study in college? Choosing a college major, besides choosing the right college, is the most important decision you will ever make for your education. 

Contrary to popular belief, choosing a major for college is not about deciding “what I want to do for the rest of my life.” Most working people don’t even know what they want to do for the rest of their lives, let’s be honest. Rather, let’s take a look at the overall purpose of a college education.

Why even get a college degree? Students we work with list the following reasons (in no particular order):

• learning is fun
• college will prepare me for life
• I want to work in ____ (field/industry)
• I am passionate about X, and I want to study X
• everyone goes to college 

Yes, learning can be fun. But when you are pulling the infamous “all-nighter”–on purpose or just so you can say you did it–the fact is that you will be challenged (if you picked the right school). Of course, college will prepare you for many things in life. However, there are some things that are impossible for which to prepare (i.e. the economy or having babies). Lastly, it is great that many students have an interest in a certain career. Truth is, however, 7 out of 10 working professionals today are employed in a different career than that which they studied in college.

Here’s our answer to “how should I choose a major?”

1. choose more than one major (or at least one minor course of study)
2. choose a major that fits your personality
3. choose a major that fits your academic strengths (capacity)
4. choose a major that corresponds to a job that you see yourself enjoying daily (passion and values)

Our formula:  personality + capacity + enjoyment = correct major(s)

Once you have several majors in mind:

1. take elective courses at your community college for your intended major(s)
2. shadow a relative or family friend who works in your desired field 
3. read relevant industry news, literature, and/or books on the subject

Finding out that you don’t like a certain major BEFORE leaving for school can not only save you time/energy but also your parents’ lots and lots of money (and precious graying hair).  We will post later on how to choose a major based on personality, capacity, and enjoyment.  If you found this post useful, please feel free to leave a comment or attend one of our upcoming seminars.