A Major Pain: 4 Great Ways to Narrow Down a Major

By Anica Oaks

Choosing a major can be just as difficult a decision as deciding which college or university to attend. In fact, it can be even more weighty, as your major will help to determine the course of your entire future. If you are having difficulty selecting a major, don’t despair. Many students struggle with this issue. The following are some guidelines to keep in mind to help you narrow down the right major.

Don’t Rush the Decision

You don’t necessarily have to decide on a major right away. If you are unsure, you may want to take a semester or two of college classes before making your decision. This will give you an opportunity to experience various fields of study and help you identify your interests and strengths. Also keep in mind that changing majors early in your college career is perfectly acceptable, and much more convenient if you do so before you get deep into a program where not all your credits may count for the new major.

Study Salaries and Economic Trends

You should definitely learn about the salary prospects and current job opportunities in any field you’re considering. There are many places you can look up such information, such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While you should consider other factors as well, you probably don’t want to major in a field that doesn’t offer bright job prospects.

Choose Something That Truly Interests You

If you are going to be working in a certain field, it should hold some interest for you. If you’re fascinated by the legal system, for instance, a University of Cincinnati online master’s in criminal justice might be a good choice. When you are interested in something, you will naturally tend to give it your full attention and perform at your best.

Consider Your Strengths

When you have a natural aptitude for something, you will naturally perform better in that area. If you are good with figures and computers, for example, a career in a field such as computer science may be suitable. You can use your past academic results as a way to measure your abilities. You can also take aptitude tests that let you know what professions would be promising for you. This can help you identify the most appropriate major.

Choosing a major is a serious decision, and one that should not be taken lightly. When making your choice, it’s best to use several different criteria, such as those listed above. When you can find something that interests you, that you are good at, and that offers solid career prospects, you will have narrowed it down to the point where you can choose a major with confidence.