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Some students start college
knowing exactly what they'd like to major in. Others don't know what to
major in, or have a career goal but no knowledge of what majors will get
them there. Most find themselves switching majors during college. Here
are some tips, no matter where you fall in this range.
What
is a college major?
You're required to major in a specific academic subject (or professional
field) to demonstrate sustained, high-level work in one field. Depending
on the college, you might major in two fields, have a major and a minor,
or even create your own major.
When
should I declare a major?
At most colleges, you aren't required to declare a major until the end
of your sophomore year. If you're in a two-year degree program, you'll
probably select a major at the start because your course of studies is
much shorter.
How
do I choose?
First and second-year students usually take more general courses while
they try and decide on a major. After this initial "shopping"
period, coursework becomes more focused and specific. Make sure that
genuine interest is there, though. You don't want to choose a major by
process of elimination -- that could take a while.
Take courses in things that appeal
to you, then try and focus on a subject that will interest and motivate
you. You'll do better, and the motivation can continue through college
and into a job.
What
if I want to go to grad school?
If you think law school, medical school, or grad school is in your
future, some schools offer pre-professional majors (such as pre-med or
pre-law). Most advisers suggest declaring a "normal" major
unless you're set on your plans after college. As long as you fulfill a
grad school's course requirements, it really doesn't matter what you
major in.
Does
my major dictate my profession?
Sometimes. If you specialize in something like nursing, accounting, or
engineering, you're learning a specific trade and will likely continue
with that. Most majors, however, prepare you for a range of things that
you will be trained to handle once you graduate. For most students,
picking a college is not the same as picking a career. It will be up to
you to go with what you like.
Remember, you're not alone.
Choosing a major is usually done with the help of academic and peer
advisers.
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