by Jennifer E. Brown

Created on: June 12, 2009   Last Updated: December 01, 2010

Going to school is one of the best milestones a person can achieve in their lifetime. When it comes to choosing their major, it may be easy for some while difficult for others. After all, there are so many decisions revolved around the varied interests of one individual. With so many hobbies and passions, it may hard to visualize where they will spend the rest of their professional career. So how does the new college student choose their major?

First, it's important to remember not to panic. It's rare that the majority of college freshmen know exactly what they want to focus their interests on while in college. If this was possible, then guidance counselors would be out of work. In order to narrow it down, think about your passions. Are you good with photography? Are you patient around children? Do you enjoy being in front of a camera? Are you mechanical with your hands? Only you can narrow these down, and there is guaranteed to be a college program to fit your needs.

Do some research on the Internet or through your local college/university. This is an excellent way to discover what majors are available for you to study. Keep in mind that majors are the only thing that impact your qualifications with your future employers. If you're really set on a concentration and it's only offered as a minor, some universities may have it as a major. Most schools, when you send for information, will send back a brochure of their majors/minors. If you find one you're interested in, log on to their website and see how developed this program is-compare it to other schools, public and private, and see if it is for you. This is an opportunity for you to investigate what type of careers are available to you after college.

Word of mouth is one of the strongest influences we have to pass on our opinions. Ask around and find out more information from people in the program you are interested in studying at the university. Sometimes if students in your network on Facebook or MySpace, you can see their college major on their profile. Most are willing to talk to other students and meet new people. The students would be able to tell you which professors are easy/hard, what opportunities are available, and what classes you might need. Go on ratemyprofessors.com and check the reviews of the teachers that students have posted.

If it's available to you, then search the course catalog of the university. If you locate classes in the catalog that are in your major, just clicking on the class

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