by Tylisa Schadams

Created on: August 01, 2009   Last Updated: August 07, 2009

Choosing a college major is one of the biggest decisions that someone can make in their academic career. Your major will decide what classes you attend, what professors you'll be working with on a regular basis, and also the friends you will make who are in the same line of studies as you are. For incoming freshmen, this can be one of the most daunting decisions that can be made. But choosing the right major can be a rewarding experience in a wide variety of ways. So, how do you do it?

Brainstorming

If you're one of the many unlucky people who is scared of making the wrong decision and just not knowing what to major in, you're not alone. Many freshman and sophomore students change their majors multiple times. If you're having trouble coming up with ideas, talk to a parent, sibling, or a close friend. A fresh perspective will aid in looking into fields you may have previously decided against.

Majors

If you've already selected the college you plan on attending, find out what majors they offer. This will narrow your focus and help quicken the process of choosing the right major for you. This list can usually be found on your college's website or can be requested from the college. Most colleges offer a packet with a list of classes required to earn a degree in a certain field. Cross-out majors you know you're not interested in then pursue more information about the ones that draw your interest.

If you haven't selected a college, your options are much more open. Most colleges offer basically the same majors; the only difference is that the education differs from college-to-college. If you have an idea of what you want to major in, find out which colleges offer the best programs in these fields and limit yourself to these colleges. If you hit a road-block, you can always consider choosing the college you want then deciding what you want to major in during your first few semesters.

Jobs

Many students are worried that their major won't land them the six-figure job right out of college. This is usually the case in any field you decide to choose. But getting a good job is more than having a piece of paper that says you've earned a degree at your college, it is also how you present yourself as a person. Don't worry as much about what job your major will get you out of college; if you're happy with your major and what you're doing then this is what really matters. Nobody should go to college for two-to-four years, get a major in a field they despise but think they can make a lot of money at and turn out to be miserable with their job. Choose the field that interests and excites you.

Remember, you don't need a major to go to college. Most colleges allow you to be "undeclared" which means you don't have a major through your sophomore year. If you choose this route, take introductory classes that you feel interest you and try different stuff. Meet with advisers and the staff of these fields of interest to see if it's the right environment for you. Really, this is what college is all about: finding yourself and what you enjoy.

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