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Four year universities require that students choose an area of study with corresponding required classes, known as a major. Application forms typically allow students to specify a major or select “undeclared.” The benefit of choosing a major early is that you begin taking required courses immediately. Most undergraduate schools allow students to change their majors, however graduate programs do not. Below is a list of considerations you should think about when deciding on a major.
Type of Major | Educational Goals | Resources |
---|
Major for specific job | Think about what type of major will be most useful for your desired future profession | O*net is a database of thousands of jobs and what type of education is required |
Major for specific interest | Think about your interests, skills, favorite classes, and extracurricular activities | Search university catalogues and course descriptions to see what classes seem to best combine all of your interest areas |
Major for general higher education | Think about liberal arts studies or humanities which often allow for a large amount of variety in course selection | Talk to university professors to find out which majors offer the most flexibility |
Major | Description | Possible Job Fields | % of International Students |
---|
Agriculture | Food systems, farm management, natural resources | Farms and ranching Federal, state, local agencies |
1.3% |
Architecture | Design buildings and structures | Drafting, design, and project administration Construction | >1% |
Ethnic Studies | Cultural awareness | Public relations Community organizations |
>1% |
Arts | Practicing arts | Artist Advertising |
5.1% |
Biological Science | Study of living organisms | Research Teaching |
>1% |
Business | Basic business principles | General and specialized management Entrepreneurship |
17.8% |
Communication | Communicating with the public | Reporter Market Sales |
>1% |
Computer Science and Mathematics | Theoretical aspects of the computer and emphasize math and science | Programming Systems development |
7.9% |
Education | Theory’s of teaching | Teaching at institutions Administrative positions |
2.9% |
Engineering | Practical design and productions | Aeronautics, bioengineering, geology, etc. Technical activities |
15.3% |
Language and Literature | Comprehensive reading and writing Foreign language |
International business Writing |
3.8% |
Health Science | Applying the results of scientific investigation | Rehabilitation Scientific machinery and materials |
4.9% |
Home Economics | Food and textiles | Social services Consumer-related industry |
>1% |
Humanities | Different aspects of society | Writing and journalism Government agencies |
2.8% |
Law | Law and government | Court system Law firms |
>1% |
Psychology | Human behavior | Counseling/Therapy Research |
>1% |
Religion | History and theory of religion | Ministry Teaching |
>1% |
Social Sciences | People in relation to their society | Government, business, community agencies Market and survey research |
8.4% |
If you are still undecided, it may help to take the majors quiz. Use the results to explore other options you may not have considered.