Choose a Major

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.

 

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