Hello everyone,

Deciding what to major in is an important decision in the life of any college student. There are many tools out on the web to help with this decision but most of these tools are focused on just the first step of the decision-making process. This first step involves engaging in self-assessment regarding your interests, your values, your skills and your personality. The career development office at most colleges and universities has access to a wide variety of these kinds of tools.  (To start researching now, consider using Kuder at www.nhheaf.kuder.com Call the Center for College Planning at 888.7.GRADUATE ext. 119 to receive your free access code.)

Then what? Some of these tools will suggest a set of majors that you should think about given your self-assessment. But you should also do some research regarding the kinds of jobs for which you will be prepared and whether those jobs are ones in which you are interested. Talking with the faculty in the department housing the major is an important part of this research because these are the people who are experts in the field you’re thinking about entering. Many of them will have had (or currently have) jobs in the field. They will understand the details, the reality, of these jobs and will help you understand what your work life is likely to be like if you enter these fields. The faculty members in the major will also be able to explain to you what the curriculum for the major is like and how it works. Taking the introductory course in the major can often help students decide that the major is or is not right for them. If you don’t find the material in the introductory course interesting, you probably should think about switching to another major.

Most students switch their majors at least once during their college careers, sometimes many more times than just once, so don’t feel badly about doing so. Just be aware of the consequences, especially when it comes to how long it takes you to graduate.

What’s your favorite advice about choosing a major?
Cathie