Deciding what to major in depends on your interests, strengths, career goals, and values. Here are some key considerations and resources to help you choose:
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Major
- Interest and Passion: Reflect on subjects you enjoyed in high school or activities you love. Majors aligned with your passions can lead to a fulfilling career. For example, if you love biology, consider majors like marine science, neurobiology, or environmental science
- Skills and Strengths: Consider what subjects you are naturally good at. If you excel in math and analysis, majors like Economics, Finance, or Computer Science might suit you
- Career Goals and Salary: If financial independence or a high salary is a priority, consider majors known for strong earning potential such as Biomedical Engineering, Finance, or Chemistry. These fields are challenging but often lead to lucrative jobs
- Values and Impact: Think about what matters most to you-helping marginalized communities, public service, health, or creativity. For example, Political Science or Social Work align with public service, while Psychology or Nursing focus on health
- Flexibility and Marketability: If undecided, choose a flexible major with broad career options, such as Management Information Systems or Computer Science
Tools and Resources
- Major Quizzes: Online quizzes from universities like Loyola University Chicago, UC Davis, and U.S. News can help match your interests and skills with potential majors
- Academic Advising: Talking to an academic advisor can provide personalized guidance based on your goals and academic record
- Double Majors or Minors: If you have multiple interests or want to increase your marketability, consider double majoring or adding a minor
Examples of Challenging Majors with Good Pay
- Chemistry (hardest major, good pay in environmental science and biochemistry)
- Economics (requires strong math and analysis skills, diverse job options)
- Finance (demanding but lucrative, requires continuous learning)
Summary
To decide what to major in, assess your interests, strengths, and career aspirations. Use quizzes and advisors to explore options. Consider both passion and practical outcomes like job prospects and salary. Remember, you can always change majors or combine fields to suit your evolving goals. If you want, I can help you find specific quizzes or suggest majors based on your interests.
