Learn about College Majors or Training Programs
Deciding on a college major is a life-changing decision. You want to know if the major fits your interests, abilities and needs. Here are the best ways to become informed:
- Read "What is a College Major?" and "How to Choose a College Major or Training Program" to get started.
- Read our free white paper, "Choosing a College Major Based on Your Personality, What does the research say?"
- Use our eBook, Match Up! Your Personality to College Majors. All 1400+ majors and training programs in the U.S. and Canada are organized by the Holland personality types. This is important to know because major studies show that with a good match you are more likely to,
- Earn higher grades,
- Stick with your choice of major,
- Graduate on time, and
- Be more satisfied and successful in your career. More
- Talk with your school or college counselor.
- Interview people in the major or work you are considering. Most people are happy to do this. It is called Information Interviewing.
- Go to the Library. It has excellent sources. Ask the librarian for help.
- "Major Shadow." Like "job shadowing", follow and observe a person in the major or training program. Be sure to pay attention to the "major environment" – is it one where you would fit?
- Go to the College Navigator. It's a great source for choosing a college once you know the major that interests you. The information is wide-ranging. It is free, accurate, and does not ask you for personal information. It lists the majors for each college.
Some questions to explore:
- What courses or learning experiences will you complete?
- What kind of degree or certificate will you receive?
- If it's for a Bachelor's degree, when do I start my major studies? Do I start them as a Freshman, or later?
- What program requirements must you satisfy for admission?
- How long is the program?
- Does it prepare you for a particular career?
- What is the academic environment like for this major? Will it encourage me? Will I enjoy it?
Tips:
- Schools or colleges may use a different title for the same type of major or program. For example, "Accounting and Finance" may be called "Accountancy" or "Accounting/Finance".
- A major with the same title may also be offered at different degree levels -- like, Certificate or Diploma, Associate or Bachelor's degrees, Teacher Certification, Master's or Doctorate degrees, or Professional degree (e.g., M.D.).
- College majors leading to a Bachelor's degree can be divided into two large groups, academic (Liberal Arts) majors or applied majors. Learn more about Liberal Arts majors.
- To learn about career options, read "Learn about Occupations".
- Having trouble deciding? Read "Undecided".
