How to choose the right college major without stress or regret

Incoming college students are often met with the dreaded question, “What’s your major?” For many students, this question can spark anxiety about not yet having chosen a major or decided on what they want their career path to look like. Struggling to choose a major that’s right for you can be stressful and overwhelming, as some students feel as though they should have figured it out already.

Many students select a major even if they aren’t interested in it or know a lot about it solely to avoid the stress of being undecided. This can lead students to become unhappy with their classes or coursework later on instead of being excited about their college education.

At times, it might feel impossible to choose your major. A major in general studies is a great place to start for students who are still exploring academically. Deciding on a major takes time, effort and research into fields you’re interested in. If you find a major is not for you, you can change your major and continue your academic exploration.

Conduct a Self-Evaluation

Looking inward can help students learn more about themselves and what they prioritize. Students often struggle to define what they want their potential career to look like and where they might see themselves after graduation. Instead of trying to plan out your life before you even start, try to answer the following questions:

• What are you passionate about?
• What classes and subjects interest you the most?
• What type of environment would you want to work in?
• What topics do you want to know more about?
• What are some hobbies or skills that could translate to a career?

Conducting a self-assessment can help you figure out what you truly want to do when it comes to a potential career and where your priorities lie. These questions are important to ask yourself as they will lead to discovering fields or careers that connect with you and your interests. Another way students can learn more about themselves is by taking the Myers-Briggs personality test. This personality assessment helps identify your specific type, providing a way for you to match yourself with a potential career path that fits your traits and personality. For example, a person with an INFJ personality type, someone who is creative and idealistic, might consider a career in counseling or a position as a writer.

Do Some Research

Personal research is the best way to start learning about what majors you might be interested in, but career research is important as well. Websites like the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Career Exploration portal can help you learn what a specific career would look like. This can help you understand a career’s day-to-day work, pay range, and current outlook. Once you have a career field or fields you’re interested in, search for what positions are available in your field. Viewing active job postings can help you see what employers are looking for and if those jobs are of interest to you. These tools and resources can help students learn more about potential careers and what employers are actively looking for.

Use General Education Courses to Your Benefit

Since every student must complete various general education requirements during college, you can use these classes to your advantage. By enrolling in specific classes, students are able to “test out” different majors and gain a deeper understanding in specific fields. Some students who take chemistry or biology courses discover a passion for science, while others who take a course in psychology might feel they’ve found their calling. General education courses are an important step in your academic career and they can also be used to learn more about other degree programs without having to make a major commitment to the program.

Use Your Resources

Casper College offers resources for students to learn about potential majors and careers. You can schedule an appointment with one of our career specialists to help you learn more about a major you might be interested in, as well as its career outlook. Every year, Casper College hosts several job fairs where students can meet with potential employers and other businesses. These events not only provide a great networking opportunity, but also are a great place to speak with professionals about what drove them to choose their career path. Having discussions with instructors and other campus professionals can also aid you in your major and career decisions.

Get Involved in the Community

Speaking with local employers and professionals is a great way to learn about what opportunities are available in the community. Another way students can understand more about a major is to speak with peers in those programs. Casper College has a list of clubs and organizations that you can become a part of, where you have the opportunity to speak with fellow students and learn about their majors and what the coursework entails. This can give you a deeper look into specific programs, and help you decide if a major will meet your academic and career goals.

Changing Majors is Common

While it’s important to research the major you are interested in before deciding, it’s OK to realize it’s not for you. Many students change their major throughout their time at college once they learn a specific career path or program is not right for them. You might realize after several classes or speaking with instructors that the program you majored in does not fit your needs. Changing majors is not a sign of failure or disappointment in a particular program, but a learning experience. Choosing a major and discovering it’s not what you thought it would be provides an opportunity to assess your educational goals and can lead you on the path to discovering the major that is right for you.

Cost and Reality

While many students change their major, it can also add up over time. It’s important to explore your options, but changing your major can lead to more time spent in school due to credits not always transferring over to another program. College quickly becomes expensive, and a delayed graduation can be frustrating. Learning about the major you’re switching to beforehand can lead to a more fulfilling college experience and potential career. If you think a different major might be a better fit than your current one, speak with Casper College’s career specialists before switching. Understanding how changing your major might affect your academics can save a lot of time and money down the line.

Conclusion

When choosing what major you want to pursue, make sure you explore all your options before deciding right away. Learning about yourself, the field you’re interested in, and even connecting with peers related to your major are crucial things to know before selecting a major. While researching before deciding on a major is important, it’s also important to understand that it’s OK to switch majors. You don’t need to have your entire education and career planned out when entering school.

College is about the opportunity to explore many different fields and meet all kinds of people. Selecting a major is a great first step in your academic career, but attending classes and learning are the most important. It helps to take a step back and figure out what is essential to you when it comes to both education and a possible career. If that means changing your major, or considering other options such as a certificate for your educational goals, it will be more beneficial in the long run rather than sticking with a major that does not work for you.