What is a College Major?

When most people think about going to college, they likely also think about a potential college major. But what exactly does it mean to major in something? Does majoring in a specific program make you an expert? Should you declare your major when you first start college? Find out the answers to these questions and others you may have about selecting a major in this blog.

Majoring in something means you commit to a specific academic discipline such as Biology, Psychology, or English Literature. About one-third of your courses will be in your major, while another third will be for core classes. The final third of your courses will be electives. Some students use these electives for a second major. I like to think of these elective courses as your opportunity to try something new, explore another interest, or take a class with a popular professor. (Keep in mind that a Bachelor of Science degree adds more required credit hours in your major discipline, but still leaves you plenty of time for other classes.)

While you may be 100 percent sure you will major in Astrophysics right out of the gate, up to 80 percent of students in the U.S. change their major at least once, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. In fact, college students change their minds about their major at least three times while in school.

The reason for this? While you may love Astrophysics, you may also find another interest or potential passion in other coursework. My suggestion is to wait to declare your major until the end of your sophomore year after you’ve had some time and a variety of classes under your belt.

Trying to decide on a major can be difficult, but as you are making your decision, think about what interests you and the areas of study that you excel in. You can also try a major on for size by taking an introductory course or auditing a class. (Sure, Philosophy sounds like a great major, but will be something you want to do for four to six years? For me, the answer was “yes.”)

Another suggestion is to ask adults that you know about their college major and if they are working in an area that uses that degree. You may be surprised at their answers!

This is because most careers do not require majors in specific subjects, and most adults are not working in fields directly related to what they studied in college. You can major in Astrophysics and end up working in a completely different field.

Surprisingly, no. Majoring in a specific discipline does not make you an expert; it gives you a good starting point regarding that subject. Going to graduate school will give you the chance to dive more deeply into the subject matter and hone your expertise.

If you have questions about choosing college majors, I am happy to talk with you.  Click here to schedule a free 20-minute Discovery Call to get started, https://www.creativecollegeconnections.com/preliminary-conversation.

By Hannah Serota

Hannah Serota, M.Ed, is a Certified Educational Planner and three-decade college admissions professional. She is the founder of Creative College Connections, an educational consulting practice providing teens and their families exemplary professional guidance, tools, and strategies that inspire confidence and joy on the path to acceptance at best-fit colleges.