The Student’s Guide to Choosing a College Major

Choosing a major to study for four years is an important but difficult decision. Some students have no idea what they want to do, while others daydream about their dream job but aren’t really sure how to get there. To help students through the process, this guide highlights the important factors to consider when choosing a field of study and looks at top majors as well as the potential careers they can lead to. Before committing to a program, find out everything you need to know.

Meet the Expert

Dr. Aviva Legatt Faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania

FAQs About Choosing a Major

Picking a major can be difficult, especially if students are unsure of what they want to do. Admissions expert Dr. Aviva Legatt offers the following answers and insight to the questions students most frequently ask.

How important is choosing the right major for my career?

It depends on the career you’re hoping to have. Certain majors lead to fairly specific careers like doctor, lawyer, nurse or accountant. On the other hand, some majors – such as art, philosophy and economics – can lead to a wide range of careers. If you’re still trying to figure out your career path, identify the skills and knowledge you’ll gain from a particular major and map out ways you can use them in the professional world after graduation.

Do I have to declare a major when I submit my college application?

Some colleges are fine with applicants being undeclared, but many admissions panel readers advise students not to submit applications with an undeclared major status, as it limits them in understanding the student and their future goals. Tufts University undergraduate admissions officer Meghan McHale Dangremond suggests it’s better to pick a major you’re fairly serious about and switch later on if interests and goals change than to be undeclared on the application. However, choosing any major randomly isn’t a good idea either, especially if the rest of your application doesn’t align with that selection. For students who really don’t know what to study, being undeclared can be acceptable if the other parts of your application clearly show your interests and goals.

When do I need to declare my major?

As soon as you’ve figured out what interests you and what you want to do. Many colleges have policies in place that encourage students to declare a major early on, but a study based on data from 78,000 students suggests it’s best to wait until you know what you want to work towards. It’s common for students to change majors and because the majority of first and second year courses focus on general education, this is a great time to sample different fields of study and talk to advisors to pinpoint interests and skills.

Can I change my mind?

Yes! And many undergraduates do. But you should carefully think everything through before making the change official, especially if you want to change course during your junior or senior year. Switching majors often changes graduation requirements and those who change their major during junior year or later may need to stay an extra semester or more to graduate, which also means spending more money on tuition and other school-related costs.

What if I’m interested in a lot of subject areas?

Having interest in multiple subject areas isn’t a bad thing, but you will have to narrow things down. The best way to do that is to explore. During your first year, take general education classes in the subject areas you’re interested in and slowly start eliminating majors that aren’t the best fit based on personal interest and/or skillset. Talk to students who are already in those fields to find out what they like and don’t like about the major and talk to professors to see if one subject area aligns with your interests and career goals more so than others.

If you want to combine your interests, you can choose to double major or minor. For instance, if a student elected to study history but also had interest in politics, they could major in history and minor in political science. Other students elect to complete two majors, taking between 50 and 60 credits for each discipline. Double majoring may require students to be in school for an extra semester or two, but having two distinct sets of knowledge may lead to higher starting salaries and greater job opportunities.

What if I’m interested in a specific area of study but feel like it isn’t practical or doesn’t have a strong enough career outlook?

This is a dilemma for many students, particularly those considering soft sciences. But before eliminating a major that doesn’t seem practical, carefully consider what you could get out of it. Most, if not all, majors offer broad skills that can be useful in a number of careers. “Regardless of how pragmatic the major is on the surface, it can be helpful to come up with a set of learning objectives or goals for particular majors,” says Dr. Legatt. “Most majors don’t necessarily provide a linear path to a job. For example, some of my colleagues have degrees in anthropology and help businesses be more productive by zooming in on cultural problems.”

If I’m undecided, what courses should I take?

While you’re undecided, spend the first and second years knocking out general education requirements to stay on track, but do so in a strategic way. Colleges offer a wide range of course offerings to fulfill general education credits, from math to psychology to rhetoric to art. Enroll in classes across several different areas to fulfill the necessary requirements but also help you figure out the type of career you want to pursue.

I’m still not sure. Where can I get help to decide?

Researching as much as possible is the best way to figure out what motivates you, what you’re interested in and what you want to do career-wise. Explore different industries and actual job descriptions online to see what piques your interest. But also talk to people. Nearly every college campus has skilled academic advisors and career counselors to help students compare majors. Talk to someone who works in your fields of interest to get the inside scoop and find out how they got to where they are now. And talk to current students who are further along in their educations to see how they decided on a major.

5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Major

Self-evaluation can help even the most indecisive student come to a confident decision about what to study. Aside from seeking guidance from academic advisors, friends and family, students need to make sure they’re also attuned to their own personal interests. Start by asking:

What were my academic strengths in high school?

When applying to college, biochemistry may suddenly seem like the best choice given the wide range of careers available and great earning potential. But if you didn’t enjoy science classes – or do particularly well in them – during high school, that’s probably not going to change in college. It’s important to be realistic about your strengths and interests when choosing a major.

What career fields interest me?

The answer to this question can dramatically affect the process of choosing a major, and students should start thinking about this early on. While a business degree might seem like a good choice in terms of career opportunities, if the student isn’t truly interested in in the field, they most likely won’t thrive in it.

What industries are growing, and what majors can lead to careers in those industries?

Pursuing personal interests can be highly motivating, but you’ll also want to land a job after graduating. Career One Stop, which is sponsored by the Department of Labor, lists the top 50 fastest-growing industries. Students who aren’t sure what they want to do may want to start by looking into thriving industries, then work backwards to choose a major.

Which majors maximize my return on investment and earning potential?

While it’s important to align your studies with your interests, it’s also important to pursue a career field that will allow you to pay off student loans and make a living. Dr. Legatt suggests students use O*Net or Bureau of Labor Statistics data to review earnings and job outlook. However, she also cautions against focusing on this in an admissions letter. “In order to make a compelling case, students won’t want to use a story about picking a major to make as much money as possible,” she says. “Instead, they should tie in their past experience with their career ambitions to make a persuasive case for entering a particular major.”

Do I want to go to grad school?

There are some fields that require – or at least strongly encourage – a master’s degree or higher to qualify for gainful employment so if the answer to this question is no, you can eliminate some majors right off the bat. Pursuing a career as a psychiatrist, doctor or lawyer may sound like a great idea, but students who don’t want to be in school for years beyond their undergraduate degree will need to reassess and explore majors that can lead to a career after two or four years of college.

What Should I Major In?

Need more help? The following online quizzes from Loyola University Chicago and The Princeton Review can point you in the right direction:

Major Quiz

Career Quiz

Top 5 Popular Majors

Approximately 1.9 million bachelor’s degrees were conferred in the U.S. during the 2015-2016 academic year, and a few fields stood out amongst graduates. Below are the top five most popular majors, along with examples of potential careers to pursue.

Sample careers:

Accountant or Auditor

Median annual salary: $68,150

11% growth (2014-2024)

Management Analyst

Median annual salary: $81,330

14% growth (2014-2024)

Financial Analyst

Median annual salary: $81,760

12% growth (2014-2024)

Sample careers:

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor

Median annual salary:$41,070

22% growth (2014-2024)

Recreational Therapist

Median annual salary: $46,410

7% growth (2014-2024)

Social and Community Service Managers

Median annual salary: $64,680

10% growth (2014-2024)

Sample careers:

Special Education Teacher

Median annual salary: $57,910

6% growth (2014-2024)

Market Researcher

Median annual salary: $62,560

19% growth (2014-2024)

Clinical Laboratory Technologist

Median annual salary: $50,930

16% growth (2014-2024)

Sample careers:

Forensic Science Technician

Median annual salary: $56,750

27% growth (2014-2024)

Biomedical Engineer

Median annual salary: $85,620

23% growth (2014-2024)

Geoscientist

Median annual salary: $89,0780

10% growth (2014-2024)

Sources: National Center for Education Statistics (2013-2014) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2016)

Highest Paying Majors

For those who prioritize earning potential, the following majors can lead to six figure salaries after completing a bachelor’s degree.

Completing a degree in petroleum engineering gives graduates the skills needed to participate in the extraction of hydrocarbons for use in a variety of industries. Careers for this major include entry-level roles in the field, lab positions for those interested in research and advanced roles overseeing teams of engineers.

Sample careers:

Production Engineer

Median annual salary: $71,634

Drilling Engineer

Median annual salary: $103,366

Petroleum Engineer

Median annual salary: $128,230

Actuarial mathematics gives students the skills and knowledge needed to analyze financial risk by focusing on applied mathematics, financial models, statistics, economics and computer science. Individuals planning to pursue a master’s degree in mathematics, quantitative finance or business administration often use this program as a springboard for future study.

Sample careers:

Senior Statistician

Median annual salary: $96,107

Director of Analytics

Median annual salary: $124,615

Actuarial Mathematician

Median annual salary: $131,700

Much like actuarial mathematics, actuarial science degrees require coursework in statistics, calculus, finance and economics. This degree, however, emphasizes computing and computer science more heavily. Common master’s programs for graduates include quantitative finance and risk management.

Sample careers:

Information Risk Analyst

$79,875

IT Security Architect

$120,774

Actuarial Scientist

Median annual salary: $130,800

Nuclear engineering programs teach students how to design nuclear reactors, find environmentally safe ways of disposing nuclear waste, understand subatomic particles and address issues related to radiation. After college, graduates are most likely to find employment in the Federal government, research and testing facilities, and utilities corporations.

Sample careers:

Nuclear Power Reactor Operator

Median annual salary: $73,029

Senior Project Engineer

Median annual salary: $92,213

Nuclear Engineer

Median annual salary: $102,220

Chemical engineering coursework covers topics such as biochemistry, economics and mathematics. Areas of work where graduates can be found include the energy sector, renewable resources, research and development, pharmaceuticals and food manufacturing.

Sample careers:

Energy Engineer

Median annual salary: $68,532

Renewable Resources Project Engineer

Median annual salary: $85,639

Chemical Engineer

Median annual salary: $124,500

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2016), PayScale (2017) and PayScale College Salary Report (2017-2018)

Majors with the Highest Employment Rate

To determine whether a particular major is a good investment, students also need to factor in employment rate and growth. The following majors and sample careers should see the highest growth between 2014 and 2024.

96.5% of recent graduates find employment in this field

Sample careers:

Conservation Scientist and Forester

Median annual salary: $60,610

7% growth (2014-2024)

Agriculture and Food Scientist

Median annual salary: $62,920

5% growth (2014-2024)

Agricultural Engineer

Median annual salary: $73,640

4% growth (2014-2024)

95% of recent graduates find employment in this field

Sample careers:

Cartographer

Median annual salary: $62,750

29% growth (2014-2024)

Geoscientist

Median annual salary: $89,780

10% growth (2014-2024)

Atmospheric Scientist

Median annual salary: $92,460

12% growth (2014-2024)

94.9% of recent graduates find employment in this field

Sample careers:

Adult Literacy and High School Equivalency Diploma Teacher

Median annual salary: $50,650

7% growth (2014-2024)

Career and Technical Education Teacher

Median annual salary: $54,020

4% growth (2014-2024)

High School Teacher

Median annual salary: $58,030

6% growth (2014-2024)

93.9% of recent graduates find employment in this field

Sample careers:

Exercise Physiologist

Median annual salary: $47,340

11% growth (2014-2024)

Dietician or Nutrition

Median annual salary: $58,920

14% growth (2014-2024)

Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

Median annual salary: $70,920

4% growth (2014-2024)

93.5% of recent graduates find employment in this field

Sample careers:

Biomedical Engineer

Median annual salary: $85,620

23% growth (2014-2024)

Mechanical Engineer

Median annual salary: $84,190

5% growth (2014-2024)

Computer Hardware Engineer

Median annual salary: $115,080

3% growth (2014-2024)

Sources: Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce (2015) and Bureau of Labor Statistics (2016)

Top 10 Majors that Require Graduate School

The majors highlighted in this section don’t necessarily require graduate school but it’s often recommended and most students do go on to pursue a master’s degree. By furthering their education in these areas, students are able to advance and hone their skills, increasing their job opportunities and salary potential. Pursuing a master’s degree also allows them to participate in meaningful work related to their field. The data below comes from a Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce study. Majors were categorized into subgroups. While the top ten are STEM and STEM-related, the full list shows other subgroups as well.

Health and medical preparatory programs

77.3% of students typically go on to grad school

Communication disorders sciences and services

75.9% of students typically go on to grad school

Biochemical sciences

68.3% of students typically go on to grad school

Neuroscience

68% of students typically go on to grad school

Physics

67% of students typically go on to grad school

Molecular biology

64.5% of students typically go on to grad school

Zoology

62.8% of students typically go on to grad school

Chemistry

61.7% of students typically go on to grad school

Miscellaneous biology

59% of students typically go on to grad school

Biology

58.9% of students typically go on to grad school

Source: Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce (2015)

“Safe” Majors

For some students, a versatile major – one that can translate to a wide range of career fields –can feel like a safe bet when they aren’t sure which professional path to pursue. The following undergraduate majors offer broad knowledge and skills for a variety of careers after graduation and can also serve as the foundation for graduate-level studies.

Business

Business has been the most common degree attained for decades, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, and signs point to that trend continuing. This is no surprise since the major can lead to careers in a range of industries – from marketing to consulting to business development – after earning an undergraduate degree. However, even those who wish to further their education can go on to earn a master’s in various fields such as finance, marketing, psychology or accounting.

Biology, Chemistry, Physics

Foundational science degrees are always in high demand as they serve as a stepping stone to graduate studies in countless fields but can also be used to land employment in some of the most innovative and cutting-edge industries after a four-year degree. Graduates of these majors can be found working in areas such as environmental sustainability, food science, medical research, product development and forensics. These majors also open the door to advanced degrees in engineering, biochemical sciences, pharmacy, medicine and astrophysics.

Computer and Information Sciences

Today’s constant shift and advancement in technology makes this major a popular safe bet, particularly around tech hubs like Silicon Valley, Austin and Seattle. Jobs for these graduates already totaled 3.9 million in 2014, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that this number will increase to 4.4 million by 2024. The reason for this growth is the expansion of big data and cloud computing, more devices relying on the Internet and an increased demand for mobile computing. Opportunities for advanced study include computer science, computer engineering, software development, computer programming, mathematics and management information systems.

Education

Before being dethroned by business degrees, education was the most commonly conferred degree in America, and with good reason. Education is a safe choice since teachers and other educational professionals will always be in demand. Master’s programs in education, library science, curriculum design and research open the doors to administrative and managerial roles as well as higher salaries.

Health Sciences

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the healthcare industry is set to have the fastest growth and highest number of new jobs of any sector between 2014 and 2024, making this major a safe option for those interested in health and medical careers. The major also serves as a solid foundation for advanced study, with many going on to complete graduate degrees in nursing, health sciences, medicine, dentistry or physician assisting.

Mathematics

Mathematics is a crucial component in many of today’s technological advances, making demand for numerically-minded professionals high. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that math occupations will grow by 28 percent between 2014 and 2024, with potential employers ranging from multinational corporations to government agencies. Individuals in this field also stand to make impressive salaries – the median salary for math-focused jobs was $81,750 in May 2016, a significantly higher number than the $37,040 national average for all occupations. Paths for advanced study in this field include master’s and doctoral programs in mathematics, statistics, actuarial mathematics and financial mathematics.

Highest Paying Careers

While some students may focus primarily on their personal interests, others might prioritize a high salary and want pursue a major that helps them reach that financial goal. If you fall into the latter category, consider exploring the following careers:

Computer and Information Systems Manager

IT managers oversee all computer-related systems in their organization and work with their staff to plan, coordinate and implement a range of technologies at all levels of the company. They may also oversee technical training for other employees.

Median annual salary: $135,800