How to Choose a College Major
Selecting a college major can feel a little overwhelming: You’re about to pick something that could shape the next few years of your education and your future career. With some thought, self-reflection and research, however, you’ll be able to make a choice that feels right for you. Here are some tips to help guide you:
Start with your interests and strengths.
It may seem obvious, but think about what you love to do. What do you enjoy learning about? What are your hobbies and passions? Your interests are a great place to start, because they can help point you toward a major you’ll find engaging and fulfilling. Also, consider the school subjects in which you excel. When choosing a major, you’ll want to pick something that both excites you and plays to your strengths.
Northwestern College’s Compass Center for Career & Calling offers PathwayU assessments that will give you insights into your personality, strengths, interests and values.
Explore potential careers.
A major isn’t just an academic discipline; it’s a stepping stone to your future career. Think about what kind of work you can see yourself doing after college. Some majors are directly tied to specific jobs—such as accounting, engineering or nursing—while others, like psychology or social enterprise, might lead to a variety of career paths. As you research careers, find out what majors lend themselves well to the roles you’re interested in.
Northwestern’s PathwayU assessments will suggest possible career matches based on your answers. The Compass Center also has resources with information about what different jobs entail, their earning potential, and their projected growth.
Be open to change.
Many college students change their major at least once. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you step onto campus. Sometimes, exposure to new subjects and experiences can shift or refocus your perspective.
An estimated 20% to 50% of students enter college undecided about their major. At Northwestern College, if you’re one of them, you’ll be assigned a career counselor who will serve as your adviser, help you register for classes, and guide you in selecting a major.
Talk to those who know you.
Don’t be afraid to ask for advice! Your parents, teachers and school counselors are great resources, as they can offer insights into your strengths and weaknesses and might even suggest careers or majors you hadn’t considered. College advisers are also experts at guiding students through the process of choosing a major and can help you understand how your academic interests translate into real-world careers.
Consider the long-term outlook.
While it’s important to follow your passion, you also need to think about future career opportunities. Some fields have a higher earning potential or stronger job security. Others might not offer as high of a salary but will still lead to the satisfaction of serving others or doing what you love.
Trust yourself.
Finally, remember that this decision is yours to make. College is a time for growth and exploration, so trust yourself to make the best choice based on what you know now. You might not have everything figured out yet, and that’s OK. No matter what major you choose, it’s your ability to learn, adapt and grow that will ultimately shape your future.
A Northwestern College education will teach you to think critically, write clearly and speak articulately—invaluable skills no matter what career you pursue. The ability to learn is the most important quality you can have when facing this ever-changing world.
