Written By: Zariah Mitchell, Freshman at Cuyahoga Community College, HSA Cleveland, Class of 2021
(This content has been edited for clarity and grammar)
One of the most crucial decisions a college student may make is what degree to pursue. A college degree, in theory, can help open doors in the profession and lead the path to a well-paying job and a rewarding career. Choosing what to study in college is a huge life decision that should not be taken lightly. Students should be aware of how majors will prepare them for their intended industry, as well as how salaries may differ by field over the course of a lifetime.
The major chosen by a student will have a significant impact on his or her college experience. Many students join clubs linked to their major and make friends with others in their field. As students enter the industry, a college major has the ability to affect their postgraduate lives as well. When considering how a major might impact a student’s life both during and after college, it’s best to pick a subject that captures the attention of their interest. Students should choose to focus their study on areas that they want to learn more about and abilities that they wish to improve.
Students who have their hearts set on a particular major should think about how that subject is taught at their prospective colleges. Is a college, for example, known for producing graduates who go on to have successful jobs in their chosen field? Is the major that a candidate is interested in even offered at a college? This is a very important decision to take into consideration.
Consider a minor if one topic of study does not satisfy your mental hunger. A minor is comparable to a major in that it is a focused field of study. A minor differs from a major in that it does not require as many classes. Some undergrads with a thirst for knowledge and a desire to be punished choose two majors, frequently in completely unrelated fields. A double major allows you to gain knowledge in two different academic subjects. It helps you to learn about two sets of values, perspectives, and vocabularies.
As a student progresses through college, his or her interests are likely to grow in line with the knowledge learned. This could suggest that a student discovers a new passion and turns it into a career. It should be a straightforward transition if the choice to change majors is made early on. However, if a student waits until later in college to change majors, the time it takes to graduate may be greater. Think about the benefits and drawbacks of changing your major in the future.
When choosing a major, the first thing to consider is what you enjoy doing. You’ll have enough information and experience from your coursework by the time you leave high school to figure out what you might or might not be interested in pursuing. It’s a big decision, but no one knows you and your interests as you do. Remember that the most important factor to consider when picking a major is that you are satisfied and clear about your priorities for your life and job after college.
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