Choosing your college major can feel like one of the biggest decisions of your life. I remember staring at the course catalog, feeling completely overwhelmed, thinking, “What if I pick the wrong one?” If that’s you right now, take a deep breath; you’re not alone. Picking a major is a big deal, but it doesn’t have to be scary.
In this post, I’ll walk you through 11 vital questions you should ask before choosing your college major. These are the exact questions I wish someone had told me to consider back in my first year.
We’ll dig into practical factors like job prospects, salary expectations, and personal interests but also things we often forget to think about, like mental health, future flexibility, and the cost of switching majors.
Let’s get into it!
1. What Am I Interested In (Really)?
Your major is something you’ll be studying for 3-4+ years, so you should enjoy it. This doesn’t mean every single class will excite you, but you should have a natural curiosity about the subject.
- Make a list of your top interests; think back to your favorite subjects in high school, books you read for fun, or topics you research on YouTube late at night.
- Consider taking a free career interest test like O*NET Interest Profiler to see what fields might match your personality.
Tip: Talk to your professors, advisors, and even upperclassmen about what the coursework is really like. Sometimes a subject sounds fun until you realize what’s actually required to pass.
2. What Are My Strengths and Skills?
It’s easier to succeed in a major that aligns with your strengths. Think about what you’re naturally good at:
| Strength | Possible Major |
|---|---|
| Writing, communication | English, Journalism, Public Relations |
| Problem-solving, numbers | Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science |
| Creativity, visual thinking | Graphic Design, Film, Architecture |
| Helping people | Psychology, Nursing, Social Work |
If you’re unsure of your strengths, ask friends, teachers, or mentors for their perspective, sometimes they see talents we overlook.
3. What Are My Career Goals?
Your major should move you toward the kind of career you want. This is where it’s helpful to reverse-engineer:
- Research job titles you might want after graduation; for example, if you want to become a data analyst, look at job postings on LinkedIn and note that many list Data Science, Statistics, or Computer Science as preferred majors.
- Look at their degree requirements or preferred qualifications.
- See which majors align with those requirements and check whether you can add a minor or certificate to make yourself even more marketable.
Examples:
- Aspiring Lawyer? Many pre-law students major in Political Science, History, or English.
- Want to work in Tech? Computer Science, Information Systems, or even Math could get you there.
- Dreaming of a Creative Career? Majors like Film, Graphic Design, or Communications can lead to opportunities in media, entertainment, and advertising.
If you don’t know your career goals yet, choose a flexible major like Business, Psychology, or Communications that allows you to pivot later and pair it with internships to explore different fields.
4. What Are the Job Prospects?
Some majors lead to high-demand jobs, while others may be more competitive. Use data to guide your decision.
Example (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data):
| Major/Field | Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 23% | High demand, remote opportunities available |
| Nursing | 6% | Stable, strong job security |
| Cybersecurity | 32% | One of the fastest-growing fields |
| Journalism | -5% | Industry shrinking, competitive |
| Teaching (K-12) | 4% | Moderate growth, depends on location |
This matters because picking a major in a declining field might mean you’ll need extra networking or grad school to land a job.
5. How Much Can I Expect to Earn?
Money isn’t everything, but it’s something. Research median salaries for careers in your field so you know what to expect.
Quote to remember: “Passion is important, but passion with poverty is hard.” — Anonymous
You can use resources like Payscale or Glassdoor to find average salaries for jobs tied to your potential major. For instance:
| Career Path | Average Entry-Level Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $75,000 |
| Registered Nurse | $65,000 |
| Marketing Specialist | $55,000 |
| Social Worker | $48,000 |
Knowing salary expectations can also help you decide whether you’ll need a side hustle, grad school, or a city with a lower cost of living.
6. How Rigid or Flexible Is This Major?
Some majors lock you into a specific path (e.g., Nursing, Education), while others are more versatile (e.g., Business, Economics). Consider:
- Will this major allow me to switch industries later?
- Does this major have room for electives, minors, or double majors?
- Could this major prepare me for grad school if I want to specialize later?
Example:
- Rigid Majors: Nursing, Architecture, Engineering (strict course sequence; switching late may delay graduation).
- Flexible Majors: Sociology, Communications, Political Science (can lead to multiple industries like HR, marketing, public policy).
If you might want grad school later (e.g., law, MBA, med school), make sure your major covers required prerequisites early.
7. What’s the Workload Like?
Majors vary in intensity. Pre-med students have heavy lab schedules. Engineering majors have long problem sets. Arts students spend hours in studios. Make sure you understand the time commitment so you can balance work, social life, and mental health.
| Major | Average Weekly Study Hours |
|---|---|
| Engineering | 19+ |
| Physical Sciences | 18 |
| Business | 14 |
| Communications | 12 |
If you’re working a part-time job, you may want a major with a slightly lighter load.
8. How Much Will It Cost?
Yes, your major can affect the cost of your degree. Some programs require extra lab fees, equipment, or fieldwork that adds to tuition.
- Ask: Will I need to buy expensive software or supplies?
- Consider: Will this major require graduate school to get a good-paying job (e.g., Psychology)?
If money is tight, you might look for scholarships specific to your field; many are available online (Find Scholarships Here).
9. Who Will Be My Classmates and Professors?
This one might surprise you, but your classmates and professors shape your experience. Some majors are competitive, others collaborative. Try to:
- Sit in on a class or two.
- Attend a department info session.
- Talk to current students about the vibe.
Personal tip: I switched out of a major partly because the environment was too competitive for me. I thrived in a more collaborative field.
10. What Happens If I Change My Mind?
Here’s the truth: most students change their major at least once.
Ask your advisor:
- How easy is it to switch majors later?
- Will my credits still count?
- Will switching set me back a semester or year?
Choosing a major with room for flexibility early on can save you stress if you decide to pivot.
11. Will I Be Proud of This Decision 5 Years From Now?
This is the big-picture question. Imagine yourself five years after graduation:
- Will this major still feel right?
- Will you feel proud telling people what you studied?
- Will you feel like you set yourself up for success?
Sometimes thinking about your future self gives you the clarity you need.
Key Takeaways
- Choose a major that fits your interests, strengths, and career goals.
- Consider job outlook, earning potential, and cost.
- Think about workload, flexibility, and the people you’ll be studying with.
- Don’t be afraid to switch if you realize your first choice isn’t right.
- Focus on what will set you up for long-term happiness and success.
FAQs About Choosing Your College Major
1. Do I have to know my major before I start college?
Not necessarily. Many schools let you apply as “undeclared” and decide later, usually by your sophomore year.
2. Is it bad to switch majors?
Not at all! Most students do at least once. Just try to switch early to avoid delaying graduation.
3. Can my major affect my career forever?
Not always. Many people work in fields unrelated to their major. Your major is just a starting point.
4. What if I love two different fields?
You can double major, minor in one, or combine them through electives. Talk to your advisor about your options.
5. How do I talk to my parents about choosing a major they don’t agree with?
Come prepared with research about job prospects and salary data. Show them you’ve thought it through.
Choosing your college major is a big step, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to shape your future. Take your time, ask these 11 questions, and don’t be afraid to seek advice from professors, career counselors, and peers. You’ve got this!