What Should Your College Major Be?

By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 1, 2024

Deciding on your college major can feel like trying to pick a Netflix show; you've got countless options, and yet you end up scrolling endlessly in confusion. But unlike choosing to rewatch 'The Office' for the seventh time, selecting a major is a tad more significant. It’s like the academic equivalent of choosing a character in a video game - it's going to shape your college experience and possibly your entire career path.

When you step onto campus, you might be as undecided as a squirrel in the middle of the road. And that’s perfectly fine! Not everyone has their life planned out like a ten-season TV show plot. Colleges typically give you time to explore before you have to declare a major, so you can date around academically before putting a ring on a discipline.

Finding a best-fit major is about as easy as finding a left-handed screwdriver—basically, you need a tool that doesn't exist. You might be torn between following your passion for Renaissance poetry and your pragmatic side prompting you for a career in software development. Here's where the magic of a quiz to determine your ideal college major might just do the trick. It's like a sorting hat for your academic future, minus the talking.

Figuring Out Your Passion and Strengths

Before you dive headfirst into the sea of majors, let's fish out your genuine interests and punch-up those talents.

Self-Reflection and Interests

Take a moment to ponder your hobbies. Are you the type to geek out over historical documentaries or do you get a kick out of solving math problems for fun? Mapping out your interests can shed light on the subjects that energize you. Make a list; check it twice. Are those interests career material, or just Sunday pastimes?

Career Goals and Prospects

Before you decide to become the next big thing in underwater basket weaving, consider your career goals. Are you aiming for a job that's in high demand, or are you setting sail towards uncharted waters? Connect the dots between your strengths and potential job markets. Research is your sidekick here; knowing the forecast can help you pick a major that's more than just a flash in the pan.

The Role of Counselors and Advisors

Navigating the maze of college majors isn't a solo mission. Tap into the wisdom of a school counselor or an advisor. They've seen it all and can help you sniff out the red herrings. They're like your career matchmakers, offering insights and potentially setting you up with a major that aligns with your inner genius and career aspirations.

Choosing Your Major 101

Before leaping into the collegiate pool, you've got to pick your diving board—aka your major. Get ready to navigate the ocean of possibilities; it's time to chart your course.

Art of Selection: Sciences and Humanities

Dear indecisive intellect, perhaps you've tossed around the idea of majoring in sciences like biology or chemistry, where your lab coat becomes your second skin and the periodic table your unfortunate tattoo. Or maybe the humanities are whispering sweet nothings in your ear—visual arts, theater, or the all-encompassing liberal arts, where you can read Kant and still can't make up your mind.

Paying the Bills: Finance and Salary Expectations

Now, let's talk turkey—and by turkey, we mean money. If the thought of spreadsheets and strategic investments doesn't bore you to tears, a degree in finance or economics might just be your golden ticket. As for the salary? A businessman in a suit might whisper seductively about the digits; after all, isn't that what business administration is all about?

The Future is Now: Technology and Specializations

Alright, tech-savvy futurologist—maybe your dream involves coding up the next revolutionary app. Courses in computer science and machine learning could lead you to develop the next AI overlord. Or why not bend minds with neuroscience, become a digital health pioneer, or piece together the future's cyborgs with a specialty in physical therapy? The motherboard is your oyster.

Remember, your major doesn't just choose your own adventure story—it's the companion you're going to have for your midnight oil-burning, caffeine-fueled, occasionally ramen-seasoned journey through college. Choose wisely, laugh often, and maybe, just maybe, you'll find the major that clicks with you like that one perfect puzzle piece... hidden under the couch cushion.