3 Tips on How to Choose a Major

Oct 4, 2018 • Ellie J.

If you’re anything like me, big decisions can be overwhelming.  So when it came time to think about choosing a major, I was a little lost.  So whether you only have a few ideas of what major you want to choose, or you are like me, who had no idea, this post is for you!  Here are a few tips on how to choose a major:

1. It’s okay to be undecided!

College will teach you lots about yourself, but the journey to declare a major will teach you more than you expect!  I was undecided until the end of the fall semester of my sophomore year, and I am still on track to graduate!  I am glad I gave myself the time to discover what I was passionate about and what God was calling me to pursue.  Don’t feel pressured to know exactly what you want to do.  Take your time, ask the Lord for wisdom, and take a deep breath!

2. Ask questions!

Ask yourself what your passions are and what you love to do.  Read through the list of classes for the majors, and ask yourself if the classes sound interesting to you!  Talk to your professors about your passions and ask for wisdom!  Ask your friends what your strengths and gifts are.  Meet some students and ask what the classes are like and what they have learned!

Meeting with an advisor can be extremely helpful in this journey.  When I met with an advisor, we talked about my passions and my goals, and she helped me narrow down the giant list of majors I couldn’t choose from.  Once you have a few options for majors, taking an intro class can help you know if it’s a major you would want to pursue.  For example, if you were interested in Business, you could take BUSI 101: Introduction to Business!

If you are struggling with deciding between a few majors, you’ve got a few options!  Declaring a minor is a great way to have more than one area of study, but you only have 5-6 classes in it!  Another option is declaring a major in Interdisciplinary Studies.  This major allows you do choose 2-3 areas of study and build your own major and pick the classes you are most interested in!

3. Declare!

Now it’s time to make it official!  Your advisor will be able to help you officially declare, and they will also help you choose classes every semester and make sure you stay on track to graduate! 

But most importantly, remember the truth found in scripture: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” –Romans 8:28.