Deciding what to major in isn’t always that simple. After all, it’s a big decision as the average cost of public in-state tuition is $9,716 per year.
You want to ensure you’re making the proper investment in your future. At the same time, it’s important to go to a school you like as well as major in a degree that fits into your likes and interests.
While the decision comes down to you, with some students picking majors that will set themselves up for financial success, others picking majors that will allow them to follow their passions, and many landing somewhere in between, here are some factors to consider when deciding what to major in.
Where do you want to go to school?
Some people have a dream college in mind, whether it’s in state or out of state. Finding the right fit can set you up for success in your studies and lead to an all-around good experience. A bad fit could lead to subpar grades all the way to you losing passion for your chosen major.
That’s why it’s important to take as many campus tours as possible before deciding on what school you want to go to, whether it be virtual or in person. It’s just as important to see where your desired major is offered because not every school provides the same majors and curriculums.
While culture fit is talked about in the business world, it’s just as important when it comes to your education.
This is typically one of the first steps students take when trying to pick a major. After all, it’s important to pick a major that you like and can see yourself studying. It’s also important to pick a major that has jobs you can actually see yourself in.
Taking an online learning self-assessment can help you decide if a specific course, major, or field is right for you. It can also help to see if your likes and skills match up. Finding a major that features both can help set you up for success.
Research important factors
Many students want to major in a degree that they are passionate about. While that’s essential, it’s also important to research stats and figures surrounding your degree, such as income, job prospects, etc.
As an example, you might want to pick a career that has a low unemployment rate and high salary, so you decide to pursue a major that will lead to you becoming a podiatrist in Tallmadge, OH. The average salary for a podiatrist is $126,161 per year. Of course, there are other factors to consider, such as how many years of schooling you need to become a podiatrist.
Talk to people in your desired field
Talking to students who are majoring in your desired degree and professionals who are working in your desired field can give you a better idea of what to expect.
The students can give you advice on a wide range of topics, such as what classes to take, which teachers to take the classes with, how rigorous a course is, etc. Professionals can give you advice on what not to do when finding a job in a field and simply tell you about the day-to-day in their careers to see what your career life might look like.
Take many different classes before you pick a major
You don’t have to pick a major right away. Not to mention, it’s OK to change your major. During the first semester all the way to the second year of your education, you can take a wide range of introductory courses to see what potential major looks like and if what is being taught interests you.
This is a good way to get, in a sense, first-hand experience and a glimpse of what particular major looks like.
Above all else, you’re the one who has to pick a major, but we hope the above information can help make your decision a little bit easier.
