Going to college and earning a degree can be a life-changing experience. You may have been told college is the path to a better life. While this is true, working toward a degree only makes sense if you have a clear vision as to how it will help you reach your future goals. This is where choosing the right major comes into play. Before you decide on a particular major or program, make sure it aligns with your interests, strengths and career goals.
There’s a lot to think about before settling on a major, and the process can be overwhelming. A strong vision and plan of your academic path will help you be successful in college and after you graduate.
What Is a College Major?
A major is a subject you specialize in when you go to college or university. For example, people interested in becoming a mental health therapist may pursue a psychology major, while those wanting to become a nurse will choose nursing as their major. Once you decide on a major, you will be taking classes that teach you the skills you need to complete your degree and work in a given field.
Colleges and universities offer a list of classes you must take and pass to fulfill the requirements of your major and earn your degree. These lists of classes are known as programs. For example, at St. Louis College of Health Careers, we offer a variety of accredited healthcare programs to help you fulfill the requirements of your major and earn your degree.
How to Choose the Right College Major
Are you thinking about going to college but you’re unsure how to go about choosing the right school or major? While researching your options, it’s important to ask yourself these questions:
- What are my interests?
- What are my strengths?
- What are my career goals?
Consider a major that will genuinely interest you. If you’ve always thought about teaching and love interacting with children, perhaps pursuing a degree in elementary education is the right choice for you. Maybe you excel at multitasking and have excellent organizational skills. Why not let your managerial skills shine by becoming a healthcare administrator?
Think about the things you’re good at. What’s something that comes easily to you? Maybe you’re good at caring for others or thrive in fast-paced environments. Often, people pursue degrees and occupations that pay well but aren’t a great fit for their abilities or predisposition.
For instance, if you want to become a nurse but faint at the sight of blood, you will likely have a difficult time in nursing school. A person who wants to teach but has a fear of public speaking may become anxious and unhappy in their profession.
Lastly, consider your career goals, such as salary expectations or your ideal work hours and work environment before deciding if the career you’re thinking about pursuing will be a good fit for you.
Having Trouble Deciding on a Major?
It’s perfectly normal to have trouble deciding on a major. Sometimes knowing if a given major is the right choice for you requires gaining some first-hand insight. Consider volunteer work in a field you’re interested in to gain some hands-on experience. You can also talk to people working in fields that interest you about their personal experiences.
If a particular major or program has caught your eye, think about reaching out to the school’s student services department. Student services are an excellent source of information and can offer you plenty of insight and academic advice on the major you’re interested in studying.
Discover Your Professional Calling with a Degree from St. Louis College of Health Careers (SLCHC) in Missouri
SLCHC’s academically challenging and hands-on programs provide a gateway into the world of healthcare.
When you enroll in SLCHC, you become a member of an inclusive and diverse community of like-minded people looking to grow both personally and professionally.
To learn more about our diverse array of programs, call 866-529-2070 or send us a message.