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Do I have to select a major when I enter college?
No, many students will begin college without knowing a major. And, of those students who have chosen a major, many will change it at least once before they graduate. Your freshman year is really a time of exploration; try to take a variety of classes that seem interesting to you. As your interests become clearer to you, choosing a major will become easier and less confusing.
How do I know which major will be good for me?
As a general rule, the best major is one that interests you and challenges you. Ideally, you will enjoy the classes in your major. There is no one "right" major. Many students are concerned about how major choice relates to potential career fields. There are a variety of resources at to help you with decisions about your major and career interests.
College is expensive. Can someone tell me what to major in so I know that I can get a good job after I graduate?
College is expensive and most students want some type of assurance they will be employable after graduation. A college degree does not guarantee there will be a good job waiting for you upon graduation. It does however provide you with opportunities. A bachelor's degree will open doors for you that would not otherwise be open. On average, people with college degrees usually earn more money over their lifetime and usually experience less unemployment. But your major does not determine your success in the job market. Your success is determined by you and what you put into your college education and how you build your skills both inside and outside the classroom. As an urban university, we can offer excellent opportunities to learn outside the classroom through community service, internships, and work experience.
Is my major going to determine my success in the job market?
Many career fields that do not require a specific major will be open to you after completion of your bachelor's degree. Certainly there are some career fields that require specific fields of study as preparation. For example, if you want to be a Nurse, you will need a degree in Nursing; if you want to be an elementary teacher you will need graduate education coursework qualifying you for a license. But there are many career fields where the relationship between your major and career field is not as direct.
What should I know before I choose a major?
You should know something about yourself. What are your skills, values, and interests? The process of choosing a major or career field begins with you, not with a list of job titles. You will do best at what you enjoy. Once you have clarified your own skills and talents, you can begin to research career fields that will fit your strengths and interests. As you begin to understand your career interests, choosing a major is much easier. Try to choose a major which will allow your individual skills and talents to flourish and, at the same time, seek experiences outside the classroom to supplement what you are learning and to prepare yourself for the world of work.
Doesn't my choice of major now determine what I'll be doing for the next 20-30 years?
Probably not… As noted above, there are some career fields that do require a specific major. These tend to be primarily in the engineering fields, health care, education, and some areas of business. But there are many careers for which companies are willing to hire and train new college graduates. Additionally, the longer you are in the job market, the less important your major becomes. The skills you acquire as you are working will be far more important in determining your career path. In todays job market you can expect to have several career changes. You will want your college education to give you a strong base on which to build the skills which will enable you to continue to grow and learn after graduation.
