Are you struggling to settle on a major to study while you are starting college? Many sources say that about 80% of college students change their major at least once during their college career. In fact, most students entering college have trouble deciding on a major, up to 50% according to Virginia Gordon in her book “The Undecided College Student.” It can be a scary proposition to think about choosing what you are supposed to do when you have your whole life ahead of you. If you are thinking about choosing a major or changing out of your current major, then here are three things to consider when deciding on a major to stick with during your college career.
When you are considering a major to explore, first you should think about your strengths and weaknesses. You would never want to set yourself up for failure, so why would you choose a major that leans more on your weaknesses rather than your strengths. You should do some self-reflection and look at what you are good at and enjoy, and you can try to explore a major that matches up with those ideals. College will be simpler if you are studying a topic that you are good at and enjoy, rather than trying to succeed at something that is difficult and in no way interests you.
Second, you should think about when choosing a major that helps you achieve any future life goals you might have. You want to choose a major that will complement current skills or plans to acquire new capabilities. For example, if someone’s dream was to start a small business after graduation then that person would want to study business, because it would be a source of knowledge and know-how toward a career as a business owner. It would not be beneficial for someone to pick a major that would completely go against the goals that they have for life. Someone who wants to teach elementary would not get a degree in Biology because that would not compliment their goals for life.
Finally, when choosing a major, you should talk to others who have your best interest at heart. One of the best things that you can do is to get a second opinion to help you make a decision, because other people can shed light on something that you have thought about (or not) on your own. Although in the end, you have to remember that it is still your decision to make and you need to feel at peace about that decision. The Bible says there is victory in an abundance of counselors (Prov. 24:6), and that is no truer than when considering four years or more of study in one program.
Just remember that you are not alone if you are feeling confused about a college major. Take a deep breath and think!
Geneva College offers an undeclared program designed to help students find a calling and career in addition to a major. To learn more about programs offered, visit geneva.edu/academics.
- Hope Shook ‘23
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Photo by averie woodard on Unsplash
Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.
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