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Choosing a College Major
So, What Is Your Child Going to Do With Her Life?
Some students start college knowing exactly what they'd like to major in. Others don't know what to major in, or have a career goal but no knowledge of what majors will get them there. Most find themselves switching majors during college.
As a parent, it can be unnerving to watch your child go through this decision-making process. It's helpful to remember that, unless your child has been declaring her intention to be a doctor or an archaeologist since she was in the sandbox, a few changes along the way are very normal for students today.
Here are some questions your child should consider, no matter where she falls in this range.
What Is a College Major?
Students are required to major in a specific academic subject (or professional field) to demonstrate sustained, high-level work in one field. Depending on the college, your child might major in two fields, have a major and a minor, or even create her own major.
When Should My Child Declare a Major?
At most colleges, students aren't required to declare a major until the end of their sophomore year. If your child is in a two-year degree program, she'll probably select a major at the start because the course of study is much shorter.
How Does My Child Choose?
First- and second-year students usually take more general courses while they try to decide on a major. After this initial "shopping" period, coursework becomes more focused and specific. Your child should make sure that genuine interest is there, though. She doesn't want to choose a major by process of elimination—that could take a while.
Your child should take courses in subjects that appeal to her, then try and focus on one that will interest and motivate her. Your child will do better, and the motivation can continue through college and into a job.
What If My Child Wants to Go to Grad School?
If your child thinks law school, medical school, or another professional school is in her future, many schools offer preprofessional advising programs (such as premed and prelaw). These programs are not majors, and participants still need to declare a major. As long as your child fulfills the prerequisites for admission to grad school, it really doesn't matter what she majors in.
Does My Child's Major Dictate Her Profession?
Sometimes. If a student chooses a major like nursing, accounting, or engineering, she is learning a specific trade and will likely continue with that. Most majors, however, prepare students for a range of duties that they will be trained to handle once they graduate. For most students, picking a major is not the same as picking a career. It will be up to your child to go with what she likes.
Your child doesn't have to go through this process alone. Choosing a major is usually done with the help of academic and peer advisers.
