College Major FAQs
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About College Majors
"What do you want to major in?" Don’t worry if you’re not ready to answer this question. It’s OK to take your time and explore your options. And if you have questions about college study, you’re not alone. Here are answers to some of the more common ones.
If I don’t know what I want to major in, does it make sense to go to college?
Yes. You have plenty of time to choose a major, both before and after you enroll in college. In fact, declaring your major early limits one of the opportunities college offers: to experiment and explore different fields, and perhaps discover ones you haven't even heard of yet.
At most colleges, you don't have to choose a major until the end of your sophomore year. Until then, you can take courses in a variety of fields. You’ll earn general education credits that count toward your degree, no matter what you major in. As you take different classes, you’ll probably find a subject area you love.
On the other hand, you should know that some majors, especially in career-oriented fields like engineering and design, require lots of courses that have to be taken in order. Starting one of those majors after your freshman year can mean that it takes you longer to complete your degree. However, you can often begin taking classes in the field before you formally declare it as your major.
Can I change my major?
Yes. In fact, studies find that most students change majors at least once and many switch several times. So it might not be a good idea to pick a college only for its program in one major. Instead, consider colleges that offer a range of options that interest you. That way, changing majors won't necessarily require changing colleges, too.
If I want to become a doctor or lawyer, do I have to major in premed or prelaw?
It might surprise you to know that majoring in premed or prelaw is impossible at almost every college. Premed, prelaw, prepharmacy and preveterinary are not majors. They are special college programs that guide students through the process of preparing for and applying to professional schools, such as medical or law school.
So, if you choose to participate in one of these programs, you'll still have to declare a major. Many premed students, for example, major in biology or chemistry. However, as long as you fulfill the admission requirements of the professional school, you can major in just about anything. In fact, professional schools often look for well-rounded students with diverse backgrounds.
Does choosing one major mean giving up my interest in other subjects?
Not necessarily. First, keep in mind that most of the courses you take will probably be outside your field of study. You might also be able to diversify your studies by pursuing a double major or choosing a minor area of study.
Another option is the interdisciplinary major. These majors are organized around a theme, not a single subject area. Instead of majoring in Spanish, history or literature, for example, you can major in Latin American studies and take classes in all three areas as well as political science, economics, anthropology and more.
Do liberal arts majors find jobs?
Liberal arts majors build broad intellectual skills, such as reasoning and judgment, and practical skills in research and writing. This general training enables them to adapt to a variety of careers and graduate programs.
Will I find a major that fits me perfectly?
There are hundreds of majors available, so you’ll probably find more than one that’s right for you. And if you don't, you should know that many colleges let students design their own major. If you create an individualized major, you select a theme and then develop it with courses from a number of different traditional majors.
Will Shortz, crossword puzzle editor of the New York Times, did it: he majored in enigmatology, the study of puzzles, at Indiana University. Other examples of build-your-own majors include studies in humor, human diversity, sound, biomedical ethics, religion and art, and social justice.
