COLLEGE ADVICE: A Guide to College Majors & Degrees
COLLEGE ADVICE: A Guide to College Majors & Degrees
Like many students in their senior year, I often found myself burdened with a lot of huge decisions. Up until the very last minute, I honestly did not know what I wanted to major in, and throughout the beginning of my college years felt very unsure about what I wanted to do.
Whether you are a junior who has yet to apply, or you are a senior who has already applied, I want to reassure you that choosing a major isn’t a permeant decision. In fact, it’s a normal thing to be unsure about this! Thankfully, most colleges will offer many ways to mix, match, and change the majors you are interested in.
First, if you aren’t sure about what to apply as, you can choose to apply as undecided if your college offers it. This is a great way to still apply without committing if you are totally unsure about what major you like.
Next, in your freshman and sophomore years of college, you should start thinking about if you want to change your major or add a dual, double, or minor. After sophomore year, you can still change your major or add to it, but it might be difficult to still fit in all the required classes in the span of your typical four-year college education. One loophole around this is taking summer classes if your college offers them.
When thinking about possible majors, keep in mind that most colleges will offer dual degrees, double majors, and minors.
- Double Major* – When you take two somewhat related majors, with overlaps like elective classes counting towards both majors. You will graduate with one degree that will combine both majors.
- Dual Degree* – When you take two majors, with no overlap, completing the elective and core requirements of both majors separately. You will graduate with two degrees, one for each major.
- Minor – You take a few classes in a subject that can be part of a specialization of your main major. Requires less credits than a major, and usually only shows up on your transcript.
*Often, the definitions of these two will switch depending on the college, so please read up on the different degrees/majors that your college offers!
Don’t be scared to switch majors! Be sure to research the required classes and create a plan on an excel sheet (or something similar) so that you can visualize what classes to take each semester and how long it’ll take. Guidance counselors will also usually have some good insight on how to organize your classes, and it can also help to find older students who are taking a major that you’re interested in (especially if you’re looking at a less common dual/double major). Good luck!