How to Choose a Major
Picking a major can be the easiest or the hardest decision a college student has to make. However, for most it is a difficult and thought-filled decision. This guide outlines important information to take into consideration and strategies for students to use in picking a major.
What is a major?
Majors are essentially a college guide. They are a mix of classes and experiences that combine to provide a student with both in-depth and broad based skills and knowledge. Majors usually fall into one of two categories; Liberal Arts (LA) majors, which teach a broad range of skills, and professional majors, which tend to lead directly into one specific career or career field. The College of Saint Catherine offers a mix of both LA majors and professional majors:
Accounting
American Sign Language
Apparel Design
Applied Science-Biology
Applied Science-Exercise Science
Applied Science- Psychology
Art History
Biology
Business-to-Business Sales
Chemistry
Communication Studies
Communication (Interdepartmental Major)
Critical Studies-Race & Ethnicity
Dietetics
Economics
Elementary Ed: Middle
School or Preprimary
K-12 Education Licensure | Secondary Ed w/Middle
Level Licensure
Electronic Media Studies
English
Exercise Science
Exercise Science & Nutrition
Family & Consumer Science
Fashion Merchandising
Financial Economics
Foods & Nutrition in Business
Foods & Nutrition: Sciences
Foodservice Management
French
Healthcare Management
Healthcare Sales
History
International Business & Economics
International Relations
Interpreting
Management Info Systems | Marketing & Management
Mathematics
Music
Nursing
Occupational Science
Philosophy: Ethics
Philosophy: History & Ideas
Piano Pedagogy
Political Science
Psychology
Respiratory Care
Small Business/Entrepreneurship
Social Studies
Social Work
Sociology
Spanish
Studio Art
Theater
Theology
Women’s Studies |
Remember...Most majors don't lead directly to a job
A common misconception is that once you pick a major, you’re stuck with whichever job it leads to. However, except for majors that require a license or certificate, most majors don’t lead directly to any specific job. There are biology majors who work in banks, business majors in research positions, and so on. The U.S. Bureau of Labor estimates that the average person changes career fields two or three times in their lifetime. And the University of Illinois surveyed and found that approximately 80% of workers in the United States are in a career field that is not directly related to their college major.
Liberal Arts majors provide students with the top 10 transferable skills employers seek
All majors at the College of Saint Catherine will provide a student with the skills that employers look for in potential employees. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, these skills are:
- Communication skills (written and verbal)
- Honesty/integrity
- Teamwork skills
- Strong work ethic
- Analytical skills
- Flexibility/adaptability
- Interpersonal skills
- Motivation/initiative
- Computer skills
- Detail-orientation
- Organizational skills
- Leadership skills
- Self-confidence
What is important when picking a major?
First of all, think about what you like to study and what you would like to do. Second, consider your interests—make sure that you consider both educational and life interests when choosing a major. In short, major in what you love and find interesting. Students who choose a major that they really love and enjoy are more likely to graduate, and are also more likely to have better grades throughout college. Finally, make sure you stay away from “shoulds:” I should take this class because my parents want me to; I should know what my major is already; I should major in (insert major here) because that’s what I always thought I would go into. Try to put the “shoulds” aside when choosing of your major.
How to explore majors and careers
Exploring majors and careers firsthand is the easiest way to get a real feel for what you enjoy, and what you don’t. This can be done through books, on the internet, through internships, job shadowing, and other methods. Here are a few suggestions of ways to explore:
• Look through the St. Kate’s Academic Catalog
• Use the Occupational Outlook Handbook to explore careers (available online and in the Career Development Office
• Take the Strong Interest Inventory(SII) through the Career Development Office
• Make an appointment to talk with a Career Counselor
• Talk to faculty about specific majors
• Talk to students in majors that interest you
• Take classes that spark your interest
• Shadow a person at a job that you are considering
• Participate in an internship
Plan to supplement...
A major and a degree are not the only things that will get you a job. Employers look for experience and a range of knowledge when searching for potential employees. This is why it is important to supplement your major with other experiences. Many college students choose to have a minor or even a second major. This allows you to study in an extra field of interest and it adds to your degree. Internships are also a great way to get hands-on experience in the work world. Many majors require an internship to graduate, and employers in most competitive employment fields will expect candidates to have two internships.
So how do you decide?!?!?!
There are a few specific things to remember during your exploration and search for a major:
• Don’t freak out! Stay calm and realize that a lot of other students are going through the same experience. You’re not alone!
• Get out there! Do things. Explore, read, and simply try to experience different careers and majors that interest you.
• Be content! Know that your major does not have to determine the entire course of your future work life. College is just the beginning!