Choosing a college major is an important decision and we tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves to choose the right one. While choosing a major may seem overwhelming, it’s good to remember that your major won’t lock you into a specific career for the rest of your life.
The right major can enrich your college experience, help you build your skills and knowledge and pave the way to a successful future. To help you prepare, consider the following factors from a therapist’s perspective to narrow down your choice.
6 Things to Consider When Choosing a Major
Consider these six things when you’re unsure how to choose the right college major:
1. Career Prep
Choose a major you know will prepare you for a specific career path or advanced study. Perhaps you already know that you want to be a nurse, a physical therapist or a web developer, for instance. To prepare, take classes in your relevant discipline and talk to students in the department of your choice before declaring.
Ensure you’re ready for the coursework required for your specific career. For many jobs, a bachelor’s degree is sufficient. However, some professional roles, such as aspiring lawyers and doctors, require additional training. Career prep can give you peace of mind if you’re stressed about choosing the right major.
2. Exploring Interests
If you enter college undecided on a major, that’s okay. Many schools don’t require students to declare a major until sophomore year, giving you a few semesters to explore your passions and narrow your options. Take general education courses that satisfy your degree requirements and reflect your interests or the skills you hope to build. You might also join a club related to your passions, find an internship off campus or connect with like-minded people.
Your first year is all about exploration — make the most of this time to find your best fit major and potential career.
3. Earning Potential
While college can pay you back in ways beyond salary, considering future earning potential is vital for students who are paying their own way through college or taking out loans. According to a labor market outcomes tool for recent college graduates, the majors that lead to the highest salaries include computer science, any type of engineering, physics and economics studies.
As always, keep your quality of life and mental well-being in mind. After all, that six-figure salary might not be worth it if you’re unhappy in the office. It’s also important to remember that your major isn’t the defining factor in your prospective salary. You can always leverage your skills in one major and put those to use in an entirely different industry.
4. Favorite Subjects
Some students consider a major because they’re simply interested in the subject matter. Before college or in your first year of undergrad, consider the high school courses or subjects most interesting to you. After all, if you love what you study, you’re probably more likely to immerse yourself in your classes and the college experience. This can mean better grades and more networking with others in your field.
And if your calling is a humanities subject, don’t write it off if you’re unsure about what the job market holds. These majors often provide students with critical thinking and writing skills highly valued by employers.
5. Career Advice From Experts
College applicants can better understand how to choose a college major when they speak with industry professionals rather than friends and family. Gaining input from people with experience in the field is helpful, as you can learn more about the specifics of that job when you graduate from college. Having a clear vision of the future can help you choose your college major.
And if you enter college undecided, talk to your advisors and professors about jobs in specific majors to narrow your options. Experts find that speaking with professionals rather than friends and family can provide a better understanding of what their major can do for them.
6. You Can Change Majors
Remembering that you can change your major after declaring may provide some peace of mind and take the pressure off of the selection process. As you take more college classes, your interests are likely to expand alongside the knowledge you gain. You might suddenly discover a new passion you’d like to develop into a career. As long as you make the change early on and discuss it with your academic advisor, you can expect a smooth transition.
How Therapy Can Help Choose a Major
If you’re feeling unsure about how to decide on a college major, working with a qualified therapist can help. Professionals can often provide personality tests, aptitude tests and other techniques to help you figure out the best career choices for you. And through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapists can help you overcome stress by identifying your triggers about the future and developing healthy coping mechanisms to manage them.
Choosing a college major can cause stress and anxiety, though you don’t need to have mental health concerns to see a therapist. Therapy sessions can just be a helpful tool to learn more about yourself, define your goals and set realistic expectations about your future career.
And if you enter college undecided, attending college can significantly benefit your well-being. In fact, over 41% of students in 2018 attended therapy for college anxiety and depression. Whether you need counseling services to help you organize your thoughts, help with stress or simply confide in someone eager to listen, therapy can make a big difference.
Merrimack Valley Psychological Associates consists of highly trained therapists hoping to extend their support and provide career counseling along the way. They can help you make a smooth college transition and provide the tools to declare your major with confidence and optimism.
Work With Merrimack Valley Psychological Associates in Andover, MA
Choosing a college major can induce significant stress, but it’s essential to know that you are not alone. Whether you’re unsure of how to decide on a college major or experiencing anxiety about your current position, professionals can help you navigate your situation.
If you’re beginning the transition to college or hoping to narrow down your decision on a major, Merrimack Valley Psychological Associates in Andover, MA, can help. Our highly trained professionals can walk you through any stress or uncertainties you may have, whether in person or through teleconference. We specialize in therapy for college-related stressors and can help you through the significant life changes that come with entering college.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you narrow your options.
