What is a college major?

A major in college is a specialized area of study. Beyond general college requirements, a major requires that you take a group of courses in a specific subject of your choosing such as Chemistry, Comparative Literature, or Political Science. At some schools you can even design your own major that combines one or more subjects.

How important is your college major?

The major you choose will neither predict nor guarantee your future. Many graduates find jobs that have nothing to do with what they studied in college. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average twenty-something year old switches jobs once every three years and the average person changes career fields two or three times in their lifetime.

If you intend to earn a professional degree (like an MD) after college, you will need certain courses, or prerequisites, under your belt. But many future doctors major in non-science related fields.

When do I declare a major?

Typically, students declare a major sophomore or junior year. However, the answer varies across schools and programs. Some colleges may ask you to list your expected major on your college application although “undecided” is usually an option.

If you are interested in a major that requires a lot of classes, or classes that are limited to students in that major, then it is better to declare early. Some majors demand a strictly regimented order of courses, and if you fall behind, you may have to extend your college stay by one or two semesters.

Can I change my major?

Definitely. One of the most exciting aspects of college life is that it introduces you to new subjects and fosters new passions. You might enter undergrad enjoying physics but discover a burgeoning love for political science. However, keep this in mind: Every major has requisite coursework. Some require you to take introductory courses before you move into the more advanced classes. Also, some classes are offered in the fall but not in the spring, or vice versa. If you change your major late in the game, it may take more than the traditional four years to earn a degree.

Minors and Double Majors

If one field of study doesn’t satisfy your intellectual appetite, consider a minor. A minor is similar to a major in that it’s an area of academic concentration. The only difference is that a minor does not require as many classes.

Some undergrads with a love of learning and an appetite for punishment choose to pursue two majors, often in totally different subjects. A double major provides you with an understanding of two academic fields. It allows you to become familiar with two sets of values, views and vocabularies. That said, it also requires you to fulfill two sets of requirements and take twice as many required classes. You won’t have as many opportunities to experiment or take classes outside those two fields.

While a minor or a double major might make you more marketable, both professionally and for graduate study, both are time—and energy—intensive. Most students find that one major is more than enough.

Learn more about choosing a college major by watching the video below.