Choosing a Major --
Things to Consider

You will make the most informed choice of a major if you think about your interests, abilities, values, motivation, personality and finally the realities you must face as you choose your major field. Consider the following points as you make your decision.

Interests: What do I find interesting?

Which activities do I enjoy?

What are my hobbies?

What do I like to read about, watch on TV?

Do I prefer working with people, data or things?

What subjects did I like best in high school?

Do I prefer being outdoors or indoors?

Do I like solving problems?

Do I enjoy creating art, creating with words, creating music?

Abilities: What am I able to do well?

In which subjects do I earn the highest grades?

What areas are easy for me and do not seem like work?

Have others praised my performance in some areas?

For example, do others tell me I am a good listener, or that I analyze problems well?

Do I have the ability to successfully complete the courses?

Values: What is important to me?

How important is it that I earn a great deal of money?

How important is it that my undergraduate major lead directly to a career?

How important is it that I serve other people in my career?

Is having a great deal of leisure time important to me in my career?

Will my choice of major be influenced by political, religious or ethical beliefs?

Motivation: What motivates me?

Is my choice of major based on interests, abilities and values?

Am I making a choice because others think I will do well in this area?

Am I making this choice because I think it will lead to a good job and a high salary?

Does my choice of major seem to go with my personality and the lifestyle I would like to lead?

Personality: Do my choices match my personality?

Does the material in some major areas come to me more naturally than in others?

If I enjoy detail and structure, shall I consider accounting, engineering, math or the sciences?

If I prefer unstructured, global thinking, shall I consider the creative arts and social sciences?

Reality factors: What are some realities involved?

Am I choosing this major mainly because it is prestigious and will lend itself to a high paying career?

This major may lead to a prestigious career but are you interested in the area?

Do my abilities match my interests?

While it is nice to have a career that offers a high salary, it will not be a good choice if you cannot do the work of the major.

My interests and abilities match this major but the job market in this area is poor; shall I choose this major just the same?

Some majors require a great deal of time and money on the path to a career. Are you willing to take the risk that you may not easily find employment in this area?

Do I have the time, resources and mobility (if required) to pursue a career in this field?

Some careers require graduate training, and/or travel to other cities or countries. Will I be able to meet those requirements?

Choosing a Major -- Things to Consider

Choosing a Major --
Things to Consider