How do I go about choosing a major?

Follow your Passion!

Many students begin their academic journeys with very practical considerations. They select their majors based upon a perception of a specific career path they intend to pursue: students who wish to become physicians or veterinarians often select biology or chemistry to major in, while future lawyers often choose a major in philosophy or history.

There’s nothing wrong with this way of thinking about your potential major, and it’s in fact wise to think about the ways in which the things you study in college can translate to the world of work. However, don’t forget two important facts:

1. There’s never just one pathway to a specific profession
2. Happiness and career satisfaction come from doing what you love, not just what seems logical or linear.

Chances are, if you aren’t deriving enjoyment and satisfaction from what you’re studying then that might well mean your intended career path won’t be as satisfying as you’d initially hoped. Starting with the things that fascinate you and motivate you to learn even more is the best course of action. With that in mind, consider the following advice as you consider where to spend your time in college:

Keep an open mind.

Don’t rely on your experiences in high school to decide on a major. College professors take very different approaches to their subjects than teachers in high school, and each professor has her or his own take on their subject, so something that didn’t float your boat in high school might really stimulate you in college. In the same vein, be sure that you take more than one class in a department before you decide whether or not to declare a major in that discipline.

And as stated above, try not to think only about careers when making this big decision…do what you love, and good opportunities will follow!

Do your “homework!”

Committing to a major is a big decision, so you want to gather as much information as you possibly can before Declaration of Major Day. Start by reading the Academic Catalog. There you’ll find all the technical information you need about every area of study offered at K. This includes a description of the department and major & minor requirements, faculty and a list of courses each department offers.

Before you make any firm decisions, take a course or two in your intended major field of study. Look carefully at the course syllabi and engage your professors both in and outside of class. Think carefully about how the material you’re studying speaks to you. Do you find it challenging, fascinating, boring, engaging? Do you feel like you just want to get through it, or are you left wanting more? If you find you have more questions than answers, that’s a good sign! You might be on to something that will sustain you for a long time.

Experiment!

Don’t rely on your experiences in high school to decide on a major. College professors take very different approaches to their subjects than teachers in high school, and each professor has her or his own take on their subject, so something that didn’t float your boat in high school might really stimulate you in college. In the same vein, be sure that you take more than one class in a department before you decide whether or not to declare a major in that discipline.

And as stated above, try not to think only about careers when making this big decision…do what you love, and good opportunities will follow!

Talk to Lots of People!

An equally vital source of information will come from your set of advisors, both formal and informal. Here’s a list of people you should consult before making the big decision:

• Your Academic Advisor. Discuss your interests and options with your advisor early and often.
• Faculty. Take the opportunity to visit professors who are teaching you during their office hours. Ask them specifically about what it’s like to major in their field.
• Upperclassmen. Talk to more experienced students about what it’s been like for them to major in a field you’re interested in.
• Professionals. Try to meet some adults in the working world and ask them for advice. Don’t be shy about asking them how their careers and daily lives relate (or don’t) to specific majors in college.

Should I double major?

It seems like double majors are becoming more and more the norm at K. Many students seem to feel like they’re adding value by collecting a second credential when they choose to add a second major, but this may not in fact be the case. A big part of your K-Plan is “Depth AND Breadth in the Liberal Arts,” and second majors commit you to more depth in a second area at the expense of breadth. Part of your goal at K should be to experiment with knowledge in a variety of fields, so think very carefully before committing to that second major. In many cases your minor will be sufficient depth, leaving you valuable space for courses outside those areas of specialization.