Understanding Majors and Minors: The Key to Navigating Your College Education

Time to Read: 6 minutes

Reaching a Big Milestone

Choosing your major or minor can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s a moment where your interests, dreams, and future plans come together, and it’s completely okay if you're not sure what to choose yet! No matter what step you're on- whether you’re turning in your applications, beginning your first classes, finishing your first year, or even just considering continuing your education-you are making great progress toward making your dreams reality. This is your chance to shape your education around what excites you most.

What is a Major?

Your major will be your primary area of study throughout college. Completing your degree requirements typically involves taking several core classes and electives, as well as completing other requirements (such as volunteering, research projects, or lab credits) to demonstrate preparedness in your chosen field or career path. Requirements vary widely depending on the university, program, and Major you decide to specialize in, though many require around a third of your courses to be within your Major requirements. Your degree will prepare and qualify you for entry-level jobs in the subject you specialize in.

Choosing a Major is often one of the most challenging decisions a student will make during their academic journey. Frequently referred to as your “concentration,” your Major will pave the way toward a successful career and open doors within your field of interest.

What is a Minor?

A minor is a secondary area of specialization that is typically an optional addition to your major at most colleges and universities. It normally has fewer requirements and is less intensive, allowing you to focus on your major. Your minor may complement your major by allowing you to explore a specialization or specific area within the field, or it may be an opportunity to explore a different discipline that suits your interests.

A student majoring in psychology may choose to complement their degree with a minor in neuroscience, counseling, sociology, or behavioral science to specialize in their field. They could also select an unrelated subject, such as Creative Writing or Music. Many students also choose to minor in foreign languages, such as Spanish or French, to showcase their second-language proficiency when searching for a career. Consult with your academic advisor to ensure additional coursework, cost, and potentially extended time in college is a feasible option for you. Depending on your specific goals, you may instead decide to undergo a double major (two majors), though a minor typically provides more flexibility.

While a minor may not be necessary for your degree or career, pursuing an optional secondary discipline distinguishes you from the multitude of applicants. You can enhance your skills and interests while broadening the opportunities available to you.

As you explore college programs, you’ll come across new terms such as specialization, core curriculum, credit hours and more. Below is a quick guide to help you understand these key terms before diving into how to choose the right path for you.

How Do I Choose a Major or Minor?

If you’re having trouble deciding, you’re not alone! Studies show that an estimated 20-50% of students start college without choosing a major¹, and many change it later. Choosing your major is a big decision, but it’s one that can change as you discover new interests and goals. Here are a few ways to explore what’s right for you:

• Think about what you enjoy. What subjects, hobbies, or fields are you drawn to? What careers sound exciting to you? Which career pathways match and expand your interests?

If you’re not sure where to start, a personality test or career skill assessment might help guide your thinking. The Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator is the most popular personality test and is often administered at universities by academic and career advisors. This test from Coursera will evaluate your interests and skills to match you with potential careers. Take the quiz here.

• Explore the job market. What jobs are available in your area or in cities you may want to live in? Are there any in high demand? What jobs will be available to your career pathway as you exit college and enter the workforce? See which careers match your lifestyle goals. Consider work/life balance, growth outlook, salary and work environment.

• Match your learning style. Do you enjoy lectures, hands-on lab work, group discussions, or individual learning? Your preferred learning style can help guide your program choice, and help you be successful in your classes.

• Connect with others. Reach out to professors, academic advisors, career counselors, and your friends and family to talk about the fields you’re curious about. They can help guide you through your decision-making and support you along the way! Extracurricular activities, clubs, or internships provide another opportunity for you to explore your interests and discover different fields.

• Try new classes. Your first year often includes general education courses with students from many different backgrounds, interests, and academic disciplines. Take this opportunity to explore different fields and connect with other students before declaring a major.

Real Talk: Changing Your Mind Is Normal

Worried about getting it wrong? Don’t be. Around one-third of students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs change their major at least once², and that’s okay. Your college experience is about learning who you are, and what you want. Most schools allow you to wait until the end of your sophomore year before officially choosing a major.

Pro Tip: Your major doesn’t lock you into a job forever. In fact, only 27% of graduates end up working a job directly related to their major³. You’re building crucial skills that can apply to many paths.

Don’t Forget Your Resources

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Here are some places to start:

• Academic Advisors: They are knowledgeable in your university’s requirements, and specific program guidelines to help you build your degree pathway and plan your class schedule.

• Career Centers: They typically offer career planning, internships and assistance with job research tools. Visit your Career Center for help with tailoring your resume, practicing interviews, connecting with hiring professionals, or discovering more about the fields you’re interested in.

• Peer Mentors and Clubs. You’re all in this together. If you’re feeling nervous, or confused about the process, chances are your classmates feel the same way! Hearing their experiences and sharing your thoughts can offer you guidance and support along the way.

• Faculty. Professors are a great resource to understand what a specific field is really like. Reach out to ask questions about a specific field, career, or class to understand if it’s right for you. They were once in your shoes and understand how you’re feeling!

Making the Decision -You Got This!

Picking a major or minor is an important step, but it doesn’t have to define your entire future. Your interests and goals will shift and grow with time, but that’s all part of the fun. Choose something that excites you now and remember that your education will evolve alongside you. It is okay (and very common) to change your majors or pursue a different path altogether. Ultimately, your college experience is about growth, exploration, and development, so embrace the journey and know you are building a strong foundation for your future success.

References

1. Freedman, Liz. 2013. “The Developmental Disconnect in Choosing a Major: Why Institutions Should Prohibit Choice until Second Year.” The Mentor: Innovative Scholarship on Academic Advising 15. https://doi.org/10.26209/mj1561278.

2. “Percentage of 2011–12 First Time Postsecondary Students Who Had Ever Declared a Major in an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree Program Within 3 Years of Enrollment, by Type of Degree Program and Control of First Institution.” 2017. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) | IES. 2017. https://nces.ed.gov/

3. Abel, Jaison R., and Richard Deitz. 2013. “Do Big Cities Help College Graduates Find Better Jobs?” Liberty Street Economics (blog). May 20, 2013. https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2013/05/do-big-cities-help-college-gra