How to Choose Your Field of Study

Selecting a major can be a challenging and overwhelming task, especially when it seems like everyone around you has their future already mapped out. While the major you choose isn't permanent, making the right choice from the start can save you significant time and money. Continue reading to discover what steps you should take.

Reflect on your passions, interests, and values. These factors are crucial, yet often overlooked by students. Instead, many focus on the question: 'What job can I get with this degree?' It's important to remember that your chosen major is not always a direct route to your future career. Even if you land a job in the field you thought you'd pursue when you first entered college, the best way to find happiness and success in your career is by doing what you love. And this journey begins with your education.

• When considering your passions, think beyond hobbies like sports or playing an instrument. Reflect on the impact you wish to make in the world and the legacy you'd like to leave. Are you passionate about business? Do you want to protect the environment? Do you have an artistic flair? Do you love mathematics? Or do you aspire to become a doctor?
• Keep in mind that not only can your passions change over the course of your four years in college, but technology and the economy are constantly evolving. By the time you graduate, the profession you once envisioned may be obsolete, while hundreds of new careers that didn’t exist before could emerge.

Reflect on the subjects you enjoyed during high school. Even if you’re unsure about what you want to do 'when you grow up,' you can still pinpoint your skills and passions by reviewing your school records. Consider not only the subjects you liked the most, but also the ones you excelled in.

• Which subjects inspired you the most? Science? Math? English? Or perhaps more creative subjects like art or drama?
• Think about the subjects where you performed best. Don’t count the 'easy A' ones; instead, focus on the challenging and comprehensive subjects you did well in.

Consider career prospects, but don’t become obsessed with them. Choosing a field of study should not feel like applying for a job; it should be about deciding the path your life will take. Career opportunities, internships, and other prospects come as a result of following your passions. On the other hand, if your passion aligns with your career plan, choose a field that will help you reach your goal the quickest. If you’ve always wanted to be a doctor, consider studying biology.

Decide on the type of degree to pursue. While it’s still possible to change your mind, narrowing down your options can be easier by choosing between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS). Remember that the classification of BA and BS degrees can vary by school, but in general, here are the typical guidelines:

• A BA includes a wide range of subjects in the arts and social sciences, such as political science, diplomacy, English, art history, sociology, and cultural anthropology.
• A BS typically covers scientific and mathematical fields such as engineering, biology, evolutionary anthropology, and economics.

Review the course catalog at your college or university. If you've been accepted, take the time to go through the course catalog to learn about the different fields of study, their requirements, and available courses. Keep in mind that sometimes course titles can be misleading, so be sure to read the course descriptions for more details.

• Make sure to read the latest version, as fields of study and requirements may change over time.
• Consider the number of credit hours you need to complete, the subjects, and the workload.

Think about the reputation of the school. Does your school specialize in journalism, agriculture, medicine, or engineering? If the quality of education is your top priority and you haven’t yet decided on a field of study, consider which departments and programs are most well-known within the school.

• Do some research to find out which departments are the most prestigious, which professors are recognized experts, and which ones are highly respected in the academic community.

Schedule a meeting with a counselor. If you’re unsure about a few fields or haven’t decided on one at all, visit your school’s counselor. If you're still in high school, you can meet with a counselor there as well.

• Remember, universities have counselors for specific departments, so they can help answer any lingering questions you may have.

• Don’t let your parents (or anyone else) choose your field of study for you. It’s good to listen to advice from others, but when it comes to such an important decision, you need to take control; your life is yours, not theirs. Take charge and do what you want.
• The people who make the biggest impact in the world are those who love what they do. Choose your field not just for money or fame, but because you genuinely enjoy the work. If you do what you love, you'll be more motivated and productive than others in the same field.
• Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Seek out advice from people you know, or even from those you may not know that well.
• Remember that most colleges and universities allow you to change your field of study multiple times during your education. You probably don’t want to rely on this, but it can take some pressure off and give you more time to explore your options.
• Don’t delay your decision until the very last moment. Most universities give you one or two years to choose your field of study. If you're struggling, use that time wisely, but start thinking about your options early, ideally in your first year – or even before. College is challenging (and exciting), and it can throw off your routine, but you can avoid much of the pressure of choosing a field by exploring your options ahead of time.
• Look to your role models for advice. Do you admire someone who has the career you aspire to? Reach out to them for guidance. If you don't know them personally, try to find out how they achieved their current position.
• Your choice of field doesn’t always directly lead to a career. You may use your academic experience as a foundation but end up working in a completely different field that you enjoy and excel at. A degree may be more (or less) valuable to employers, depending on how relevant your field of study is to the job. An engineer must be trained in engineering, but fields like marketing or customer service can be open to various majors. Additionally, law and medical schools, as well as other specific programs, may not require a bachelor's degree if you pass the entrance exams and have relevant coursework. Despite what people may say, your field of study might not 'make or break' careers that are less strict about academic requirements. Some employers train their staff on the job and prefer to hire college graduates simply because they want candidates with higher education, persistence, independence, and the ability to learn and grow in their workplace environment.