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Will it be English literature or biology? Sports medicine or computer graphics?

choosing a major that's right for you can be a tough decision. There are many options out there and each may lead you down a different path. But with a few tips and some self-reflection, you could be on your way to making one of the best major decisions of your life.

What Do You Want?
The first place to start when deciding upon a major is with you. Take time to reflect on the options and choices available to you instead of diving in headfirst.

"Pay attention to what you really like to do," advises Diana Hart, Career development chairperson for Arapahoe Community College (Littleton, CO). After all, it can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

Take it from Eric White, director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies at Pennsylvania State University (Philadelphia, PA): "Students too often make decisions prematurely and based on either no information, misinformation, or popular notions of what a specific area is all about." That means wasted semesters, tuition, and a disheartening view of the road ahead.

"Students are often preoccupied with how much money they will make and don't look for fields which they will find intellectually and personally satisfying."

In other words, just because electrical engineers make a good living doesn't mean your passion for political science should be ignored.

Nancy Wallace, assistant director of Career Services at George Mason University (Fairfax, VA), adds, "It's so important to consider your interests, values, skills, abilities, learning styles, and dreams for the future. If a student really likes his or her major, chances are they will succeed."

Seek Help
Your school is a good place to find out more information about particular majors and careers.

For example, Pace University (New York, NY) offers a special freshman course, entitled "University 101," that exposes students to the variety and nature of majors in the liberal arts and sciences.

Although not all schools offer a course like this, most have career counselors on hand who can help you narrow your study options. Introductory courses can also provide a basic idea of what a subject entails.

Taking career tests and spending time doing research in the library is a good idea, as well. "We strongly encourage students to actively use the resources on campus designed to help them with making major, career, or life decisions," says Wallace.

Another important thing to do? Network, encourages Hart. "Interview people who work at the job you are considering, or take on an internship."

Changing Your Mind
If college grads could do it all over again, 40 to 50 percent would choose a different major, cites a recent survey conducted by George Mason University and Potomac Knowledge Way. Uh-oh, you may be thinking. But don't fret... all that means is that it's important for you to be completely satisfied with your choice of major while you are pursuing it.

If you find yourself on a scholastic path you don't like, or if you choose a major for reasons other than self-satisfaction, don't be afraid to make a major switch.

Muriel Banares, a student at California State University (Northridge, CA), decided to switch her major to journalism when she was just one credit shy of completing her nursing degree.

"I've always wanted to write but my mother never supported my choice," she explains. "I am [now] happy that I have found what I've always wanted to do."

Muriel may even be able to please her mom in the process: "I plan to use my nursing background to pursue a career in public relations with an emphasis in healthcare."
According to Banares, following your heart is a must! "There is nothing more satisfying."

Don't feel as if you must rush into making a declaration. "On an average, students will change majors two and a half times while [at college]," says Phil Alletto, vice president of student development and enrollment planning at Westminster College, Salt Lake City, UT. "I feel strongly that students should not be pushed to choose a major too early."

Eric Littlepage, who will be entering his second year at the University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA), has not yet declared a major -- and is proud of it. "There's a lot of pressure to choose a major early, but I think it's better to remain undecided than to declare [something] when you are not sure about what you want to do."

His advice? "Keep your options open!" than

Formulate a 'Major' Plan:

• Talk to career counselors, academic advisors, or professionals in your fields of interest.


• Speak with college alumni.


• Participate in an internship or job shadowing program.


• Consult books on choosing majors.


• Take some online career tests.

Still Torn?
"Declaring a major is tough," explains Nicole Payton, a student at Paradise Valley community college (Phoenix, AZ).

Nicole is currently torn between a major in communication or in theatre. Instead of making a decision just for decision's sake, Nicole sought support and help from a family member. Her cousin encouraged her to go for her dreams. "'Don't let other people stand in the way,' she told me. It's good to have someone in my life who could just be there for me no matter what I choose."

Nicole also consulted professional help -- a professor at her college helped her quite a bit because he had had similar interests and dilemmas when he was Nicole's age.

"Don't rush your decision," says Nicole. And find someone who will stand by you. "This person could be a family member, a professor or counselor, a mentor, or a friend," she adds.

Major Questions To Ask Yourself:

• What are my hobbies and interests?


• What are my strengths?


• What am I good at doing?


• What courses have I especially enjoyed?


• What professions interest me?

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