when I arrived on campus for my first time, I had my degree major already selected. I knew I wanted political science. Everything in high school had been geared towards it. Fast forward seven years and I never finished it. Instead, I had majored in business and history, switched over and completed my Master of Divinity, and finally I am working in tech at a Library while I volunteer at a Church.
Trying to decide on a major? Don’t sweat it too much. The average college student switches it about three different times. You are probably going to be inclined to overthink this, but here are five questions I wish I would have asked myself when I was contemplating my own choice.
1. What would the real world application be?
I finally did major in business and history. Unfortunately, the real world application of history is teaching and the fact that it adds considerably to a well-rounded education. Are you planning on majoring in art history? I hope you want to be an art professor or a museum curator. Every degree has a specific application, so understand that before you choose one.
2. Do I need flexibility and does this give it to me?
Understanding that you’re probably going to change your mind—or at least life is probably going to change it for you—is important to having a successful Dual Credit at Home experience. Don’t start out taking tests that are advanced and centered around a specific degree. Focus on the core tests.
3. Am I passionate about this?
Picking a major based off of purely financial reasons is a good way to get yourself in a career you hate. It is commonly taught that if you do what you love the money will follow. So find a degree that excites you. There are thousands of options out there. Don’t settle on one that “works,” but demand one you can love.
4. Is this in demand?
There are plenty of practical degree choices out there that simply aren’t in demand right now. The medical field, engineering, and pretty much most careers that involve the sciences are in huge demand right now. Find something that you love, but then find a degree that applies that love in a field that is in demand.
5. Will I need a master’s degree?
There are plenty of degrees out there that are mostly used as a lead in towards a master’s degree. Pre-law and pre-med are examples of these. It is also becoming more and more necessary to have a master’s degree in a seemingly ever tightening economy. Don’t choose a degree that leads to more education if you are wanting to get into the workforce instead of another university.
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