“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
This is a question many of us have heard countless times. As kids, we may have dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, doctor, actor or professional athlete.
Now, as you approach or navigate through college, you might still be figuring out what you want to be and how to pick a major. That’s okay – college offers a variety of majors that can help you discover your path.
If you’re just starting college or uncertain about your major, you might be asking yourself:
- What is a major?
- What should I major in?
- Can I apply to college without a major?
- Can I change my major?
- What’s a double major?
- What majors does Angelo State offer?
We’ll guide you through everything you need to know about majors before declaring one at Angelo State.
What is a Major?
While applying for college, you were probably asked what you plan to study. Whether you chose a specific field of study or said you’re not sure yet, you might still wonder: what’s a major?
A major is a series of classes all about one subject you want to study.
In most cases, a major includes courses from one academic study. However, some majors include two or more academic fields of study. Some common majors are:
- Mathematics
- English
- Political Science
- Management
- Marketing
- Accounting
- Nursing
What Should I Major In?
Choosing a major can be really overwhelming because there are so many options. You might feel like closing your eyes and picking one at random. While that might work, there are better ways to find the right major for you.
When picking a major, a lot of people choose one that interests them. It can be one of your hobbies or a high school class you really loved.
You can also talk to teachers, advisors, friends and family members to get their perspective on what major might be a good fit for you and your interests.
If you’re still having trouble figuring out how to match your interests with a major, there are many free online quizzes you can take. These quizzes look at your personality and interests, and give you a list of possible future careers.
After you look over the list, you can visit college websites to see what majors match your desired career. At Angelo State, we offer over 100 majors and concentrations (which simply means specialization within a major) for you to choose from.
Can I Apply To College Without A Major?
Even after thinking about your interests, talking to friends and family, and taking career quizzes, you still might not know what you want to major in when you apply to college. That’s okay!
Many universities recommend students pick a major at the beginning of their sophomore year. If you don’t choose a major right away, you’ll be undeclared. It’s perfectly fine to start college without knowing your major.
While you’re undeclared, most universities will have you take classes in a variety of subjects you might be interested in. Some also have an exploratory track, where you take classes in a specific major to see if it’s right for you. At Angelo State, we offer six different exploratory tracks to help you find the right major.
Can I Change My Major?
If you are a current college student and you find that you don’t want to pursue your declared major, you may ask yourself, “Can I switch to a different major?” The answer is yes!
Every college has its own process for changing majors, but it always starts with talking to an advisor.
Before officially changing majors, many advisors will suggest taking a few classes in your new field to make sure it’s the right fit for you.
After trying out classes and talking with an advisor, you’ll fill out a change of major form. This form will then go to your university’s registrar’s office for approval. Once approved, you’ll officially be on track with your new major!
What’s A Double Major?
After a couple of semesters, you might hear about “double majoring.” What does that mean? Well, it’s when students continue to major in their current field of study and add another major.
While most universities offer this option, it’s a good idea to talk with your advisor first. Advisors can help ensure you can handle the additional workload, as well as make sure the second major aligns well with your current studies.
What Majors Does Angelo State Offer?
At Angelo State, we offer over 100 majors and concentrations for you to choose from. You’ll find common majors like English, marketing and nursing, as well as niche majors such as commercial aviation, engineering and cybersecurity.
At Angelo State, you’re sure to find something that sparks your interest.
We also provide an alternative to fast-track your career in our 5-year integrated bachelor/master programs. If your major qualifies, you can earn both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in as little as five years.
Final Note
Choosing a major might feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you choose the best major for you:
- Pick something that aligns with your interests.
- It’s okay to start undeclared.
- Don’t stress if your first choice isn’t the right fit – you can always change it.
With these tips in mind, you’ll find your perfect major in no time.
