You, too, have the potential to be foreign. So, you’ve decided on a school (college or technical), but what will you study there?
I’ve developed a list of items to consider while deciding on a major.
Appetite for learning
Do you find the topic interesting? If you appreciate your major, you are more likely to succeed. You will be unmotivated and may suffer academically if it bores you.
Do you have a natural ability or talent?
Don’t dismiss any innate abilities or skills; instead, use them to propel you forward.
Career options?
What kind of job will you be able to get with your degree? Will you require extra education to reach your job objectives? Is your degree targeted toward a certain profession (for example, engineering or accounting), or can it be used to a variety of careers (for example, English, history, or psychology, which teach marketable, non-trade specific abilities like reasoning, critical thinking, writing, and communication)?
What are the conditions?
What courses will you have to take inside the major and extra classes outside the major, and how many will you have to take? (For example, accounting students take marketing, economics, and business classes in addition to accounting studies.). Is there a minimum GPA requirement for entrance and retention in the program? Will you require the services of a minor? Will you have to participate in an internship or a co-op program?
Prerequisites
Are there any prerequisite courses you must take before enrolling in major courses? (Prerequisites are typically lower-level introductory courses that provide a foundation of information that will be referenced and expanded upon in the following programs.) For example, if you wanted to major in psychology, you would almost certainly have to take a course that introduced ideas, models, and prominent researchers in the subject.
Examine the lecturers
What is the level of qualification of the teachers? What schools did they attend, what degrees did they earn, where they previously worked or taught, and what have they published? Find out what other students have to say about you. Is there a particular professor who is known for being stiff or difficult? When you’re applying to graduate schools or employment and need recommendations, having a good relationship with your professor can help.
The reputation of the program
Is the program well-known on a national level? What do the program’s graduates have to say about it? What types of occupations do alumni hold?
Are you thinking about pursuing a double major?
A double major is a significant effort. This can be beneficial, but you’ll need to be more organized regarding class scheduling and class selection. Some majors won’t give you enough time to pursue a second one (often called comprehensive majors.) Be well-informed and ready to work!
Survey and introductory courses are available in a variety of programs
These courses will be more general and will provide you with a deeper knowledge of the program as a whole. Remember that you are unlikely to enjoy every subject or topic in your major. My friend wanted cost accounting but despised her tax accounting lesson.
Look through the course offerings
Make sure you’re aware of the policies and requirements. Read the school’s handbook to learn about the differences between an Associates Degree, a Bachelor’s Degree, a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, and so on. Each of these will necessitate a different series of courses. Check out your school’s general education requirements as well. These are typically a series of core courses that every student must complete to receive their degree. Examine your major for any overlaps or conflicts. Some departments will not provide credit for general education requirements taken as part of a major.
Make use of your advisor
These people are well-versed in the ropes, and they’re there to guide you through the system. Relax if all of this is too much for you (and don’t feel bad if it is). If your current adviser can’t assist you, investigate if your school has a group of general advisors for undecided students. These counsellors will frequently have access to public school information (deadlines, processes), as well as tools to assist you in finding information about specific degree programs. Consider requesting a reassignment if you already have a major but are unhappy with your advisor. This is frequently done in the department office.
Interact with other pupils
They can frequently bring valuable insight and experience. An upper-level student can be your best friend when figuring out the system. Not only do they know where to eat, but they may also know where to buy and sell books, as well as the greatest advisors and teachers.
Don’t be frightened to make a change of heart. In the long run, it’s better to stay in college for an extra year or two than to be unhappy and regret your selections. People switch majors all the time, and while it’s a big decision, it’s only one part of the bigger picture. n Student on Exchange