Choosing a major can be challenging. What degree will prepare you for your future? What degree do you find most interesting? What career options will your degree provide? These are questions many freshmen and even upperclassmen struggle to answer. Not knowing what you want to major in when you arrive to college is okay!

Tips for choosing a college major: 

1. Create a list of subjects and topics that you find interesting

What was your favorite subject to learn about in high school? Did you enjoy History and English or were your strong suits Physics and Calculus?  You want to choose a major that you are genuinely interested in so that you keep a lifelong desire.  

2. Factor in your strengths

Focus on the subjects you are naturally skilled at.  Though you want to have an interest in the major you choose, you also want to display some natural academic strength in that program.  

3. Determine whether the major you are considering aligns with your core values and beliefs

You want to pursue a degree that helps you achieve your post-graduate goals.  Do you enjoy helping others? Nursing might be a suitable major for you. Are you people-oriented and like to communicate with new people every day? If so, business might be a suitable major for you.   

4. Consider Job Shadowing

Reach out to companies and organizations you are interested in to see if they offer job shadowing. Many companies will allow students to come in and shadow to see if that career is right for them. This is also a great way to start building your network! You can schedule a meeting with your advisor or visit Career Services to learn more about the options available to you. 

5. Try it out 

Arkansas Tech allows students to enroll in introductory classes for various programs.  This allows you to take a variety of courses to see which ones pique your interest. Your advisor will help you create a schedule based on your interests in courses.  Waiting until your sophomore year to decide on a major is okay too.  As long as you are taking prerequisites, you should not get behind on graduating.  

6. Don’t rush it

All first-year students at Arkansas Tech are required to enroll in an orientation class.  In this class, you will learn how to be successful while in college.  This class also assists students in choosing a major and connecting them with their advisors.  

Choosing a major when arriving at school can seem intimidating at first, but Arkansas Tech offers many resources to assist students like you!  Talk to career counselors, gain experience, and focus on your abilities.  At the end of the day it is your lifelong career, so make it worthwhile!


By: Mackenzie Eford
Mackenzie is a senior at ATU majoring in psychology with a minor in biology.  She is a part of the ATU women’s volleyball team, a member of the Student Activities Board, Vice President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and an Arkansas Tech Brand Ambassador.