Is it normal to doubt your major?

Among all U.S. college students, the average number of times a student changes their major is around 3 times! So don't be alarmed, this is a common occurrence, and I have put together my top 5 tips for when you experience this doubt. Number 1: Take inventory. What are the things you have enjoyed doing in the past?

What to do if you are unsure about your major?

Is it normal to not like your major?

There is no shame in changing your major. In fact, it's far more common than you might think it is! What's most important is that you feel like you're getting a worthwhile investment while building the skills you're passionate about.

Is it OK to not know your major?

It is also totally normal to have no idea what you want to pursue as your major. In your college search, you'll hear this referred to as being “undecided,” and being undecided is great! In today's blog post, we'll go over why being undecided is not only okay but can even be a benefit on your college journey.

Is it normal to not know what you want to major in?

This freedom can feel quite liberating at first, but it often evolves into worry — when you can do anything, sometimes it's hard to pick just one thing. We're here to tell you that it's not worth that worry. Not only is it totally normal to not know what to major in, but it's completely, 100 percent okay to not know.

What to do when you hate the degree you're getting?

How many students are unsure about their major?

You're part of the 75 percent of American college students who either start their college career as undecided or change their major at least once. It's all part of the process of exploring your options.

What to do if you realize you don't like your major?

If you do come to realize that the major you originally declared isn't going to be the right fit for you moving forward, it's time to choose something else to major in. You'll want to do this sooner rather than later, ideally before it's time to register for classes for your next semester or quarter.

What percentage of students don't know their major?

An estimated 20-50% of students enter college undeclared. What's more, around 75% of students change their major at least once in their college career. So is it OK to apply to college undeclared?

Do employers really care about your major?

A more nuanced answer is that hiring managers care about your skills, and your major is sometimes a handy shortcut for discerning what your skill set might be. But it's not the major itself that the hiring manager wants.

What is it called when you don't know your major?

As you prepare to go to college and think about how to choose a college major, you have probably heard the term undeclared major. Like many prospective students, you might have an academic interest or two, but you haven't narrowed down a career goal enough to decide on a major.

What is the most unpopular major?

Among the least common majors in the US between 2020 and 2021 was Architecture and Related Services with only about 9,296 students earning their degree in the major. The area of study focuses on engineering, art, drawing, designing, the theory of design, layouts, and the history of architecture.

How do I know if a major is right for me?

Start by thinking about your interests and strengths because these can point you toward a major you'll enjoy. Research different majors and their requirements to see which ones align with your goals and aspirations. Don't be afraid to seek advice from academic advisers and professionals.

Am I supposed to love my major?

No. If you are good on the academic front and have a plan for the future, you are in no way obligated to love or even like your major. In fact, it's a well known secret that a lot of people don't. Not everyone studies or even works with what they're passionate about, sometimes it's just a means to an end.

What happens if you pick undecided major?

In a word, nothing! In fact,for most institutions of higher learning, the vast majority of incoming first-year students are undeclared! In fact, the average student might change majors twice before the junior year! Don't sweat it!

Do jobs actually check your degree?

Employers verify education by requesting diplomas, sealed transcripts, or contacting educational institutions directly. Some companies employ third-party verification services to ensure accuracy. Too many employers forgo education verifications.

Do degrees matter anymore?

According to research from Georgetown University, the lifetime earning potential of a worker with a bachelor's degree is $2.8 million. Without a degree the expected earning power is $1.6 million. But in a study of universities in Massachusetts, college graduates were found to earn no more than high-school graduates.

Does your major actually matter?

“The reality is, it's not actually your major that dictates how much you are going to make,” Cruzvergara says. “It is the industry that you choose to pursue and what the market will bear for that industry or for those roles that determine what you will make.”

What majors do people regret the least?

What is the least picked major?

The Most and Least Popular Undergraduate Majors

Overall, the most popular bachelor's degree is Business or Management. Meanwhile, the least popular undergraduate degree is Computer Sciences.

Can I have no major?

In many cases, colleges and universities will not require applicants to declare a major as a high school senior. The applications for many colleges and universities allow students to specify an intended major, though this is not required – and not all students ultimately choose to do so.

Is it ever too late to change your major?

It's never too late to change your major. Talk to your counselor or advisor about future steps you need to take to ensure a better future, but remember that the only person who should make an ultimate decision about changing majors is yourself. You are the one that is going to hold that degree for a lifetime.

Does being undecided hurt your chances?

For most colleges, choosing “undecided” as your major will not affect your chances of getting accepted. Admissions officers understand that some students won't be ready to commit to a degree path right out of high school.

What majors make the most money?

Students who pursue a degree specifically in computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or economics — mostly STEM disciplines — earn the most overall, according to a new analysis of bachelor's degrees and median earnings by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Why do students struggle with choosing a major?

“Concerns that students have [with choosing a major] is having the balance of doing what you love, but also something that's going to make money to have a good life,” Lorimer said. Within these groups of students, there is a large handful of students who haven't decided on any major.