What Should My Major Be in College?

Many students often face challenges when choosing a field to major in. It is advisable to weigh several options before making a decision on your preferred area of focus. Some of the factors to consider include the overall program cost, employment prospects, salary expectations, career progression, and advanced degree opportunities. Ultimately, you will need to choose a field that offers the best return-on-investment (ROI) and job satisfaction.

All undergraduate students, especially those taking classes online, should equip themselves with the knowledge about job market statistics and various benefits and drawbacks of every major. More importantly, you should choose a major that closely aligns with your personal goals and career fulfillment. Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing a major:

Changes in Career Interests

There's a running joke about how often college freshman change their majors as they move through their first year. It's true that most college students don't declare a major until later in their academic career and even then, changes are common.

With that in mind, it’s quite okay to do your research and make a change to what will eventually work for you. However, you should note that changing a major multiple times could delay your graduation and increase tuition fees. So, make your switch as early as possible to reduce such inconveniences.

Employment Rates

More often, different majors record different employment rates. The job market is constantly looking for candidates with hands-on work experiences. Additionally, there are different employment rates for new bachelor’s graduates, experienced bachelors degree holders, and master’s graduates.

Job Fulfillment

If you want to see what other graduates in your major are experiencing in the job market, the college alumnus is the best place to start. These individuals could share valuable insights into the challenges facing current students and job-seekers.

Statistics indicate that most degree-holding alumni recommend majors in technology, science, STEM fields, business, and engineering. Other majors with high approval rate include accounting, finance, healthcare management, and nursing.

Professional Goals

Every student who enrolls in a graduate program uses a different criterion when determining the field to major in. More often, students evaluate their short-term and long-term career goals when majoring. Every major offers a unique professional pathway, and it’s important to choose a field that sets a foundation for your future career advancement.

Advanced Degree Options

About one-third of bachelor degree holders go ahead to pursue a master's degree. However, certain fields record a higher number of advanced degrees than others. Depending on your major, you might be required to earn a master’s degree or even a Ph.D. in order to fill higher managerial positions in your chosen field.

For others, a bachelor's degree coupled with years of professional experience could prove adequate. Graduates in such fields may not see the need to spend more time and resources pursuing an advanced degree that may not improve their standing in the current workforce. Always consider your prospects of pursuing an advanced degree before you make a decision.

Benefits of Online Schooling

Thanks to current advancements in technology, online education has become a favorite for many students. Attending college online can help older students with families, personal responsibilities, or full-time employment to fulfill their dreams at their convenience.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), more than 5.4 million college students in the US enrolled in a web-based program in fall 2012. The demand for online degree programs has grown in popularity over the years and more and more colleges and universities today grant online programs. You can find courses in Information Technology, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Engineering Technology, Criminal Justice, Health Science, Nursing, and many more.

Online schooling allows students to easily access course materials, listen to or watch lectures, complete assignments, and even take exams from the comfort of their homes or offices. People who are already committed to full-time careers find this option flexible, convenient, and more importantly, affordable. The cost saving is because online students don’t pay for room accommodation, meals, transportation, and other associated fees.

Are You Ready to Start Your Online Journey?

Interested in learning more about online college programs? ECPI University offers a wide range of online degree programs that you could earn from the comfort of your home or office. Contact one of our friendly admissions counselors today to start the conversation.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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