Choosing a Major

Goal Setting  What are some of your goals?

Why is important to create goals?

Goal Setting  Make sure your goals are: Personal Specific Measurable Active Realistic Timeline Related Positive

Major VS Minor  A major is the academic field that a college student chooses to formally study. When the student graduates, his/her degree is in this subject.  Many colleges allow students to “double major” – this means that the student receives two degrees in two different subject areas.  A minor is a secondary field of study. The student’s degree is not in this subject; however, the minor is listed on the student’s transcripts. A “double minor” is often allowed at colleges as well.

Video  GC5Td8rBF4 GC5Td8rBF4

Choosing a Major  Make sure your heart is in it!  Try to take some courses in high school to see if you like the subject or not  See what majors are needed for the career path you want  Use the first semester/year to try different courses  Meet with the college counselors at your specific college

Advice for Choosing a Major  Talk to people who majored in that specific area.  Some majors are very specific, while others are very broad.

How to Choose a Major  What do you like? (Your Interests)  What are you good at? (Your Skills)  What is important to you? How do you want to make a difference? (Your Values)

Types of People  Realistic  Investigative  Artistic  Social  Enterprising  Conventional

Realistic  People who are considered realistic like “activities, jobs, and co- workers who represent such interest areas as nature and the outdoors; mechanical, construction, and repair activities; and military activities. They are interested in action rather than thought, and prefer concrete problems to ambiguous, abstract problems.”

Investigative  People who are considered investigative “have a strong scientific orientation. They enjoy gathering information, uncovering new facts or theories, and analyzing and interpreting data. They prefer to rely on themselves in their work rather than on others in a group project.”

Artistic  People who are considered artistic “value aesthetic qualities and have a great need for self expression. They frequently express their artistic interests in leisure or recreational activities, as well as, in vocational activities or environments.”

Social  People who are considered social “like to work with people. They enjoy working in groups, sharing responsibilities, and being the center of attention. They like to solve problems through discussions of feelings and interaction with others.”

Enterprising  People who are considered enterprising “enjoy activities that involve sales and persuasion, and they seek positions of leadership, power, and status. They enjoy working with other people toward organizational goals and economic success. They like to take financial and interpersonal risks and to participate in competitive activities.”

Conventional  People who are considered conventional “work well in large organizations but they prefer subordinate roles to leadership positions. They especially like activities that require attention to detail and accuracy.”

Undergraduate VS Graduate  What’s the Difference? Undergraduate = bachelor’s degree. Graduate = master’s degree/higher education Your undergraduate & graduate degrees do not have to be in the same major. Some careers require a graduate degree, while others do not. Check with your academic advisor/counselor at your college to discuss your long-term career goals.

Types of Majors/Minors

Sociology  Definition: the study of the development, structure, & functioning of human society.  With a bachelor’s degree in sociology, you can go into the following fields: Business, criminal justice/law, education, environmental services, government, human/social services, public policy/ government, consumer services, research

History  Definition: The study of past events, relating to a particular people group/ culture, time period, country, etc.  With a bachelor’s degree in history, you can go into the following areas: Communications, education, business, law, government, journalism, public policy/administration/relations, research

Liberal Studies (Education)  Definition: especially focused on the teaching professions; each program should be tailored to a specific level of education (grades K-5, 6-8, 9-12, adult education, college/ university).  Most programs require a master’s degree and/or teaching credential.  Each state in the US has different requirements for educators, so make sure you’re following the regulations for the state you want to work in.

Criminal Justice/ Forensic Psychology  Definition: the study of laws regarding criminal behavior, & how those laws are enforced/applied.  With a degree in criminal justice or forensic psychology, you can go into the following fields: Law, government/CIA/FBI, local police or sheriff depts, consumer services, human/social services

Nursing  Definition: a profession within the health care system that focuses on the health of families, individuals, & communities.  Types of programs: RN, BSN, MSN Registered Nurse (“RN”) – a bachelor’s degree is not required; can be completed at the community college level. Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (“BSN”) – a bachelor’s degree in nursing; to be promoted and/or paid more, you must earn your BSN Master’s of Science in Nursing (“MSN”) – a master’s degree in nursing; to be considered the head/lead nurse, or to teach other nurses, you must have your MSN

Communications  Definition: focuses on how society communicates (spoken, non-verbal, written, social media, etc) & how to best get a message across  With a bachelor’s degree in communications, you can go into the following fields: Human resources, media/advertising/ publications, research, sales, government, non- profits, journalism, human/social services, education, consumer services, medical services, film, banking, labor unions

Math  Definition: focuses on mathematical theories, as well as relationships between physical science & mathematical concepts  With a bachelor’s degree in math, you can go into the following fields: Science, management/consulting, accounting/financial planning, research, education, banking, consumer services, medicine

Business Administration  Definition: focuses on business management & prepares students to work in the world of commerce. This major tends to focus on economics/finances, marketing, & planning.  With a bachelor’s degree in business administration, you can go into the following fields: Business (obviously), government, human/social services, health care, insurance, real estate, travel/tourism, accounting, finances, consumer services, banking, technology

Foreign Language (Spanish, French, etc)  Definition: the study of the language & culture.  With a bachelor’s degree in a foreign language, you can go into the following fields: Arts/entertainment, business, communications, education, government, journalism, consumer services, library services, medicine, science, human/social services, & travel/tourism/ hospitality services

Psychology  Definition: focuses on human behavior on an individual level; explains how individuals think, feel, & behave.  With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, you can go into the following fields: Counseling/therapy, human/social services, education, human resources, research, medical services, government, consumer services, law

English  Definition: the study of the English language, with a focus on literature & linguistics.  With a bachelor’s degree in English, you can go into the following fields: International relations, education, journalism, author, law, politics, communications, public relations, human resources

Political Science  Definition: focuses on the social science aspect of government & politics.  With a bachelor’s degree in political science, you can go into the following fields: Public policy/administration, government, law, immigration services, politics/campaigns, journalism, non-profits, human/social services, education, business, consumer services, banking, communications

Pre-Med (To Be a Doctor, Dentist, Physical Therapist, or Physician's Assistant)  Most universities have a “pre-med” program, where students can major in any topic, as long as they complete the requirements for the program (during undergraduate studies) & the requirements for medical school (which comes after the bachelor’s degree). Most pre-med students end up majoring in biology, chemistry, or physics.

Engineering  Definition: creating new technologies, while improving upon existing ones.  With a bachelor’s degree in engineering, you can go into engineering in the following fields: Computer/software analyst, hardware engineering, general contractor (architecture), nanotechnology, mechanics, banking, management or maintenance of electrical/ aerospace services

Art/Music/Theater  Definition: focuses on the arts; students can choose from a variety of topics, such as theater, graphic design, music, photography, printmaking, painting, television, etc.  With a bachelor’s degree in art, you can go into the following fields: Photography, graphic design, marketing/ advertising, communications, teaching, events planning, journalism, theater, television

Theology/Religion  Definition: focuses on religion (history, social aspect, reasoning, etc); some colleges offer specific religious studies (ex: Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, etc).  With a bachelor’s degree in theology or religion, you can work in the following fields: Human/social services, human resources, education, non-profits, churches or other religiously-affiliated organizations

Computer Science  Definition: A focus on the design, analysis, & implementation of technology-based informational systems.  With a degree in computer science, you can go into the following fields: Medicine, business, technology, engineering, consumer services, engineering, education

Environmental Studies  Definition: study/evaluate the scientific, economic, & social aspects of the environment.  With a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, you can go in to the following fields: Business (local, national, & international), management, law, government, education, non-profits, science