Popular College Majors, Minors & How To Choose
Learn what college majors are, how to choose one that fits your goals, and what to expect from different fields of study across higher education.
Choosing a college major is an important decision that shapes your academic experience and long-term opportunities. Majors help you concentrate on a specific area of study, build relevant skills, and prepare for a career path that aligns with your interests.
Students often explore multiple subjects before committing, and many colleges offer flexibility if you decide to change your major later on. Gaining a clearer understanding of how majors work and what different fields involve can make the process easier and help you move forward with greater confidence.
What a College Major Includes
A college major is a structured group of courses centered on one academic area. You’ll complete introductory classes, intermediate coursework, and upper-division classes that deepen your knowledge over time. Majors usually include a balance of theory, practical assignments, and skill-building activities so you graduate with a strong foundation in your chosen field.
In addition to major requirements, most schools include general education courses. These classes broaden your education and give you exposure to subjects like writing, math, science, and the humanities. Together, general education and major coursework create a well-rounded degree.
Popular Categories of College Majors
Majors exist across a wide range of subjects, giving you the chance to choose a field that reflects your strengths and aspirations. Some areas focus on analytical thinking, while others emphasize creativity, communication, or hands-on work. Common categories include:
- business and management
- health professions and nursing
- education and teaching
- computer and information sciences
- engineering and technology
- social sciences
- arts and humanities
- communication and media studies
Within each category, you’ll find multiple majors that lead to different academic and career paths. Exploring course descriptions or talking with advisors can help you understand which major aligns best with your interests.
How to Choose the Right Major
Picking a major often involves looking at your interests, strengths, and career goals. Some students choose majors related to fields they already enjoy, while others explore new subjects as they discover what they want to pursue. Considering factors such as job outlook, required skills, and preferred work environments can also help you make an informed decision.
Many colleges provide advising services, career assessments, and introductory courses designed to support undecided students. Internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs can also give you insight into what day-to-day work looks like in different fields. These experiences make it easier to choose a major that feels both satisfying and practical.
Explore College Majors and Degree Options
The articles below offer guidance on different fields of study, common major requirements, and potential career paths. These resources can help you compare academic options and choose a major that supports your interests and long-term goals.
Many top colleges and universities have options tailored to undecided students. These may include first-year exploration programs and diverse degree programs.
There are many good majors for those planning a military career. Some top options include criminal justice, homeland security, political science, and nursing.
Some majors, including business, healthcare, and education, are far more popular than others. This makes it easier to find schools that offer these programs.
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Finance degrees cover the basics of financial management as well as topics like investments, markets, data analysis, and more. These majors can be difficult for some because they require a solid grasp of math.
This explanation of double majors and effective tips to manage your time, courses, and schedule can help lessen the difficulty and prepare you to succeed.
Accounting majors will be prepared to join an industry that is projected to see 4% job growth by 2032. Many accounting jobs have high earning potential and high demand.
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Dive into the comprehensive guide exploring the realm of a business administration major. Learn if business administration is a good major by scrutinizing its merits, potential challenges, and career avenues to ascertain its value.
Computer science is a good major because of the many job opportunities available to graduates even though it has difficult coursework. You will take many STEM-related courses in the program and may be required to complete an internship.
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A minor is a secondary field of study to accompany a major. Computer science can be a great choice for a minor, with many benefits for students to consider.
This page covers information on why cybersecurity is a good minor for students interested in safeguarding electronic data. It also details the majors that best complement a cybersecurity minor.
Double majors and double minors both expand a student's educational path in different ways, but one might be a better fit than the other to meet career goals.
Nursing is sometimes recognized as a STEM profession, but not always. Many schools consider nursing degrees as falling under the umbrella of STEM fields.
This overview of double majors, the best combinations, and factors to consider provides valuable insight into whether or not it's a good idea to double major.
There are many great benefits of earning a social work minor. These include developing a deeper understanding of social issues and improving employability.
Because of the highly specialized nature of legal work, law students often pursue double major undergraduate plans to build diverse skill and knowledge sets.
A double major allows students to complete two fields of study as part of the same undergraduate program. As such, it leads to a single college degree.
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Ever heard the phrase 'you get what you pay for?' While that may be true for many college degrees, the bachelor's degrees listed in this article can earn you a little bit more. And, you don't necessarily have to pay more to get it.