Major
A student's primary field of study in college or university.
🎓 What is a Major?
A major is your primary field of study in college or university. It represents your main academic focus and the subject area where you'll develop specialized knowledge and skills. Your major often determines your career path and graduate school opportunities.
Major Importance:
Primary field of study
Specialized knowledge
Career preparation
Degree requirements
Academic focus
Major Requirements
Credit Requirements
- 30-60 credit hours typically
- 10-20 major-specific courses
- Upper-level coursework
- Capstone project/thesis
- Field experience possible
GPA Considerations
- Major GPA may differ from overall
- Some majors require minimum GPA
- Competitive admission for popular majors
- Affects graduate school applications
- Professional program prerequisites
📊 Popular Major Categories
STEM Majors
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Biology/Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
Business Majors
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Marketing
- Accounting
- Economics
Liberal Arts
- Psychology
- English
- History
- Political Science
- Sociology
🎯 Choosing a Major
- Interests & Passions: What subjects do you enjoy studying?
- Career Goals: What jobs interest you? Research requirements
- Skills & Strengths: What are you good at? What comes naturally?
- Market Demand: Which fields have good job prospects?
- Graduate School: Does this major prepare you for advanced degrees?
⚠️ Major Planning Challenges
Declaration Decisions
- Changing majors is common
- May extend graduation timeline
- Could increase costs
- Affects academic advising
- Scholarship implications
Competitive Majors
- Limited enrollment programs
- Application and interview process
- Prerequisite coursework
- Portfolio or audition requirements
- Alternative major options
🏆 Major and Career Success
- Internships & Experience: Practical experience in your field
- Networking: Connect with professionals and alumni
- Skill Development: Technical and soft skills for your career
- Graduate School Prep: Research experience and advanced coursework
- Versatility: Many majors prepare students for diverse careers
📈 Major Declaration Timeline
Freshman Year
- Explore different subjects
- Take introductory courses
- Meet with academic advisors
- Consider career interests
Sophomore Year
- Narrow down interests
- Declare preliminary major
- Take major prerequisite courses
- Seek internships or research
Junior/Senior Year
- Complete major requirements
- Advanced coursework
- Capstone projects
- Job or graduate school applications
🧮 Plan Your Major and GPA
Choose the right major and track your progress toward graduation: