Sometimes picking your new major can feel like a MAJOR decision.  We have compiled the information below to help you make a solid choice.

If you really don’t know where to start, you can always start with taking the SuperStrong Assessment to get an idea of what possible careers interest you, and what majors lead to them.

You can also book an appointment to meet with Career Services to learn about more opportunities and options for you in that career field!

Select a major that interests you and find out what career possibilities would be open to you with that major.

• Make sure you consider
  • Does the major match your interests, values, and abilities?
  • What kind of classes will you have to take in the major?
  • What is the length and structure of the major?
  • Does the major have any special admissions requirements?
  • What are the career opportunities for someone with this degree?
  • What skills will I learn that are transferable to future careers?

• Explore majors by
  • Researching majors offered at WNMU
  • Attending one of our Academic Fairs to speak with professors, advisors, and/or student representatives for various majors.
  • Looking at Degree Plans for any major
  • Taking an introductory course in majors that interest you.
  • Using the University Catalog to learn about courses and admission requirements
  • Making an appointment to speak one on one with faculty from programs you are interested in. Questions to consider asking them are:
    • Why do students tend to select (or why did you select) this major?
    • What class or classes would be a good introduction to this major? Which classes have been your favorite in the major?
    • What types of skills will I develop if I pursue this major?
    • Are there any specific general education courses you would recommend I take as I complete this major?
    • What elective courses would you recommend?
    • Are there any campus activities or student organizations on campus related to this major?
    • Does this major require (or is it desirable to have) a graduate degree in this area?
    • What types of internships are available to students in this major?
    • What kinds of careers are possible with this major after graduation?

Find a career you would enjoy and determine the most appropriate major to prepare you for that career.

• Make sure you consider
  • What are the daily activities of someone in this career?
  • What are the skills needed to be successful in this field?
  • What kind of salary and opportunity for advancement does this field offer?
  • What is the availability of jobs with this career choice?
  • What major(s) would best prepare you for this career?
• Explore careers by
  • Talking to a professional already working in the field. Attend a Career Fair sponsored through Career Services
  • Working in an internship or part-time job related to a specific career path.
  • Looking into extra-curricular activities on campus for student groups to meet new people and expand your network on campus.
    • Intramural Events
    • Registered Student Organizations
    • Mustang Entertainment
  • Getting involved in community engaged learning to gain new skills and explore interests

• This process may take some time. You don’t have to rush into a decision.
• Majors and careers are not always directly related. Employers often hire someone based on their skills, not their major.
• Strive for the “best”, not the “perfect” match. There is usually not one “perfect” career for an individual.
• Combine majors, minors, certificates, internships and electives to customize your entire academic experience.
• You should not feel “trapped” by any decision you make. You can change your career or major if you are unhappy with your decision.
• Some interests make better hobbies than careers.
• If you are considering a major with special admissions requirements, be sure to consider alternatives in case you are not accepted.
• So-called “useless” majors may be more marketable than you think! Talk to faculty to find out about career opportunities.
• You are the one who has to live with your choice. Don’t expect or allow others to make this decision for you

Try some of these ideas:

1) Create a Chart to compare your choices across similar categories.

How does it fit with your interest, abilities, and values?

Rate things like:

• time it takes to graduate
• potential job opportunities
• admission requirements
• etc

2) List Pros and Cons – write down the positives and negatives for each option.

Consider ranking each pro and con by level of importance to you

Remember that simply the number of pros and cons should not determine your decision. It’s about the importance level each has to you.

3) Reflect on some of the questions below:

• What classes have you enjoyed (at the University or in high school)?
• What types of activities have you been involved in during college or high school, volunteering, sports, clubs, etc?
• What do you do in your free time?
• What kinds of jobs have you enjoyed/not enjoyed working at? Consider why you did or didn’t like a particular job.
• In a major or a career, what is important to you?
• List a few goals that you have set for yourself in college. Do these correspond with any specific major or career?
• Do you have a dream job? Describe it and see what majors align with it.
• What do you feel are some of your strengths? Do they align with a specific major or career?