Four year universities require that students choose an area of study with corresponding required classes, known as a major. Application forms typically allow students to specify a major or select “undeclared.” The benefit of choosing a major early is that you begin taking required courses immediately. Most undergraduate schools allow students to change their majors, however graduate programs do not. Below is a list of considerations you should think about when deciding on a major.
| Type of Major |
Educational Goals |
Resources |
| Major for specific job |
Think about what type of major will be most useful for your desired future profession |
O*net is a database of thousands of jobs and what type of education is required |
| Major for specific interest |
Think about your interests, skills, favorite classes, and extracurricular activities |
Search university catalogues and course descriptions to see what classes seem to best combine all of your interest areas |
| Major for general higher education |
Think about liberal arts studies or humanities which often allow for a large amount of variety in course selection |
Talk to university professors to find out which majors offer the most flexibility |
| Major |
Description |
Possible Job Fields |
% of International Students |
| Agriculture |
Food systems, farm management, natural resources |
Farms and ranching
Federal, state, local agencies |
1.3% |
| Architecture |
Design buildings and structures |
Drafting, design, and project administration Construction |
>1% |
| Ethnic Studies |
Cultural awareness |
Public relations
Community organizations |
>1% |
| Arts |
Practicing arts |
Artist
Advertising |
5.1% |
| Biological Science |
Study of living organisms |
Research
Teaching |
>1% |
| Business |
Basic business principles |
General and specialized management
Entrepreneurship |
17.8% |
| Communication |
Communicating with the public |
Reporter
Market Sales |
>1% |
| Computer Science and Mathematics |
Theoretical aspects of the computer and emphasize math and science |
Programming
Systems development |
7.9% |
| Education |
Theory’s of teaching |
Teaching at institutions
Administrative positions |
2.9% |
| Engineering |
Practical design and productions |
Aeronautics, bioengineering, geology, etc.
Technical activities |
15.3% |
| Language and Literature |
Comprehensive reading and writing
Foreign language |
International business
Writing |
3.8% |
| Health Science |
Applying the results of scientific investigation |
Rehabilitation
Scientific machinery and materials |
4.9% |
| Home Economics |
Food and textiles |
Social services
Consumer-related industry |
>1% |
| Humanities |
Different aspects of society |
Writing and journalism
Government agencies |
2.8% |
| Law |
Law and government |
Court system
Law firms |
>1% |
| Psychology |
Human behavior |
Counseling/Therapy
Research |
>1% |
| Religion |
History and theory of religion |
Ministry
Teaching |
>1% |
| Social Sciences |
People in relation to their society |
Government, business, community agencies
Market and survey research |
8.4% |
If you are still undecided, it may help to take the majors quiz. Use the results to explore other options you may not have considered.
U.S. Education System
