If you’re a high school junior or senior, then chances are you’re worried about college. Maybe your friends have it all figured out. They’ve chosen a major and a career.
But what if you have no idea what to study in college?
You’re not alone. Choosing a major is a big decision, and one you shouldn’t take lightly. There are many things to consider when choosing a major.
With hundreds of degree programs to choose from in college, it’s easy to find the process of picking a major overwhelming. It’s also easy to worry if you don’t know what to major in. After all, the major you choose will likely define your career.
Read on for helpful advice on:
- how to choose a major
- the 10 best majors for undecided students
To help with stress over choosing a major, follow these tips.
Consider Your Interests
First, consider your interests. Ask yourself what excites you. Find out what you’re passionate about.
In doing so, you’ll learn who you are and what you love.
To help identify what you like, ask your school counselor or career center staff for help. They offer self-assessment resources that help you determine what interests you. They also offer quizzes you can take for help on choosing good majors.
Once you narrow your interests, it’s easier to find a degree that suits you and your career goals.
But sometimes you have to explore many degree programs to find out which one will work.
Look at Your Beliefs and Values
If you enjoy helping people, how about a social work class? If you like solving puzzles, take a look at an introductory math or science course. Ultimately, everything you enjoy relates to your core beliefs and values.
Your school counselor will have resources to help you determine your beliefs. They also have tests and homework that will help you uncover new things about yourself.
You might find that helping people or giving back to your community is more important to you than you thought.
Test Out a Major
It’s as important to know what you like as it is to know what you don’t like.
But to find out your likes and dislikes, you have to test the waters.
Take an introductory course in an area of interest. First, look at your course catalog and find a class that interests you. Next, read the class description. Does it fit your goals? Does it spark an interest?
If so, take the class.
Your first year of college is a time to explore interests and majors. Most schools don’t require you declare a major until your second year. But undeclared students often feel pressure to choose a major right away.
Since this decision shouldn’t be taken lightly, it’s okay to prolong it. You have time.
Instead, take an acting class or that public policy course you’ve been hearing about. Don’t bog yourself down on what degree to get if you are undecided.
A list of the top 10 best majors for indecisive students:
- Biology
- Business
- Communications
- Economics
- Education
- English
- History
- Liberal Studies
- Mathematics
- Public Policy
Best Majors for Indecisive Students
1. Biology Major
What it offers:
Biology is a versatile degree. It offers exposure to a broad range of topics. For example, biology majors learn about:
- animals
- cells
- environment
- plants
- other organisms
Biology is also considered one of the fun majors in science. It’s also one of the best majors for undecided students with a passion for science and an interest in Mother Nature.
Studying biology unlocks careers in education, health care, and research. To prepare you for most careers, biology programs offer concentrations in different study areas. You can major in biology but earn a concentration in ecology or conservation biology. In addition, you’ll uncover what interests you.
Common coursework:
As you learn about the natural world, you take classes in science and math. Biology majors learn about life through hands-on study. They spend time in the lab looking at cells. They also complete in-class projects.
Some of the required courses you’ll take include:
- Cell biology
- Ecology
- General chemistry
- Genetics
Biology majors also visit research labs, take internships at sea, and spend time with animals. It should come as no surprise that biology is considered one of those fun college majors for outdoorsy types.
2. Business Major
What it offers:
Have you been told you’re a natural born leader? Are you a problem-solver who’s open to new ideas?
If so, then business might be a good fit.
Students become business majors when they don’t know what to study. Additionally, they become business majors because you can use the degree for almost anything.
For example, business majors become:
- bankers
- business owners
- educators
- financial advisors
- lawyers
- leaders of organizations
Business administration is one of those broad degrees that open doors to many different careers. But if you want to specialize and narrow your business degree, you can. In fact, business programs offer concentrations in health care, math, public policy, and more.
Featured Programs
Common coursework:
General business majors take classes like:
- accounting
- economics
- finance,
- marketing
- public speaking
But students who want to earn a concentration cover more specific topics, such as human resources management or entrepreneurship.
As a business major, you complete projects, individually and as a group. You also develop your public speaking skills during presentations.
Business programs prepare you to work as a team. They also develop your leadership skills.
Additionally, business programs offer internships and off-campus conferences to further develop leadership qualities.
Above all, you graduate with a business degree ready for nearly any career.
Featured Programs
3. Communications Major
What it offers:
Looking for the most fun majors in college? Communications should be at the top of your list.
“This major is a fit for those who consider themselves media literate and want to study how media shape everyday life” (U.S. News & World Report). In other words, if you like to read, write, and talk, a communication major can broaden your skills.
If you pursue this major, you’ll explore topics in film, journalism, and social media. You’ll also work on your pubic speaking skills.
Ultimately, you will graduate ready for a career in editing, marketing, producing, or TV and film.
Above all, communications is a diverse major with major opportunities for growth and discovery.
Common coursework:
Communications majors start out by taking introductory-level classes. For example, plan on taking:
- Media processes
- Public speaking
- Writing principles
Once the basics are out of the way, plan on taking advanced communications courses. These, for example, include:
- Journalism law
- Media psychology
- Rise of digital culture
You learn how to write for different mediums, from press releases to social media posts. You also complete a capstone or final project. Typically, the final project takes place during your junior or senior year. In some programs, a thesis is required.
In addition to projects, students can choose a concentration that allows them to dig deeper into a study area. Popular concentrations include media studies and public relations.
4. Economics Major
What it offers:
While not known as the most fun majors in college, economics can lead to good careers for undecided students.
If you have an interest in how government policies work or want a career in Washington, DC, economics might be exactly what you’re looking for in a college major.
Economics programs develop critical thinking skills. They also teach you how to think analytically so you’re ready to solve real-world problems.
A degree in economics is well-suited for students who like to think, ponder, and reason.
Graduates pursue careers in:
- education
- government
- law
- politics
Featured Programs
Common coursework:
Economics majors take introductory classes like:
- Calculus
- Econometrics
- Macroeconomics
- Microeconomics
- Statistics
Once the general requirements are completed, plan on taking more advanced courses. These include:
- Game theory
- International trade
- Market design
- Monetary and fiscal policies
- Public finance
Finally, plan to complete a thesis or research paper near the end of your junior or senior year. Your project will cover an area of interest that you’ve researched. It will also give you chance to apply knowledge you gained in class.
5. Education Major
What it offers:
An education major explores human learning. It also focuses on the best methods of teaching.
Since education is a liberal arts degree, it offers different courses from many different disciplines.
As an education major, plan on taking classes like:
- Child psychology
- Curriculum development
- Intro to education
- Philosophy of education
If you start out taking one introductory class, then you will learn if teaching is the best career path. If not, you can still major in education. However, you won’t need teaching credentials unless you want them. Instead you can enjoy a career in business, counseling, or policymaking. The point is that an education major opens doors to many different careers.
A major in education is great for students interested in teaching and mentoring the next generation. But it’s also one of those fun college majors for undecided students.
Common coursework:
Education courses vary by school and program. However, general education classes cover topics like:
- Early childhood education
- Elementary education
- Instruction and curriculum
- Special education
Since education is a humanities major, plan on taking English, literature, and sociology classes. Additionally, if you plan to teach a subject to high school students, you should take classes in the interest area. For example, an aspiring high school biology teacher takes biology and other science courses in college.
Lastly, plan on completing a final project. You also complete a teaching experience in the classroom.
6. English Major
What it offers:
One of the best majors for undecided students is English. This major prepares you with a wide range of skills that are useful in many careers.
As an English major, you study literature. You also work on your writing skills. You learn how to perform a literary analysis and learn how to research.
English majors also work on creative ventures, as programs offer access to publication. If you’ve kept your poetry writing secret or have a first draft of a novel stashed away in your desk, it might be time to dust them off. As an English major, you can workshop your writing and get advice from mentors that will improve your craft.
A major in English can prepare you for jobs as a:
- copywriter
- jounalist
- librarian
- teacher
- technical writer
English majors also go to graduate school, earning a degree in business, law, or library science.
Common coursework:
Broad degrees, such as English, give you the opportunity to take a wide range of classes.
As an English major, you not only take English courses, but also study:
- literature
- humanities
- philosophy
- sociology
Some English programs offer concentrations. For example, you can study British literature, creative writing, or modern literature. You can also take electives that explore topics in filmmaking, graphic novel writing, and screenwriting. The point is that you can broaden your study by taking many different classes.
But if you love to read and write, English is one of the best majors for undecided students.
7. History Major
What it offers:
History degrees can lead to creative jobs in film, law, or research. If you love to think and reason, then history might be a good major.
History majors do more than study the past. You also connect the past to the present. Sure, you study historical events, but you look at how these events changed cultures, beliefs, and the world in which we live.
As a history major, you also develop your leadership and critical thinking skills. These skills are valued by employers.
You can also earn a minor or concentration in an area of interest. Popular history concentrations include:
- African American studies
- Gender studies
- Latin America
- Modern Europe
With a history degree you can go to law school or graduate school. But if you want to go to work, you can pursue jobs as a paralegal, financial analyst, museum curator, writer, and more.
Featured Health Science Programs
Common coursework:
History majors take courses like:
- American history
- European history
- non-Western history
History courses require a high amount of reading and writing. Also, history programs require a foreign language. However, general requirements vary by school and program.
During your final two years as a history major, you will complete a capstone project. Likely, you will write a paper based on your own research. You will also complete a senior seminar.
8. Liberal Studies Major
What it offers:
Considered the best major for undecided students is liberal studies. This major offers broad studies that apply to different careers.
As a liberal studies major, you will take humanities, social science, and other classes. From history to psychology, plan on taking many liberal arts courses.
Popular careers for liberal studies majors include:
- counselors
- journalist
- lawyers
- teachers
Liberal studies also provides an option for students unsure of their career path. In fact, by take many different classes, you can uncover what interests you. Liberal studies is for those who’ve asked the question: What is a good major for someone undecided about their future?
Featured Programs
Common coursework:
Liberal studies majors take courses in history, literature, and math. In fact, you are encouraged to explore topics in:
- creative arts
- humanities
- sciences
- social sciences
Through your exploration, you can choose a concentration area that will further develop your interests. Popular liberal studies concentrations include:
- anthropology
- creative writing
- philosophy
- psychology
- sociology
- theatre
9. Mathematics Major
What it offers:
If you never enjoyed math in high school, then you won’t find it as one of the top majors for undecided students. However, if you enjoy solving puzzles and done well in your high school math courses, consider a math major.
Math majors study pure and applied mathematics. They also learn how numbers and patterns relate.
But to get into a math program, you need strong math skills. However, your high school math classes should have prepared you for this major. But you aren’t expected to know discrete math after two years of algebra.
Math is also a good major if you’re interested in computers. In fact, some math majors earn a minor in computer science.
Math majors go on to work in fields like:
- academia
- biotech
- computer science
- engineering
- finance
Featured Programs
Common coursework:
Math majors don’t only take math classes. You take courses outside of your major, such as art history, English, or sociology. These classes are often required to earn a degree.
But you will spend time in math classes that cover topics like:
- calculus
- geometry
- number theory
Applied math majors also take courses in computer science, economics, and even actuarial science.
10. Public Policy Major
What it offers:
Broad degrees like a public policy degree prepare you for many potential career paths.
Public policy, for instance, helps you improve your leadership and problem-solving skills. These skills are useful in just about any job.
As a public policy major, you learn about policymaking. You also learn how policy relates to other fields.
During your schooling, you take classes, complete projects, and participate in internships or field trips. You can travel to Washington, DC and advocate for policies that are important to you. You can also volunteer your efforts locally.
Public policy opens doors to careers for undecided students. It’s also recognized as one of the most fun majors.
Featured Online Programs
Common coursework:
Public policy majors take courses like:
- Communication
- Data analysis
- Policymaking
- Political science
Your electives can reflect your career goals. Additionally, you can earn a concentration in a focus area that interests you. Popular public policy concentrations include bioethics, education, and health policy.
Remember to Take Your Time
Most college graduates agree that their degree was a good investment. However, over half wish they’d picked a different major.
As you start your college career, remember to take your time. You don’t need to decide on the best major today. There’s plenty of time.
However, begin thinking about what interests you. While one major may lead to money, another major may bring more personal satisfaction. The point is that you don’t need to decide now or even during the first two years of college. In the meantime, take intro classes and find out more about yourself before choosing a major.
Related Resources:
- 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in English Degrees
- Top 30 Affordable Bachelor’s in Business Administration (BBA) Online
- 30 Most Affordable Bachelor’s in Communications Degrees Online: Small Private Colleges
- Top 15 Bachelor’s in Economics Online
- 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education or Early Childhood Education from Private Colleges
- 15 Creative Jobs for History Majors