How to Choose a College Major: A Practical Guide for Students Who Aren’t Sure Yet

Student concerned about choosing a major.

If your student doesn’t know what to major in, you’re not alone—not even close. Each year, thousands of high-achieving, motivated students head to college without a clear academic direction. And guess what? Colleges expect it.

In fact, many schools prefer students to explore before choosing a major. Most don’t require a formal declaration until the end of sophomore year, giving students time to discover their interests, strengths, and long-term goals.

So take a breath—your student doesn’t need their entire career figured out at 17. Here’s how families can confidently navigate the major-selection process without stress.

Why It’s Okay Not to Know Your Major Yet

Choosing a major can feel like choosing a future—but the reality is far more flexible:

• Most college students change their major at least once.

• Many careers don’t require a specific major at all.

• General education requirements allow students to explore before committing.

• Colleges know that genuine interests take time to develop.

This is especially true at universities that deliberately encourage exploration before requiring a declaration.

Tips for Choosing a Major (When You’re Not Sure What You Want)

1. Start with Strengths, Not Just Interests

Students often feel pressured to have a passion—but strengths matter even more.

Ask questions like:

• What school subjects come naturally?

• What kinds of tasks feel energizing?

• What skills do teachers or coaches praise?

Example: A student who enjoys science but excels in writing and communication might thrive in Public Health, Environmental Policy, or Science Communication—not just Biology or Chemistry.

2. Explore Intro Courses in Different Fields

First-year schedules often include general education classes that double as major exploration.

Encourage students to take:

• An intro to psychology

• A communications or journalism course

• A business fundamentals class

• A programming or data science sampler

• A course in sociology or anthropology

Real scenario: A student takes “Intro to Programming” on a whim and discovers they love logic and problem-solving—leading them toward data analytics or computer science.

3. Look into Exploratory or Undecided Pathways

Many universities now offer structured exploratory programs designed for students who aren’t ready to choose a major. These programs include advising, career assessments, and curated introductory courses.

Popular Schools With Exploratory Programs

• University of Michigan – “Michigan Learning Communities” and “Exploratory Advising”

• University of Delaware – University Studies Program

• Indiana University Bloomington – Exploratory students start in University Division

• Ohio State University – Exploration Program

• North Carolina State University – Exploratory Studies Program

• Northeastern University – Explore Program

• Purdue University– Exploratory Studies Program

• NC State –Exploratory Studies Program

These programs normalize being undecided and provide structured pathways toward discovering the right fit.

4. Don’t Choose Based on Job Titles—Choose Based on Skills

Students often choose a major because they think it leads to a guaranteed job. But many fields accept a variety of backgrounds.

Example: You don’t need a business degree to work in marketing. You could major in:

• Communications

• Psychology

• Graphic Design

• English

• Digital Media

Most careers value skills like writing, analysis, collaboration, leadership, coding, creativity, or problem-solving—not a single specific major.

5. Try Job Shadowing, Internships, or Informational Interviews

Hands-on experiences give students a realistic look at possible careers.

Encourage them to:

• Shadow a nurse, engineer, teacher, or accountant

• Talk to family friends about what they actually do at work

• Join career-related clubs in high school

• Attend summer or weekend workshops

Students often discover that what they imagined a job would look like… isn’t what it actually is. That’s a great thing to learn early.

6. Remember: Your Major Doesn’t Lock in Your Future

Very few people end up in careers that directly match their major.

A psychology major may become:

• A UX researcher

• A business consultant

• A human resources specialist

An English major may become:

• A lawyer

• A project manager

• A communications director

A biology major may pursue:

• Research

• Healthcare administration

• Biotechnology sales

Majors open doors—they don’t close them.

Colleges That Don’t Require a Major Until Sophomore Year

Many universities encourage academic exploration and don’t require students to declare a major until the end of sophomore year, including:

• Penn State University

• University of Michigan

• University of Delaware

• Indiana University

• Ohio State University

• University of South Carolina

• Auburn University

• James Madison University

• Appalachian State University

• University of Tennessee

• Clemson University

This gives students time to experiment academically before narrowing their path.

Final Thoughts: Exploration Is a Strength, Not a Weakness

If your student is feeling overwhelmed about choosing a major, remind them:

• They don’t need all the answers now.

• Exploration leads to clarity.

• Colleges are designed to help students discover their direction.

• The “right major” is one that fits who they are—not who they feel they should be.

Encourage them to stay curious, try new courses, and reflect on their strengths. The right path often becomes clear through experience, not pressure.