Guidelines for Choosing a Major
Choosing a major is not always easy. Choosing a major is NOT the same thing as choosing a career.
Don't feel that you have to make a decision about how you will spend the rest of your life. Instead, realize that you are making one of many decisions you will make, as you move along your path toward a meaningful career.
- Meet with a career counselor who can help you explore your interests, values, strengths, possible majors and careers.
Explore your interests and skills
- Do you prefer to work with data, people, or things?
- Define the skills and strengths you would prefer to use on a daily basis.
- Discuss your interests and skills with a career counselor.
- Take an assessment which can help you choose a major and assess occupations.
Explore your values
- What motivates you more: an enjoyable career or a high-income, stressful career?
- Take this ethical and civic responsibility self-assessment.
Identify and research majors most related to your interests, skills, and values
- Find out more about SDSU colleges and majors.
- Talk to other students in the majors you are considering.
- Take an introductory course in majors of interest.
Explore majors and career options
- What Can I Do With This Major? provides information regarding majors, careers and employers.
- Attend career fairs to learn about careers options and requirements.
- Network at events and career panels to learn from professionals.
- Obtain internships to gain experience and evaluate options.