What should I major in? Quiz and tips to help you choose

December 10, 2024 · 7 min read · By ASU Online

Going to college but not sure what to major in? Our degree exploration quiz coupled with our expert advice may help you find the right degree.

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With hundreds of bachelor’s degrees out there to choose from — ASU Online alone offers more than 175 — deciding on a major may seem overwhelming. But we have lots of great resources to help you choose the right program for you. Read on for advice from our academic advisors and more as we help guide you through this important process.

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Consider your current interests and favorite subjects

When choosing your major, it’s important to do a little soul searching. School is an investment of time, effort and money, and it helps to study something that you’re passionate about.

  • What do you enjoy learning about in your free time through books, podcasts or social media?
  • Are there specific topics that really ignite your imagination?
  • When was the last time you learned something that you immediately wanted to tell others?
  • Are there causes that you dedicate time or money to supporting?

Making a list of your interests, values and goals are an important first step in choosing a major.

Veronica Barrera, an academic success advisor for ASU Online, recommends actively seeking out listings for your dream job. “When my students are unsure about what to major in, I always recommend taking a look at what career(s) they might want and to take a look at current job postings,” she said. “It sounds strange to start looking at job postings when you don't even have a degree yet, but a job posting can be like a roadmap to your dream job. Job postings tell you all the important information such as what degree you need, how much experience you need, what niche experience or education would be helpful and what the expectations are. Future you will thank you for looking ahead!”

If you’re not sure where to start, look at career postings for companies you would like to work for. Going to the hiring websites for Pixar, Google, Apple or other high-profile companies can give you a good idea of what skills you need to achieve your dream career.

ASU Online offers other resources to help students. “I always recommend my students create a Handshake account and lean on the career services team for help,” said Barrera. “I recommend students check out the career exploration tools available through career services for additional resources on helping to choose a major or unsure if they need a minor.”

The 10 most popular majors at ASU Online

Seeking inspiration on what major to choose? Get the details on the 10 most popular bachelor’s degrees at ASU Online for academic year 2024.

Top 10

Prepare for in-demand careers

When considering your major, you could consider what jobs are projected to be in demand in the coming years. Below are the 10 jobs the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) projects to have the most employment growth over the next decade and degrees that could prepare you for the roles. Note, some of these positions may require advanced education, on-the-job training and/or years of industry experience.

For reference, the average employment growth projected for all occupations from 2023-2033 is 4%, and the median annual wage for all occupations in 2023 was $48,060.

1. Wind turbine technicians

2. Solar photovoltaic installers

  • 48% - Projected employment growth from 2023-2033
  • $48,800 - Median annual wage in 2023
  • The BLS reports that installers typically only need a high school diploma, but some take relevant courses or earn certificates at a technical school or community college.

3. Nurse practitioners

4. Data scientists

5. Information security analysts

6. Medical and health services managers

7. Physician assistants

8. Computer and information research scientists

9. Physical therapist assistants

10. Operations research analysts

 

Explore your interests as an undecided student

Barrera encourages undecided students to dig deep into the ASU Online community. “If you are still trying to decide on a major within your first few semesters in college, I highly recommend joining clubs and organizations, or at least sitting in, to network with others. Networking is often overlooked as a pathway to a great career. Getting insight into what others are doing when working towards their future goals can be very helpful in figuring out your own future.”

For students who are undecided or seeking a better understanding of potential academic paths, ASU Online offers four exploratory degree tracks. These tracks — humanities, health and life sciences, math and physical sciences, and social and behavioral sciences — provide you with a broad framework to explore various fields while fulfilling their general studies requirements.

Each exploratory track is designed to help you find your academic and professional direction within three semesters, culminating in declaring a major after completing 45 credit hours. With specialized courses and personalized academic advising, ASU Online’s exploratory degree tracks offer guidance and flexibility, ensuring you feel confident about your major choice and career path. This approach allows you to invest time and resources wisely while exploring potential career paths aligned with their interests.

Health and life sciences

  • In the health and life sciences degree track, you’ll explore majors that lead to careers in fields such as medicine, biological sciences, environmental science and public health. This track prepares you for impactful science careers on both local and global scales, and offers a strong foundation in health-related disciplines.

Humanities, fine arts and design

  • In the humanities, fine arts and design degree track, you’ll explore various topics such as design, architecture, history, language studies and English, learning more about careers in the arts and humanities. This track is ideal for students with a passion for creative and cultural fields.

Math, physical sciences, engineering and technology

  • In the math, physical sciences, engineering and technology degree track, you’ll learn about topics in STEM. Careers that may result from this track include those in computer science, Earth and space exploration, physics, applied mathematics and aerospace. While in this exploratory track, you’ll fulfill your general studies requirements with an emphasis in mathematics to ensure you’re on track when you select your future degree.

Social and behavioral sciences

  • Careers that may result from the social and behavioral sciences degree track include those relating to business, anthropology, criminology, politics, journalism and finance. This exploratory track could be a great fit if you’re interested in topics such as public affairs, business management or psychology.

How you choose your major is not as important as choosing a major that reflects your interests, goals and values. ASU Online has online tools and helpful resources to ensure that you make the right choice for you.

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