6 Tips for Choosing an Online Major
Posted: July 12, 2024 | Author: Madelyn Bushman | Read Time: 4 minutes
Choosing a major in college is a significant decision; one that often comes with its fair share of stress and uncertainty. This decision can shape your academic path, career path and personal development. But don’t worry! While the decision might seem daunting, there are practical strategies to help alleviate the stress and make this process smoother.
“You don’t have to have it all figured out,” said MAcc alumna Shemree Naegel. “There is a lot of pressure, when it comes to starting college, on what you want to major in and what you want to do as a career. But don’t let the pressure stop you from attending school. You’ll find your path, you just have to start.”
There are indeed fewer online degree programs offered by SUU than on-campus degree programs. However, because the convenience and accessibility of online programs are hard to beat, the university provides some of the most in-demand degree programs virtually.
Whichever options you are considering, here are 6 tips to help alleviate the stress and pressure of the big decision.
1. Talk to People
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, academic advisors, career counselors and professionals in different industries. Hearing about their experiences and insights can offer valuable perspectives and help you make an informed decision.
SUU’s Career Center offers workshops, career assessments and other tools to help students determine the best path for their college and career interests. Schedule an appointment via Zoom to talk with a career counselor.
2. Utilize Resources
The SUU course catalog is a great resource to explore all the majors, minors, and certificates available at SUU and browse the requirements for each major.
Additionally, the SUU program finder is another great resource that filters SUU’s undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs by college, degree type, and delivery method (online, on-campus, hybrid). This resource also leads you to each program's website for more information, if you wish to learn more about that program.
SUU’s YouTube channel has a collection of Major Decisions videos that provide an introduction to several majors available at SUU.
3. Research Career Paths
While your major doesn’t always determine your career, it’s essential to explore the typical career paths associated with different fields of study. Look into job outlooks, salary prospects, and potential opportunities for growth in your areas of interest.
It’s important to make sure that the major is a field that you are genuinely interested in, and not the lifestyle. Often, students are drawn to careers based on the lifestyle they associate with them (such as law and medical careers) while overlooking the day-to-day realities and responsibilities that come with these careers.
Realities like 24-hour shifts, 100-hour work weeks or the stressful, constant crisis mode of the industry are things to consider. Make sure you are truly interested in the work and helping the people/organizations you would serve with the job, not just the lifestyle.
4. Take General Education courses
By taking GE courses, you may get a better feel for areas that interest you or skill sets where you excel. Whether that is math, business, English, communication, etc. GE courses not only fulfill degree requirements, but these courses will also provide you with invaluable hard and soft skills that are needed in every profession.
5. Evaluate your Skills
Take note of your skills and strengths. What are you naturally good at? What skills do you want to develop further?
Choose a major that leverages your strengths while allowing room for growth. That way your academic journey can become more fulfilling.
6. Keep an open mind
Be open to change and adaptation. Don’t be surprised if some of your strengths are sought-after traits in industries you may not have expected. It’s okay if your interests evolve over time or if you switch majors along the way. Most people do - multiple times. Your college experience is about exploration and growth, and sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the most rewarding outcomes.
Choosing a major is a significant decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Don’t let the pressure of choosing a major weigh you down. It’s okay if you don’t have it all figured out. Stay positive and trust that you’ll find the path that’s right for you. Remember that your college experience is a journey of discovery, and choosing a major is just one step along the way.
Tags: Prospective Students Student Life SUU Online
