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Choosing a college major is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your academic journey. It can feel like a monumental task, but this can also be a fun and exciting time, as you look ahead to planning your future. So allow yourself some time, and give yourself the grace to make mistakes too. The average student changes their major three times! So if you find yourself unsure about your path, just know that you are in good company!

At ScholarshipOwl, we’re all about empowering you with the tools and information you need to make smart choices for your education and your future. In this blog, we will share everything you need to determine the path that’s best-fit for you – a path that aligns with who you are, what you love, where you want to go, and what will sustain you financially. So, let’s dive into some practical strategies for selecting a major that truly fits you, while also keeping an eye on the fast-changing world ahead.

What do you enjoy?

Young red-haired student enjoying a sunny day outdoors, pondering her college major while holding a notebook and pencil

Spend some time reflecting on what genuinely excites you. Ideally, your major should relate to what you enjoy doing, how you like to spend your time, and what topics you would like to investigate further.

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  • What do you love to learn about?

Is it the mysteries of the universe, the intricacies of human behavior, the beauty of art, or how technology works?

  • What activities make you lose track of time?

Whether it’s writing stories, solving puzzles, building things, helping others, or creating music, these are clues to your innate interests.

  • What problems do you care about solving?

Maybe you’re passionate about environmental issues, social justice, or improving healthcare. Your values can point you toward meaningful fields.

Your major doesn’t have to be your only passion, but it should definitely be in an area you’re eager to explore and learn more about. When you study something you genuinely enjoy, you’ll be more motivated, more engaged, and ultimately, more successful.

What are your natural skills and abilities?

Student lying on bed with smartphone while exploring his natural talents for his college major

Think about your academic performance, but don’t just focus on grades. What subjects come most naturally to you? Where do you feel confident and capable?

  • Are you a natural in math and science?

Perhaps engineering, computer science, or a health-related field could be a great fit.

  • Do you excel in writing, reading, and communication?

Consider humanities, journalism, law, or marketing.

  • Are you a problem-solver who loves logical challenges?

Business, economics, or even philosophy might appeal.

  • Are you hands-on and enjoy creating or performing?

Explore design, architecture, performing professions, or vocational programs.

By focusing on a major that enables your inherent talents to shine, you’ll find that you are more successful in your coursework, and you’ll also position yourself to be better able to handle additional challenges so that your skills and talents can be further developed.

Why not choose a college major that makes a career out of your passion?

Sneaker shoes and arrows pointing in different directions on asphalt ground representing students choosing their college major

By choosing a major that supports your future career goals, you’ll create a path that makes sense to you as well as to future employers. You’ll also acquire the foundational knowledge and skills needed for specific professions, and be able to set yourself up for internships and early-career roles.

  • Research careers that intrigue you

What does a typical day look like for someone in that job? What skills are required? What are the entry-level requirements? The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook can be a good resource.

  • Think about the lifestyle you desire

Do you want a high-paced corporate environment, a creative studio, a research lab, or something else entirely?

  • Consider informational interviews

Talk to people working in fields that interest you. Ask them about their college major, their career journey, and what they love (and don’t love) about their work. Tap into your LinkedIn network, or build your network further so that you are connected to people working in your field of interest. Reach out to them on LinkedIn and ask if they would be willing to spend a few minutes with you in a virtual or in-person informational interview. Another source for this would be joining a local chapter of a professional networking group in the field you are targeting. You can attend in-person events and chat-up other attendees.

Focus on careers that can sustain you financially

Male nurse, surgeon or doctor with tablet and 5g network medical research, information technology or answer online consultation with medical insurance. Healthcare college major, portrait and smile of man using app

While passion and aptitude are  important, it’s also crucial to consider the financial viability of your chosen path. Your career isn’t just about what you do; it’s also about building a life that enables you to comfortably pay your bills as well as save for important milestones so you can secure your financial future. And if you are taking out student loans to help you pay for college, your future career will also need to provide enough income to manage those loans along with all of your other expenses.

  • Choose a career that enables you to cover your essentials

Will your expected income allow you to afford housing, food, transportation, and other daily necessities without constant stress? It’s great to be able to find a career that you love, but if you can’t pay your bills, you’ll quickly find that you end up choosing a job in a completely different field just to be able to get by.

  • Saving for your future

A career that offers strong earning potential and growth opportunities will give you the freedom to achieve the milestones that you might have in mind for yourself, such as one day owning a home, perhaps starting a family, traveling, and retiring with dignity. Not all careers give you the financial ability to sustain you long-term, so if these goals are important to you, you’ll want to pursue a path that makes these milestones possible.

  • Managing debt, including student loans

While no one plans on getting into debt, all of us do end up having debt at some point, whether that be credit cards, a car loan, a mortgage loan, etc. And if you are taking out student loans to afford college, that means you’ll graduate with debt before you have even got your first post-degree job. To be able to manage your future debt, choosing a career with a reasonable salary outlook is even more critical. You want to ensure your future income can support your debt without derailing your financial progress.

  • Job security

In addition to a good salary, consider how stable the career path is. Is it an industry with consistent growth, or is it highly susceptible to economic downturns, automation, and off-shore labor? If you aren’t sure, it’s worth taking some time to investigate this further for the career(s) you are considering.

Balancing your passions with practical financial considerations is key to long-term satisfaction and security.

Choose a college major that can lead to an in-demand career in the age of AI

Typing on laptop closeup representing someone choosing a technology or AI college major

Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are rapidly reshaping our world, and with it, the job market. Although we are just at the beginning of this paradigm shift, there are already trends emerging for careers that will be highly sought after in the years ahead. By choosing a major and career path that future-proofs your skills, you’ll be better able to set yourself up for long-term success. Note that many of these roles blend technical expertise with distinctly human skills. This combination will help ensure that you aren’t replaced by technology down the line.

  • AI and Machine Learning Engineers/Scientists

If you love coding, complex algorithms, and data, a major in computer science, data science, or a specialized AI program could lead you here.

  • Data Scientists/Analysts / Business Intelligence Analysts

Professionals who can collect, clean, analyze, and interpret large datasets to extract insights will be invaluable across every industry. Statistics, mathematics, and computer science are strong majors for this career path. Majoring in business administration with a minor in one of these areas is another option if you are interested in a career in business intelligence (BI), Business Intelligence Analysts process vast amounts of company data to identify trends, predict outcomes, and inform strategic decisions.

  • Digital Marketing Professionals

AI is revolutionizing marketing by enabling hyper-personalization, predictive analytics for customer behavior, and automated content generation. Marketers who can leverage AI tools for campaign optimization, SEO, and targeted advertising will be highly sought after. Majoring in business administration or marketing and minoring in computer science or statistics would provide a strong foundation for this field.

  • Cybersecurity Specialists

As more of our lives move online and AI systems become prevalent, protecting data and networks from threats is paramount. A major in cybersecurity or computer science with a security focus will be in high demand.

  • Robotics Engineers

If you are interested in designing, building, and maintaining robotic systems, a career in robotic engineering might be right for you. You’ll be at the forefront of creating the automation companies rely on going forward. Get started by majoring in mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering.

  • HR Analytics Specialist / People Scientist

AI is transforming Human Resources by optimizing recruitment, employee engagement, and talent development. These roles use AI to analyze HR data to make data-driven decisions about workforce planning and employee experience. Majoring in human resources and taking a concentration of courses or a minor relevant to data science / analysis would be ideal for a long-term career in HR.

  • Urban Planners

AI is crucial for developing “smart cities” by optimizing traffic flow, managing resources, and predicting urban growth patterns. Planners who can utilize AI tools for data analysis, simulation, and sustainable development will be in demand. Majoring or minoring in geography, economics, environmental studies, and/or architecture can provide a good foundation for a career in urban planning.

  • Computational Social Scientist / Behavioral Data Scientist

These professionals apply computational methods, including AI and machine learning, to study human behavior, social structures, and complex social issues. They might analyze large datasets from social media, surveys, or demographic information to understand trends, predict social outcomes, or inform public policy. A background in sociology, psychology, economics, or political science combined with strong data skills is ideal.

  • Healthcare Professionals

While AI can assist with diagnostics and administration, the human touch in nursing, therapy, and direct patient care remains irreplaceable. Combining a health major with a minor in health informatics or data science would be a powerful combination for those interested in healthcare careers.

  • Creative Professionals

Writers, artists, and designers who can use AI tools to enhance their creativity, streamline processes, and generate new ideas will thrive. Think of AI as a powerful assistant, not a replacement for human ingenuity. Strong majors for creative professionals would include graphic design, audio engineering, recording arts, mass communications / broadcast, journalism, communications, or public relations.

The key takeaway here is to consider how technology skills will not only complement your chosen field, but how these skills might actually be crucial for a sustainable career as technology advances further. Critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, adaptability, and strong communication skills are universally valuable no matter what career you choose.

Salary outlook for in-demand professions

Three smiling students looking at information board, holding books and digital tablet

To give you a clearer picture of the financial potential in these growing fields, here are some average early-career salary ranges (0-2 years experience) and mid-career salary ranges (3-7 years experience). Remember, these are national averages and can vary based on location, company size, experience, and specific responsibilities.

Job Title

Early-Career Salary

Mid-Career Salary

Tech & AI Fields
AI Engineer $95,000 – $125,000 $135,000 – $180,000
Machine Learning Engineer $98,000 – $133,000 $122,000 – $169,000
Data Scientist $90,000 – $120,000 $120,000 – $166,000
Cybersecurity Specialist $80,000 – $110,000 $105,000 – $155,000
Robotics Engineer $90,000 – $115,000 $110,000 – $150,000
Prompt Engineer $63,000 – $95,000 $90,000 – $136,000

Healthcare Professions
Registered Nurse (RN) $60,000 – $85,000 $70,000 – $110,000
Physical Therapist $75,000 – $95,000 $90,000 – $115,000
Health Data Analyst $65,000 – $90,000 $85,000 – $120,000

Business & Finance
Financial Analyst $60,000 – $80,000 $80,000 – $110,000
Digital Marketing Manager $65,000 – $95,000 $90,000 – $130,000
Business Analyst $60,000 – $85,000 $80,000 – $115,000

Creative & Design
UX/UI Designer $60,000 – $85,000 $85,000 – $115,000
Digital Content Creator $55,000 – $80,000 $80,000 – $120,000
Motion Designer $50,000 – $75,000 $70,000 – $110,000

Social Sciences
HR Specialist $50,000 – $70,000 $70,000 – $95,000
Urban Planner $55,000 – $75,000 $70,000 – $100,000
Mkt Research Analyst $50,000 – $70,000 $65,000 – $95,000

Please note: These figures are compiled from various industry reports and salary aggregators (like Glassdoor, Coursera, ZipRecruiter, CareerExplorer, Built In) for 2024-2025 projections. Actual salaries can vary significantly based on specific industry, company, location, education level, and individual skills.

What if I still don’t know what to major in?

Advisor helping student choose her college major

If you are still weighing your options, that’s okay! Give yourself some time to make a decision, but don’t sit idly by. Instead, take some practical steps that will lead you to making the decision that is right for you.

Start at a community college

A community college is an ideal place to begin your college journey if you haven’t determined your major or career path. Community colleges offer low-cost or even free tuition, enabling you to enroll in introductory courses in a few different subjects during your first year. You can choose from classes that will enable you to earn general education credits while also offering the opportunity to explore different majors to see what subjects really spark your interest.

Talk with faculty and academic advisors

Whether you are starting at a community college or four-year university, make sure you spend time meeting with your academic advisor as well as faculty for the major(s) that interest you. You’ll find a wealth of knowledge about different majors, career paths, and internship opportunities. Academic advisors also have access to career assessments, skill assessments and interest inventory assessments that can help you hone-in on an initial direction.

Get some work experience to help point you in the right direction

Hands-on experience in field(s) you are considering is invaluable. So look for paid or unpaid opportunities to get some experience. You’ll be able to start building your network as well as test-out a career or industry that you’re considering.

Connect with peers who share similar interests

Join student clubs and professional organizations. You’ll meet other students who have skills and interests like yours, and you’ll be able to tap-in to their network as you continue exploring career paths. You might even discover a relevant major that you haven’t yet considered.

Be ready to adapt and change

Flexibility and adaptability are key skills for any career you might have in mind. So put those skills into practice while exploring your options. Remember, many students change their major multiple times. It’s part of the discovery process. And its far better to be willing to change your plan if it doesn’t feel right rather than sticking with a major that you know in your heart doesn’t resonate with you.

Should I go to college if I haven’t yet decided on my major?

Black female student taking notes during a class in lecture hall

If you haven’t yet decided on your major, you can still go to college. You can focus on general education classes during your first two years of college, giving you more time to make your decision. While some students do take a gap year if they are undecided, that can sometimes compound the problem:

  • Students who take a “gap year” are less likely to go to college the following year than you might think. Sometimes taking time off from your education results in less motivation to continue your education in the future.
  • A gap year also often delays the career exploration process, essentially kicking the can down the road. What often happens during a gap year is that a student obtains a job in a local restaurant or store, rather than proactively looking at career options. A college setting is an ideal environment to consider multiple paths since you can enroll in general education classes that relate to different majors.
  • It’s also important to remember that not all careers require a bachelor’s degree. There are many careers that can start with an associate degree or vocational certificate that you can earn from a community college or trade school.

I don’t want the cost of college to inhibit me from taking time to explore my options

Female high school students walking after lecture

A lot of students worry about the cost of college – and sometimes that anxiety can add further pressure when you aren’t sure what career path to pursue. Students sometimes worry that once they enroll in college, they will then be forced to push through to complete their degree in four years.

While it would be ideal if it would take four years to complete your degree, sometimes students do need more time – perhaps they have work or family responsibilities, or perhaps they just aren’t ready to go to college full-time.

Whatever your situation, it is possible for you to have an affordable path to college:

  • To conserve costs while undecided, start at a community college so that you take the time you need to explore your options. Then transfer with confidence to a university that offers your newly-chosen major to complete your bachelor’s degree. Bonus: A community college offers you the most affordable path to earning your degree!
  • Prioritize applying for scholarships with ScholarshipOwl. Apply for scholarships all summer long, and throughout the school year.
  • Work part-time during the school year and full-time during breaks – by working, you’ll not only be better able to afford college; you’ll also learn more about your interests and skills in support of your exploration process.
  • Submit the FAFSA every year for every year that you’ll be in college, beginning in your senior year of high school, and continuing to submit it annually until you complete your college education.
  • Avoid taking out student loans, especially while you are not sure of your career plans – use debt-free sources instead.

Key Takeaways

Choosing a major is a significant step, but remember, it’s just one part of your incredible journey. Focus on self-discovery, lean into your strengths, consider the financial realities, and keep an open mind to the exciting possibilities the future holds. Always choose the most affordable path to college that you can, and choose the education that makes the most sense for your career choice, whether that be a four-year degree, associate degree, or vocational certificate. For further information, and to start applying for scholarships, visit www.scholarshipowl.com.