What major should I choose? Take our career match test

Choosing a major is crucial for achieving your career goals and securing your future. However, let's expand on the traditional view and consider it a decision beyond just earning a degree—it's about self-fulfillment.

The right major aligns with your interests, motivation, and skills.¹

So, how can you find a major that resonates with your motivations? It begins with deep self-reflection and asking, "What drives me?"

Marlee's career test will guide you through this process. It provides research-backed insights and the reassurance you need to make an informed decision.

Three steps to find your dream major

Step 1: Tell us what motivates you

The more questions you answer on your work style, the more accurate Marlee's feedback and coaching will be. Our free test examines 48 distinct motivations that drive your work style.

After taking the 15-20-minute test, you'll receive a detailed report of your unique motivations. 

Step 2: Gain insights about yourself and your ideal career

Ask Marlee questions like 'Would I make a great product manager?' or 'What industries am I suited to?'

Marlee will deliver instant, razor-sharp insights based on your motivations.

Marlee also assesses and ranks your strengths against industry benchmarks for career success. This helps you know your capabilities to find appropriate opportunities in different fields.

Step 3: Set a goal and start AI coaching

Set a career goal, and Marlee will recommend an online coaching program to help you achieve it. Marlee will keep you on track with twice-weekly AI coaching at a time that suits you.

Start the test now

Top majors

Most students focus on their major when applying to colleges but can also pursue a minor or certificate.

A minor is a secondary subject that complements or differs from the major, offering an opportunity to delve deeper into a specific topic.

Based on reports from the U.S. Department of Education, 30% of students change majors or add minors at least once.

That said, here's an overview of popular college majors and the fields you can explore within them:

STEM

STEM comprises science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and offers many lucrative career opportunities. In-demand STEM jobs include data scientists, statisticians, web developers, software developers, civil engineers, healthcare professionals, environmental scientists, and research scientists.

Common majors include:

• Math
• Computer Science
• Physics
• Biology
• Engineering
• Chemistry
• Astronomy
• Information Technology
• Data Science and Analytics
• Environmental Science

Health and medicine

Healthcare offers many in-demand career paths, such as physical therapy, nursing, medicine, and dentistry. Students must major in relevant subjects and build a strong foundation before attending medical school.

Common majors include:

• Nursing
• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Public Health
• Physical Therapy
• Public Health
• Premedical Studies
• Healthcare Administration
• Nutritional Science

Humanities and social sciences

Many students take introductory or elective courses in humanities and social sciences, but some choose them as majors. Career paths include curator, archivist, educator, historian, and public relations specialist.

Common majors include:

• Psychology
• Philosophy
• Political Science
• Languages
• History
• Sociology
• Anthropology

Business and economics

Business students commonly pursue general or specialized degrees. Career paths include financial analyst, business analyst, project manager, entrepreneur, market research analyst, and investment banker.

Common majors include:

• Accounting
• Marketing
• Economics
• Finance
• International Business
• Business Administration and Management
• Human Resources
• Logistics and Supply Chain
• Management Information Systems

Arts and communication

Potential career paths include journalism, brand strategist, writer, marketing, teacher, fashion designer, art director, and sales or marketing executive.

Common majors include:

• Graphic Design
• Journalism
• Communication Studies
• Fine Arts
• Digital Marketing
• Interior Design
• Cinematography
• Creative Writing
• Visual and Performing Arts
• Digital Media

Education

Education-related majors prepare individuals for careers as educators. Career paths for education majors include K-12 teachers, educational administrators, school counselors, instructional coordinators, technical writers, career counselors, and academic advisors.

Common majors include:

• K-12 Education
• Physical Education
• Special Education
• Education Technology
• Education Administration
• Curriculum and Design
• Educational Leadership

How successful professionals chose their majors

Carlos Carrazana

Carlos Carrazana used his MBA skills to make a meaningful impact as the executive vice president and chief operating officer of Save the Children. He transitioned from a career in banking to pursue his passion for non-profit work, demonstrating the influence of motivation and a suitable major choice.

Sir David Attenborough

David Attenborough's passion for natural history began during childhood. This passion evolved into a career with his degree in natural sciences. He became a pioneer in understanding the natural world and gained widespread respect. His journey showcases the transformation of passion into a thriving profession.

Tom Ford

Tom Ford went through several changes before finding his passion for fashion. After dropping out of a History of Arts program and later an architecture degree, he succeeded in fashion design. Starting as a design assistant, he worked his way up with well-known brands like Gucci and YSL. His journey proves that success comes from commitment to your passions.

Expert tips for selecting the perfect major for you

Your major influences the industries, work environments, professional values, and roles you encounter.² Here are five factors to consider when selecting the perfect major:

Motivation and passion

Self-reflection is essential to identify what interests and motivates you. Consider your hobbies, interests, and anything that drives your academic journey. Understanding your passions, skills, and future goals will be a compass to fulfillment and success.

Skills and strengths

Consider your strengths and areas for improvement to know how you align with different majors. Consider the skills you want to develop and which field will help you achieve this.

Career goals and job prospects

Research majors that align with your interests, skills, and career goals. Focus on each major's core curriculum, elective options, and prerequisites. Research employment rates, specialization opportunities, work-life balance, and the industry's future.

Financial considerations

Consider the earning potential of your career paths. Learn the average stipend, study cost, scholarships, work-study arrangements, and ROI. You can also apply for an inexpensive online master's degree. It offers the same learning opportunity but with lower overhead costs.

Future trends

Stay updated on job market trends. Industry reports or regional and international job market forecasts provide information about each major's current demands and post-graduation employability.

Exploring potential majors

Gain an understanding of each major and align your major with long-term career goals to ensure success.

Here are some strategies to explore potential majors:

• Talk to people: Discuss with advisors or working professionals. You can also access videos, worksheets, and resources for undergraduate students.
• Browse online platforms: Check university websites for course details and requirements. Explore social media to understand the quality of student life and opportunities.
• Use career services: Check out alums' testimonials about different majors, attend sessions, or take tests to identify career options offered by on-campus career counselors.
• Practical approach: Get involved in the activities of different majors. Join a club or student organization, shadow someone in the field, and do volunteer work or internships related to the major.

Common mistakes to watch for

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when choosing your major:

1. Avoid picking your major under pressure.
2. Explore all the options before making your final selection.
3. Don't choose a major because someone is coaxing you.
4. Don't pick a major solely because it offers bright career prospects.
5. Avoid taking on too many majors at once.
6. Don't let the major dictate your life. If something isn't right, embrace change to invite better opportunities.

Overcoming indecision: What to do if you're unsure

If you're having trouble choosing a major, you're not alone. Selecting a career path requires careful thought.

Common indicators of indecision are persistent doubt, procrastination with career-related tasks, feeling overwhelmed by choices, and future-related anxiety.

Several resources are available to help you determine what to study: academic advisors, assessment technologies like Marlee, career counseling, subscribing to educational or career podcasts, attending major or career fairs, or talking to on-campus mentors.

Benefits of an undecided major

While indecision is natural, you can prepare yourself by applying to colleges as an undeclared or undecided major.³

This enables you to start your degree without committing to a specific program. An undeclared major allows you to:

• Identify other interests: Explore other subjects and earn course credits.
• Avoid taking unwanted classes: No commitments to classes that don't align with your ideal career path.
• Improve your GPA (or academic performance): Earn a higher GPA by choosing subjects you're good at.
• Diversify your skill set: Take different classes, learn new skills, and gain knowledge that expands your horizons.
• Less stress and pressure: It eases the pressure by allowing you to keep your options open.

General education courses

General education courses encourage learning and how to identify solutions to different problems. Here's how general education courses help you explore different fields:

• Variety of subjects:

Studying psychology, literature, art, politics, sociology, biology, and physics develops broad interests and may reveal connections among other fields of study.

• Dynamic thinking and problem-solving:

Overcoming challenges in different subjects teaches you new ways to find solutions. Every field requires a unique perspective and problem-solving.

• Adaptability:

Knowledge of different subjects makes you a flexible candidate. The wide range of information in these courses prepares you to advance in a fast-paced job environment.

• Building a network:

Many students take general education courses, which expose them to other students from different majors. This leads to knowledge exchange and builds a sense of community.

• Continuous learning:

Your brain's ability to juggle many subjects simultaneously creates a good habit of continuous learning.

• Knowledge application:

The courses include case studies and projects to help you apply what you have learned in real-life situations.

Beyond the major: Building a successful college experience

A great college experience boosts well-being and offers college students plenty of interesting opportunities, including:

• Extracurricular activities, part-time work, and internships.

Practice your skills, meet new people, explore your passions, and build a solid foundation for your future career path. Experience the job market beyond your lessons and exams.

• Minors and certificates

Change, add, or delete majors, minors, or certificates to broaden your academic expertise. Combining your major with a minor certificate can enhance your knowledge in a specific area.

• Transferable soft skills

Good communication, effective leadership, planning, management, teamwork, research, and interpersonal skills expand career opportunities and impress potential employers. Online platforms like Marlee AI coaching, 360Learning, Skillsoft, and Tovuti use AI to provide the appropriate approach for career choices.

• Building relationships through networking

Connecting with alumni, attending events, and engaging with professors and industry professionals are important ways to expand your network.

Choosing the right major for a successful career

Selecting a major doesn’t have to be intimidating or stressful.⁴ Marlee’s 20 years of research and in-depth motivational analysis will help you find the right major.

Unlock potential career options and let coach Marlee guide you to understand your motivations and blind spots better, build on strengths, and find a major that supports your future career aspirations.

Frequently asked questions

Which majors have the highest employability rate?

These are the most employable degrees in 2024:

1. Nursing
2. Computer Science
3. Business Administration
4. Culinary Arts
5. Physical Therapy
6. Math and Statistics
7. Finance
8. Accounting
9. Marketing
10. Civil Engineering

Which majors offer the most high-paying jobs right after college?

Engineering majors are the highest fresh-out-of-college earners, making US$65,000 to US$80,000 after graduation. Here are the top-paying fields within engineering:

1. Computer - US$80,000
2. Chemical Engineering - US$79,000
3. Computer Science - US$78,000
4. Aerospace Engineering - US$74,000
5. Electrical Engineering - US$72,000

What apps or websites offer college prep and career advice?

The following platforms offer tools for your college/major search and prep:

1. College Board's BigFuture
2. College Insight
3. Niche
4. Appily
5. Unigo