Choosing a Major

For many of you, making career decisions can be confusing and frustrating. Students may feel pressure to immediately select majors and to know exactly what career paths to take. 

Deciding on a career or a college major is a process that often takes time. It can be important for you to explore your options and maybe "try out" several different majors before finally choosing one.

We want you to love your major! Whether you are in the process of choosing, changing, or embracing your major, we have action steps to help you.

We also have first-year student FAQs about majors, careers, internships, and more!

Career planning involves relating what you know about yourself (your interests, values, abilities, and personality), to what you know about various educational and career possibilities. Getting to know yourself and your options is the first step in choosing a college major and career.

Even if you have chosen a major, it is beneficial to take the time to explore options.

• Planning Your Career
• Discover your interests, personality type, and strengths
• Visit with a career counselor
• Researching Careers
• What Are Recent UMD Graduates Doing?

What Can I Do With This Major?

Learn about typical career areas and types of employers that hire in these fields, as well as strategies to make you a more marketable candidate using this tool:

"Finding Your Path, Choosing Your Major" Video

Additional Resources

• iseek.org (MN careers)
• Making the Liberal Arts Degree Pay Off
• Major Resource Kits
• O*NET
• What Can I Do With a Major In (all majors)
• What Can I Do With a Major in Liberal Arts
• Career Fields with a Liberal Arts degree