Around 15 percent of college students are undecided about what major to choose when they are applying to college, according to the company that administers the ACT exam. The best majors for undecided students are degree programs that allow them to explore different fields and find a subject they are passionate about.
So, what are the best majors for undecided students? With some guidance and support, it is possible to find something suitable for undecided students to study in college. In this article, we’ll focus on the best college majors for undecided students and share some of the best jobs for undecided students.
What Is the Best Major for Undecided Students?
A liberal arts program is the best major for undecided students because you’ll be able to explore many different fields of study while developing the necessary critical thinking skills needed at the college level.
If you are an undecided student, know that you are not alone. At some schools, as many as two-thirds of students begin college undecided or change their major later on. Many colleges have options for undecided students to help them find a suitable undergraduate major to study.
How to Find Support for Undecided Students in College
- Seek advice from academic advisors. An academic advisor understands that there is a wide variety of programs to choose from and that this can be overwhelming. Academic advisors are equipped to help you discover your skills, explore your interests, and investigate different career options.
- Talk to a counselor or psychologist. College counselors can help you assess your motivations for earning a college degree. These include underlying fears, concerns, and doubts that are blocking your decision-making process. Whatever the underlying issues are, a college counselor will offer you the support you need to decide the direction you will take.
- Do an internship. Learn more about the work environment of a potential future career by doing an internship. You’ll discover more about your interests and skills as you engage in different projects.
- Join a club. Joining a club is a great way for undeclared majors to explore their interests. You can start a club in an area that interests you if there isn’t one at your school.
- Speak with other undecided students. You may think that you are the only one on campus with a generic major, but you are not alone. Talk to other undeclared students and explore ways you can support each other.
What Are the Best Majors for Undecided Students?
- Biology | Average Salary: $95,000
- Computer Science | Average Salary: $87,000
- Economics | Average Salary: $78,000
- History | Average Salary: $75,000
- Business Administration | Average Salary: $74,000
- Psychology | Average Salary: $66,000
- English Literature | Average Salary: $65,000
- Sociology | Average Salary: $62,000
- Communication | Average Salary: $56,000
- Political Science | Average Salary: $56,000
Best College Majors for Undecided Students: Explained
Biology | Average Salary: $95,000
A biology major focuses on living things and their ecosystems. If you are a nature lover, this major is an excellent choice. A biology degree is available from the associate degree level to the doctoral level, with each level becoming more and more specialized. You will be prepared for career possibilities in fields such as botany, zoology, and marine biology.
Computer Science | Average Salary: $87,000
Computer science is a good major for students who are undecided because computer skills are increasingly in demand. You will be able to explore this field from the associate level to a doctorate, with more and more specialized fields with more advanced degrees. A computer science degree prepares you for high-paying jobs in industry or with the state or federal government.
Economics | Average Salary: $78,000
Economics is a very broad field with job opportunities in market research, financial analysis, and actuarial science. Economics is a math-related degree, so it’s ideal if you like analyzing statistics and researching data trends. As an economics major, you’ll have education requirements in math, history, social science, and psychology classes.
History | Average Salary: $75,000
History is not just about rehashing the past, history is about the cultural analysis of events to gain insight into humanity. Many history positions require a history master’s degree. History majors can also combine their love for history with art-related majors and work as an art historian, living historian, or interpreter at a historical site.
Business Administration | Average Salary: $74,000
From an associate’s degree to a doctorate, a business degree offers a wide range of career options from entry-level administrative jobs to more senior management roles. The most popular business degree is a Master of Business Administration or MBA. This option is particularly useful to someone who has good analytical and critical thinking skills.
Psychology | Average Salary: $66,000
Psychology is a very broad field among the liberal arts majors. According to the American Psychological Association, there is almost no limit to what you can do with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, so it’s a good choice for undecided students. A psychology degree prepares you for future job paths in human resources, marketing, teaching, and police work.
English Literature | Average Salary: $65,000
A liberal arts degree with an English major leads to careers in writing and communication. English degree jobs include journalism, freelance writing, editorial work, and teaching English. You can pursue an advanced degree in English literature up to a doctorate degree.
Sociology | Average Salary: $62,000
Sociology has applications across a wide variety of fields including business, law, government, education, and community work. This degree is a good choice for undecided majors because it is applicable to a variety of jobs. Depending on the school, sociology students may have concentration options in public health, human-computer interactions, or criminal justice.
Communication | Average Salary: $56,000
Communication is at the heart of our existence, and it is equally crucial in all fields of employment. A degree in communication will prepare you for careers in public relations, business, marketing, human resource, and many others.
Political Science | Average Salary: $56,000
Political science is another popular program for undecided majors to pursue. This degree isn’t just for political junkies, it’s applicable to fields such as research, teaching, urban planning, news production, and government. The higher the degree you pursue, the more you can zoom in on your preferred area of specialization.
Top 10 Best Jobs for Undecided Students
By now you can see that there is hope for students who start college with undeclared majors. Now we’ll take a look at popular jobs for undecided students, and share information about salaries, education requirements, and the projected industry outlook for the next few years.
Environmental Scientist
- Average Salary: $76,530
- Job Outlook: 8% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
An environmental scientist collects and analyzes data from different environments to assess environmental threats. They also determine ways to protect the environment and human health. Graduates with natural science degrees to environmental engineering degrees will find value in a job that serves the greater good through protecting and preserving the environment.
Computer Systems Analyst
- Average Salary: $99,270
- Job Outlook: 7% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Computer systems analysts are responsible for maintaining and improving the computer systems and computer protocols that an organization relies on in order to make them more efficient. Every sector of the economy relies on computer systems in one form or another. As a computer systems analyst, you will be able to use your skill in any industry you choose.
Market Research Analyst
- Average Salary: $63,920
- Job Outlook: 22% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Good market research is a key component of successful businesses. As a market researcher, you will be responsible for studying markets for particular products and services. Your work will provide information to companies about what kinds of products and services people want, which demographics to target, and what prices people are willing to pay.
Librarian
- Average Salary: $61,190
- Job Outlook: 9% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Master’s degree
Librarians are responsible for helping people find information for personal or professional use. They are also in charge of adding to the library collection and organizing library materials. This type of work is very fulfilling for someone who loves knowledge and sharing information.
Accountant
- Average Salary: $77,250
- Job Outlook: 7% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Accountants prepare accurate financial records for organizations and companies. They also examine financial records to determine risks and opportunities for growth. Another key accountant task is ensuring that taxes are filed and paid properly. If you enjoy working with numbers and customer service, you may benefit from a career in the accounting field.
Social Worker
- Average Salary: $50,390
- Job Outlook: 12% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree
Social workers assist people to help them manage, prevent, and cope with problems that they face in their daily lives. Psychology majors can find work in this field, working with families, individuals, or groups. If you like helping people one-on-one, then social work might be a fulfilling career for you.
Editor
- Average Salary: $63,350
- Job Outlook: 5% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Editors are responsible for managing content for publication by planning, reviewing, and revising copy. They might work with content for books, periodicals, newspapers, websites, blogs, or any other kind of written material. English or communication majors who love words and stories will find a career in editing to be enjoyable, engaging, and challenging.
Paralegal
- Average Salary: $56,230
- Job Outlook: 12% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Associate’s degree
Paralegals assist lawyers in maintaining and organizing files, drafting legal documents, and conducting research. If you are an undergraduate student who is interested in law and helping people, working as a paralegal is a great way to start a successful career path. An associate-level liberal arts degree is one pathway to becoming a paralegal.
Public Relations Specialist
- Average Salary: $62,800
- Job Outlook: 11% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Communications majors have the essential skills to both create and maintain a positive public image for groups, companies, individuals, or organizations they represent. A public relations specialist uses social media and traditional media platforms to create public awareness of their clients.
High School Teacher
- Average Salary: $61,820
- Job Outlook: 8% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
You can get into teaching without being an education major, but you will need to pass a certification exam for the state you plan to teach in. You can use your political science degree to teach social studies, civics, and government, or you can use your degree in health science to teach health and physical education. If you like working with young people, this could be a fulfilling job for you.
How to Choose A Major
The process of choosing a major may seem like a huge decision. With the right support system, you’ll be able to find a degree option that leads to numerous opportunities. Below are some steps you can take to help you decide on your major.
- List your interests. Write out a list of things you are interested in or passionate about. Can you see any patterns or common subjects in your list? Try to match your list to different popular majors.
- Brainstorm career goals. Think about some of the jobs you may be interested in doing. Fields such as public health or government policy may be boring, but the idea of being a forensic scientist may excite you.
- Assess your skills. Think about things you are good at. What things do your friends always come to you for help with?
- Select a few options. Select some degree options that align with your interests, goals, and skills. Perhaps an interdisciplinary major or broad degree may be the better option for you.
- Speak to an advisor. Academic advisors and peer advisors work with individual students to help them make informed decisions about their education. Speak to an advisor to help you make a solid plan.
- Just pick something. Even if you can’t find the perfect major, decide on an ok major so that you can start your studies. Take introductory classes in several different fields to try them out. Remember, many undecided students change their majors along the way.
Should Undecided Students Go to College?
Yes, undecided students should go to college. Most schools allow you to start a degree with an undeclared major, so you can take introductory classes in many different subjects and explore your options. Everyone’s college experience is different, but a large number of students change their majors at some point. Academic advisors can help you make a decision that works for you.
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Lifelong learners can use this advice too. It doesn’t matter at what point you decide to go to college, whether you go back to college at 25 or you go back to college at 40. Starting a degree as an undeclared major gives you the freedom to explore different majors and concentration options.
Best Majors for Undecided Students FAQ
Yes, you can do vocational training instead of going to college. If you learn better through a practical, technical, hands-on approach then going to a technical or vocational college could be a good fit. You will still be able to get good jobs and build a career in your area of interest.
No, the major your choose for your undergraduate degree doesn’t necessarily matter in graduate school, unless you’re choosing a really specific path, such as law or medical school. For example, you can be an English major for your undergraduate degree, and pursue a business degree in graduate school.
Yes, you can still get a job if you aren’t a college graduate. There are plenty of high-paying, low-stress jobs for people without a degree. While working at a job that interests you, you might realize that you need a degree to advance.
Yes, you can decide your major after you enroll. Colleges have a long list of majors, and you can take some classes before you pick one. You could also take a double major and graduate with a history major and math major, for example.
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