Five College Majors for Undecided Students

Not every high school student knows exactly what they want to study in college and do for the rest of their lives. While it’s fine to go to college undecided on a major, it’s also okay to choose an option that is broad and versatile and will keep multiple doors open down the road. Here are five such examples for students who don’t have an exact career in mind just yet: 

1. Business – Students who are interested in things like entrepreneurship, finances, money, and leadership should consider a business major, which gives the big picture of all elements of a business. Because this is a general degree that touches the various parts of running a business, it exposes students to a lot of disciplines—and that exposure can give them different ideas for careers. Along the way, your student might decide they have a knack for numbers (e.g., finance or accounting) or an interest in marketing and change to one of those majors, or include them as a minor.
2. Biology – Students who have always enjoyed the sciences should consider biology, which is often touted as the best science major for students who like science but are still exploring options. Biology is the study of living organisms and their vital processes, and it can open doors for everything from medical school to forensics to marine biology. With a biology degree, your student could study diseases as a medical researcher, work in forensic science, go on to medical school to become a doctor or go on to veterinary school to become a veterinarian.
3. Liberal arts – Students who are interested in a wide range of subjects and unsure which would suit them best for a career might think about a liberal arts major. Liberal arts colleges and majors prepare students with an education in both the sciences and the humanities. A liberal arts degree lays the groundwork for students to continue their studies in graduate school in disciplines like law and business. Employers that value well-rounded critical thinkers with life skills like communication and teamwork also hire liberal arts graduates. 
4. Computer science – Computer science is a popular major for good reason. Technology is very prevalent in every aspect of human life today, and the world needs professionals like network architects and engineers, systems analysts, software engineers, and network security engineers. If your student has always been interested in technology and how it works and likes solving challenging problems (but isn’t exactly sure where that would lead them), computer science is broad enough to steer them in a good direction.
5. Communications – Strong communication is essential in every aspect of life. This broad major is great for students who are good communicators themselves and see the value of communication throughout businesses and organizations of all kinds. A communications major can set the stage for a career in marketing or advertising, public relations, copywriting or even human resources. 

Before declaring a major, your student needs to do plenty of research. There’s nothing wrong with getting into college and taking some classes before making the decision, but it can be advantageous to start with a broad major that generally fits your student’s interests and strengths. Your student can pivot from there.  

If your college-bound student is leaning toward a particular major but feels they don’t have a strong enough GPA or the right mix of high school classes now is the time to get help. Selective colleges prefer incoming students to have 4 years of Math with at least one being calculus or trigonometry, 4 years of English and at least 3 years of History/Social Studies.   

Many students struggle in high school with the higher-level courses and come to Huntington for help.  Not only will Huntington help your struggling student understand the newest concept introduced, but we can also help your child improve any weaker skills that might be preventing them from learning more advanced concepts.  Our subject-specific tutoring can help your student learn at their own pace and boost their skills, grades and confidence.     

Lastly, your student needs to understand that a career is a journey, and even if your student majors in something they like today, it’s conceivable that in the future, they will change paths. This is the start of your student’s journey, so encourage them to be honest with themselves about their skills and interests and grades. Guide them as needed and encourage them to reach out for the support that can help them succeed.