How to Choose Your Major

Consider these "Do's" and "Don'ts" for choosing a major: 

"DO's" for Choosing a Major:

Get to know all the majors available at UMBC.

Some major fields may be completely unfamiliar because they were not taught in high school. Individualized Study (the "build your own major" major), Health Administration and Policy, Geography and Environmental Systems, and Business Technology Administration are interesting majors students may not have been aware of before arriving at UMBC. There's no harm looking through the list - you never know what you might find!

**SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT**

One timely way to explore all of UMBC's majors is to attend our upcoming Major Event this month!

Educate yourself on potential majors.

It's a good idea to talk to an advisor or current students in the major you're interested in so that you can get a better understanding of the potential courses and paths you may want to pursue in your selected major. Researching on your own is highly recommended, as well.

List 5-8 possibilities based on your interests and aptitudes.

Take courses that are steered towards potential majors you have chosen. Read the entire catalog sections, all the course descriptions, faculty bios, and any other information about these majors available on the Department websites.

"DON'Ts" for Choosing a Major:

Don't let anyone else choose your major for you.

Your parents, friends, and siblings all have ideas about what you should major in, and it is okay to listen to their insights, but ultimately it is essential to make your own choice. You are the student, and you are making the decision that could affect your future career trajectory (at least in the short run – many people change careers throughout their lifetime!).

Don't assume that a college major will necessarily lead directly to a specific type of job.

The skills acquired from college are of a general nature that can be applied to many different professional settings. The workforce is full of people whose undergraduate majors bear only an indirect relationship to the positions they hold.

Don't stick with a major when it is clear that you are performing poorly in the required courses.

If you notice your grades are low in your major, this may be an indication that it is not appropriate for you. Consider other options in which you can be more successful!

Helpful Links 

• Advising Contact List
• "What can I do with my major?" via the Career Center
• FOCUS2 and other self-assessment tools via the Career Center
• List of UMBC majors, minors, and certificates
• UMBC Academic Pathways (sample four-year academic pathways for each major)