Choosing Your Major: What Else to Consider

Written by Sarah Stacey

Thumbnail Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Choosing a major is a huge decision that can shape one's academic and professional life. With all the course options SMU offers, picking a major can be overwhelming, making many students feel uncertain and apprehensive about making the right choice. However, with careful consideration and a strategic approach, selecting a major can become an exciting opportunity for personal growth and fulfillment. This article provides (additional) tips to help students navigate the process of choosing a major and to make an informed decision that aligns with their passions, strengths, and long-term goals. Check out Julia’s article on Choosing Your Major to get you started on the basic tips!

1. Reflect on Interests and Passions: 

As my colleague previously mentioned, the very first thing you should do when considering a major is self-reflection. Assessing your interests, hobbies, and subjects that engage you is crucial. It is equally important to weigh your strengths and the values that make you feel fulfilled. The key to the best learning experience is finding a balance between strengths and interests. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator questionnaire can help you determine subjects that closely align with your personality and interests. Identifying your passions will guide you toward a major that will motivate and engage you throughout your academic journey.

2. Consider Long-Term Goals:

Once you have considered your interests, thoroughly research potential majors to make sure they align with your long-term goals. Assess your ideal future professional life, consider program costs, salary expectations, and the employment rates in the field of study. Thinking ahead will ensure that your chosen major matches your ideal career path. 

3. Research Potential Majors: 

After assessing your interests and long-term goals, conduct rigorous research on potential majors that align with those areas. Look at the curriculum, course offerings, and prerequisites for each major. Additionally, you can attend career fairs and information sessions to gather first-hand insights from professors, professionals and current students. Engaging with people in an area you are interested in will help you understand what the major entails and if it resonates with your goals. 


4. Seek Guidance: 

Choosing a major does not have to be a solo mission. Seek guidance from trusted mentors, academic advisors, and professionals in fields of interest. Academic advisors are experts at navigating university procedures and are equipped to answer any of your questions. They have valuable experience and knowledge that can help you make an informed decision. SMU academic advisors have helped hundreds of students through their educational journey, and each department has advisors specializing in specific majors. Their experience will help you gain a broader perspective and help you weigh your options effectively. 

5. Take Advantage of Internships, Experiential Learning and Volunteering:

SMU has dozens of clubs and societies you can join to determine if a subject interests you. Consider attending the society fair in September to see and talk to all the organizations at SMU. This way, you can try a subject without committing to a full course load. You can also explore potential areas of study and career paths by volunteering, working a part-time job on campus, or completing an internship.

6. Consider Double Majors and Certificates:

Consider a dual major or certificate if you find yourself drawn to multiple majors. Double majors allow you to explore two areas of study deeply. Additionally, minors are a great way to receive recognition for learning in a field without declaring it your major. You can look on the SMU website for the minors available and their specific requirements. SMU also offers certificates to further improve your proficiency in a chosen field or gain extra knowledge in a subject without the weight of a full course load. SMU offers certificates in many areas, such as Atlantic Canada Studies, German Language and Culture, Human Resource Management, Forensic Science and more!

7. Take Diverse Electives:

When exploring potential majors, try taking an array of electives. Electives offer a chance to pursue interests outside of your major. However, electives can also be used to narrow down what subjects you enjoy most within the classroom to make a more informed decision about a major. These courses can expose you to different academic perspectives for a more well-rounded education. Electives could even help you discover another field that profoundly resonates with you and your passions. 

Ultimately, choosing a major is a personal decision that should be made with careful consideration and self-reflection. These tips will help you to create a more informed decision that aligns with your passions, strengths, and future career goals. Remember that choosing a major is not a lifelong commitment and that opportunities for growth and adventure will continue throughout life. Hopefully, this article will help you confidently choose a major through self-reflection and exploration! 

Rita Jabbour