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MAJOR CHOICE VS. CAREER CHOICE
Choosing a major can be a challenging task. The College Board's Book of Majors describes more than 900 majors offered at 3,600 colleges and universities. While there are a number of books that can help you search for the major that is right for you, colleges' Web sites are worth a visit because they also provide very useful information at no charge.
All colleges and universities publish in their college catalogues and on their Web sites complete listings of the majors and degrees offered by their institutions. They often provide a great deal of information, tools, and resources that deal with understanding and choosing majors. For example, the University of Minnesota's Web site provides the following information on the relation of college majors to careers in a section entitled "A Workbook for Choosing and Changing your Major" [http://ucs1.ucs.umn.edu/www/majorworkbook.html]
Different Kinds of Majors
Some majors strongly correlate to career options, while others are less directly related. From a career development perspective, majors can be placed into three categories:
Non Vocationally Specific
The non-specific major is not oriented toward employment in a specific career or a particular field. When combined with related experience and internships, such a program results in a career-oriented degree. Some good examples are history, political science, and sociology. For some, these types of majors are preparation for advanced training, either on the job or in graduate school.
Vocationally Oriented
Vocationally oriented majors are aimed at a specific field of employment but not at a particular job. With this major, you'll be ready for entry employment at a trainee level. A degree in journalism, management, or mathematics is a good example.
Vocationally Ready
The vocationally ready major involves specific preparation for a particular job or occupation. These programs are often designed to meet the educational requirements of licensure or certification in a profession. Examples include education, nursing, or engineering.
Typical List of Major Fields of Study
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Agriculture
Agricultural Sciences
Animal Sciences
Plant & Soil Sciences
Agricultural Business
Management
Range Management
Agricultural Mechanization
Horticulture
Veterinary Sciences
Computer Sciences
Computer & Information
Sciences
Computer Programming
Data Processing
Information Management
Sciences & Systems
Computer Mathematics
Library Science
Museums & Preservation
Education
Bilingual/Crosscultural Education
Special Education
Counseling
Adult & Continuing Education
Elementary Education
Pre-School Education
Junior Education
Senior High Education
Art, Music, & Drama Education
Home Economics Education
Physical/Health/Fitness Education
Science Education
Vocational/Industrial Education
Business Education
Foreign Language Teacher
Education
Liberal Arts Education
Social Science Education
Mathematics Education
Computer Science Education
Religious Education
Engineering
Aerospace Aeronautical Engineering
Astronautical Engineering
Agricultural Engineering
Architectural Engineering
Bioengineering
Biomedical Engineering
Ceramic Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Communications Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electronics Engineering
Geological Engineering
Geophysical Engineering
Industrial Engineering & Design
Materials Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Metallurgical Engineering
Mining & Mineral Engineering
Marine Engineering
Naval Architecture
Nuclear Engineering
Petroleum Engineering
Surveying & Mapping Sciences
Systems Analysis & Engineering
Engineering-Related Technology
Drafting
Automotive Engineering
Technology
Electrical Technology
Electromechanical Technology
Environmental/Energy Control
Technology
Engineering Mechanics
Occupational Safety & Health
Technology
Construction & Building
Technology
Aviation & Air Transportation
Transportation/Logistics
English & Literature
English Language
Classics & Classical Studies
Comparative Literature
Creative Writing
Linguistics
American Literature
English Literature
Speech & Rhetorical Studies
Technical and Business Writing
Ethnic Studies
African Studies
American Studies
Asian & Pacific Area Studies
European Studies
Latin American Studies
Middle Eastern Studies
Afro-American (Black) Studies
Native American Studies
Hispanic-American Studies
Islamic Studies
Judaism & Jewish Studies
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Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages/Literature
Chinese
Japanese
Asian Languages
German
Scandinavian
French
Italian
Spanish
Portuguese
Latin
Greek
Hebrew
Middle Eastern Languages
Russian
Slavic (other than Russian)
General & Interdisciplinary Studies
Humanities
Conflict Resolution/Peace Studies
Women's Studies
Liberal/General Studies
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Individualized Majors
Mathematics
Mathematics
Actuarial Sciences
Applied Mathematics
Statistics
Military Science & Protective Services
Military Sciences
Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement
Fire Protection & Security
Parks & Recreation Resources
Parks Administration
Sports, Recreation, & Leisure
Studies
Equestrian Studies
Conservation Management
Protection
Forestry Production & Processing
Forestry
Wildlife & Fish Management
Ecology Sciences
Environmental Sciences
Philosophy, Religion, & Theology
Philosophy
Religion & Theology
Philosophy & Religion
Biblical Languages
Bible Studies
Religious Education
Religious Music
Ministry & Church Administration
Public Affairs & Law
Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement
Public Affairs/Administration
Social Work & Social Services
Pre-Law
Legal Assisting
Sciences
Biology
Biochemistry
Biophysics
Botany
Cell & Molecular Biology
Microbiology/Bacteriology
Zoology
Marine Biology
Biological Specializations
Physical Sciences
Astronomy
Astrophysics
Atmospheric Sciences
Meteorology
Chemistry
Geological Sciences
Physics
Earth & Space Sciences
Science Technologies
Social Sciences
Anthropology
Archaeology
Criminology
Economics
Geography
Government
History
International Affairs/Relations
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Urban Studies
Visual & Performing Arts
Crafts & Artisanry
Dance
Design
Photography
Dramatic Arts
Film Arts
Fine Arts
Music
Interior Design
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(List compiled by A2zcolleges.com.)
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