Like celebrities, some colleges are so famous, they have reputations that precede them. For example, Harvard is synonymous with its law program, Yale with its school of medicine, and MIT with its engineering department. These elite programs are well-known for good reason — but they are far from the only subjects taught in these prestigious universities! Beyond the headline-grabbing majors, college students can choose from a wide array of other specializations to pursue during their undergraduate years.
So, what other options are there for students?
Many of the smaller, lesser-known majors remain under the radar. Because of this, their enrollment is often underutilized. If you’ve never taken the time to explore a university’s academic offerings, you may be surprised at how many underrated programs exist outside of the “popular” tracks.
And this only scratches the surface. But more often than not, students stick with general plans like biology or economics without fully understanding what those choices actually entail. For instance, aspiring doctors often say they want to major in “bio,” but haven’t yet considered the structure or expectations of the biology department. Similarly, students interested in law gravitate toward “pre-law” — without realizing that pre-law is not a major at most colleges.
It’s time to go deeper. Small departments are a hidden gem for students who take the time to explore them. In this article, we’ll walk through what a college major is (and isn’t), how to approach researching majors strategically, and which common myths to leave behind. Let’s dive into the truth behind researching college majors.
What Is a College Major?
At its core, a major is the primary academic focus of your undergraduate education. In other words, it determines your qualifications. When you earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, your major represents the subject you studied most intensively.
Now, most college majors include a structured curriculum that requires a mix of lower-division (introductory) and upper-division (advanced) courses. Some schools, like Brown, prefer students to have a more flexible path, but the rule generally holds true. Within a major, the courses often follow a logical progression, building in complexity as you gain experience. Majors also include prerequisites, electives, and sometimes capstone projects or senior theses.
Students can also pursue interdisciplinary majors, which allow them to combine interests from multiple disciplines — like Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE), American Studies, or Environmental Studies. Some colleges even offer student-designed majors, which involve working with faculty to craft a personalized course of study that is unique to them.
Beyond the primary major, you may have the option to:
- Declare a minor (a secondary subject of focus)
- Complete a double major (two distinct concentrations)
- Pursue a dual degree (two separate degrees, often in different schools within a university)
If you’re starting at the very beginning (or all this jargon is already making your head spin), check out our guide to choosing a major for a good primer on this topic.
What a Major Is NOT:
While it may feel like a huge commitment, your major is not a binding contract for your entire career. The pressure is real (especially from family) to know what you want to do with the rest of your life, but that’s rarely necessary.
After all, choosing biology does not mean you are forever committed to becoming a doctor. Majoring in English does not limit you to teaching or journalism. In fact, many professionals work in industries that don’t directly match their college major. Just ask around!
Data backs up this trend, too. Not only are professionals more likely to change jobs throughout their careers, but some studies estimate that as many as half of college graduates don’t work in a field directly related to their major. Truthfully, what matters more is the development of transferable skills, such as research, communication, data analysis, and problem-solving.
So, When Do I Need to Decide on a Major?
The answer: it depends.
It may not be what you want to hear, but it’s the truth: every situation is a little different. Some universities require students to apply directly to a specific college or department — especially for competitive programs like business, engineering, nursing, or BS/MD tracks. In these cases, you may need to declare your intended major on your college application as early as your senior year of high school.
However, most colleges offer more flexibility. It’s common for students to enter as “undeclared” or “undecided” majors, with the freedom to sample courses before declaring a single major in their sophomore year.
Still undecided as a freshman in college?
Here are a few ways to explore majors while on campus:
- Try 1-2 classes each semester in subjects that intrigue you. (If you’re worried about your GPA, see if your college allows you to take classes on a Pass/Fail basis, or try auditing.)
- Join a club or attend events hosted by different departments, and talk to the students there.
- Using advising offices early and often. Sometimes, it’s difficult to get an appointment due to the large number of students each advisor serves, but it’s worth it for the help charting out your options.
- Keep a reflection journal to jot down what excites you in each class (and/or, what drains you).
After all, college is meant to be a place of discovery. It’s time to take that intention into your own hands. Here is a fun video to review the process of choosing a major for college:
Personal story time…
This is the exploratory path I followed at UC Berkeley.
Although I applied as undeclared, my application clearly reflected a passion for reading, writing, and language — demonstrated through my involvement in theater, journalism, and volunteer tutoring. Once on campus, I took full advantage of the academic flexibility. I enrolled in a wide variety of courses — some connected to my interests and others, like Physics and Astronomy, just to explore new fields.
It wasn’t until my second year that I discovered Media Studies as a formal discipline. After researching the requirements, I realized I didn’t have to choose between my creative and analytical interests. I declared a double major in English and Media Studies, allowing me to study everything from historical literature to contemporary pop culture through both critical and theoretical lenses.
This process wasn’t automatic — it involved plenty of hard-won academic advising sessions and more than a few color-coded spreadsheets during registration season. But the effort was worth it. Today, I still use the skills I developed — close reading, research, and clear writing — in my work, exploring higher education and helping others navigate it.
Still, there are exceptions to watch for. For example:
- UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business requires students to apply for admission into the business major during their second year.
- Carnegie Mellon University places students into specific colleges (e.g., Computer Science, Fine Arts) as part of the application process.
- BS/MD programs often require early declaration and a highly structured academic path.
The bottom line? Always check the admissions page and major requirements for each school on your list. Don’t assume policies are the same across institutions.
Where to Find Information About Majors
The best place to begin your search is the official college website. Every accredited institution provides a comprehensive list of available majors, often with dedicated pages for each department. These pages usually include:
- Course descriptions and degree requirements
- Faculty bios and research areas
- Sample four-year academic plans
- Career outcomes or alumni spotlights
Ready to dive in? Here’s how to use each department page effectively. Let’s say you’re curious about Psychology. You might…
- Explore the “Courses” tab to see sample classes like “Cognitive Neuroscience” or “Psychology of Emotion.”
- Look at the faculty bios. What are their research interests? Do any overlap with yours?
- Check for student research opportunities, honors tracks, or study abroad links.
- Download the four-year plan. Does it leave room for a minor or double major?
These details help you decide not only if you like the subject, but also where you might thrive while studying it. Other reliable resources include:
- Empowerly’s Guide to Choosing a Major
- College admissions offices and academic advisors
- Department-specific webinars or info sessions
- Online forums like College Confidential, Reddit, or Quora (with caution)
When in doubt, reach out to confirm any questions or doubts. You can email the department directly with questions or ask to speak with a student ambassador. If you attend a college info session or student panel, here are a few questions you can ask:
- What are the most flexible majors at your school?
- Can students create interdisciplinary or self-designed majors?
- Are there department-specific internships or research pipelines?
- What are typical post-grad outcomes for students in this major?
- Can you change majors easily, or is it competitive?
How to Research Majors Strategically
If you’re starting at the very beginning, let’s clear the air: researching majors is more than picking what “sounds good.” It requires careful thought about your interests, strengths, and future goals. Here’s how to break it down:
1. Start with self-reflection
Ask yourself:
- What subjects do I genuinely enjoy?
- Which classes have challenged and excited me the most?
- What problems in the world do I want to help solve?
- Do I prefer structured tasks or open-ended projects?
Tools like personality assessments, interest inventories, or Empowerly’s counselor matching tools can help identify themes.
2. Examine course structures
Once you’ve identified potential majors, dig into the curriculum. Ask:
- How many core vs. elective classes are required?
- Are there opportunities for internships, research, or independent study?
- What kind of capstone or thesis is expected?
This can help you assess whether you’ll enjoy the coursework and meet the demands.
3. Map to career pathways
While a major doesn’t determine your future, it can influence your early career options. Research where alumni from the major typically end up. Some departments offer career services, mentorship, or strong industry pipelines.
Also, consider graduate school requirements. For example, medical school requires certain science prerequisites regardless of your major.
4. Think holistically
When you’re planning out your future in college and beyond, it’s important to be both ambitious and realistic about what you can accomplish. If you want to triple major (yes, it can happen), then you’ll probably need to sacrifice other experiences to make time for your class requirements.
When you think about your four-year college plan, factor in:
- Study abroad or exchange opportunities
- Social life and student organizations related to the major
- Flexibility to switch if your interests change later
Ultimately, a well-chosen major should align with all of your academic, professional, and personal goals — not just one.
Not sure whether to declare a major now? Use this quick guide:
| Question | Answer | What to Do |
| Do you need to apply to a specific college (e.g., engineering, nursing)? | Yes | Research and declare now — check school-specific deadlines. |
| Are you applying to liberal arts schools or undeclared-friendly programs? | Yes | Focus on broader academic interests in your essays and apply as undecided or exploratory. |
| Have you consistently loved a subject and want to build on it? | Yes | Declare it if allowed — but be open to change later. |
| Not sure what to major in yet? | Yes | Apply to schools with strong advising and flexible general education/core curriculum. |
Common Misconceptions About Majors
Let’s clear up a few major myths that still mislead students:
Myth 1: Pre-med is a major
False. “Pre-med” is a track, not a formal major. It refers to completing the prerequisite courses required by medical schools. While many pre-med students choose biology or chemistry, others study psychology, English, or anthropology. What matters most is your GPA, MCAT score, and clinical experiences.
Myth 2: Pre-law is a major
Also false. Law schools accept students from virtually any academic background. Common pre-law majors include political science, philosophy, history, and English — but none are required. Focus on developing analytical thinking and strong writing skills.
Myth 3: Picking an obscure major improves admissions odds
Not necessarily. Some students try to stand out by choosing a less popular major (e.g., Scandinavian Studies), hoping it will be easier to gain acceptance. But admissions officers can see through insincere choices, especially if your application doesn’t back up your stated interest. Plus, switching into a more competitive major later may not be easy.
Myth 4: Your major defines your career
As mentioned earlier, reality is much more flexible. Many professionals pivot into different fields after graduation or return to graduate school for additional credentials.
Conclusion: Your Major Matters, But It Isn’t Everything
Choosing a college major is a meaningful part of your academic journey, but it’s not a lifelong label. So don’t overthink it! The most important thing you can do now is research your options thoughtfully. Taking the time to reflect is the first step, and you’re already there.
Whether you’re entering college with a clear idea or still exploring like I was at UC Berkeley, the key is to stay curious. Dig into department resources, ask questions, try new subjects, and don’t be afraid to chart your own path. You might just discover a perfect-fit major you didn’t even know existed — just like I did with Media Studies.
Admissions officers value authentic curiosity and thoughtful planning far more than picking a major just to stand out. Show them you’ve put in the effort to explore your interests, and you’ll stand out for all the right reasons.
Ready to Find the Best-Fit Major? Let Empowerly Help
Choosing your college major is a big decision — but it’s also incredibly exciting. Whether you’re undeclared, deciding between two departments, or curious about double majoring, Empowerly’s expert counselors can help you clarify your goals and make confident, informed decisions. These expert counselors have helped thousands of students uncover their true academic strengths and align them with college majors that match their vision.
Book a free consultation today to get matched with a counselor who can guide you through the major selection process, course planning, and even career exploration. You don’t need to do this alone; our team spends on average 25x more time with students than the average high school counselor. Your future major — and dream college — are waiting.
