Overview
This lecture explains how college majors structure your academic journey, how to choose a major, and strategies for planning your coursework and schedule.
What is a Major?
- A major is your primary area of study in college, guiding which courses you take to specialize in a field.
- Your diploma indicates your completed major, e.g., Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.
- Majors help develop specific skills and knowledge for future careers.
Structure of a Major
- Majors require a set series of courses determined by the department, including required classes and electives.
- Prerequisites are courses you must take before enrolling in advanced ones.
- Electives and concentrations offer chances to explore special interests or skills within your field.
- Some majors offer the option to complete a thesis or capstone project, usually in your final year.
Planning and Managing Your Coursework
- Academic advisors help create a plan to fulfill major requirements and suggest when to take courses.
- Major requirements are often listed on department websites or as major maps.
- Scheduling should balance major courses with other obligations to avoid burnout.
General Education and Credit Hours
- Most colleges require general education (gen ed) courses in addition to your major.
- Gen eds introduce students to a range of subjects and may help discover new interests.
- Credit hours represent time spent in class; expect 1–2 hours of homework per in-class hour.
- A full course load (e.g., 15 credit hours) is similar to a full-time job.
Deciding and Declaring Your Major
- It's normal to start college undecided; "declaring" a major means formally telling your school.
- Switching majors is common, but doing so late may add time and cost to your education.
- Community college credits often transfer to four-year institutions, but requirements vary by school.
Choosing a Major and Getting Help
- Resources include academic advisors, professors, career services, and online guides.
- Talking to professionals and sitting in on classes (auditing) can help you learn about different majors.
- Courses not used for your major may count toward a minor or secondary focus.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Major — main area of academic focus in college.
- Prerequisite — a course required before taking a more advanced one.
- Elective — a course chosen from approved options, not strictly required.
- Concentration — a specialized track within a major.
- General Education (Gen Ed) — required introductory courses in various disciplines.
- Credit Hour — a unit measuring class and study time per week.
- Capstone/Thesis — a final, major research project.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Meet with your academic advisor to discuss potential majors and course planning.
- Explore department websites for major requirements and sample major maps.
- Try out gen ed courses to discover new interests.
- Consider auditing classes with instructor permission.
- Use online sources like College Navigator or Big Future for research on majors and careers.