What Is a College Major?
A college major is the main academic subject you choose to specialize in during your undergraduate education. It determines the core courses you take and helps shape your future career path. Your major could be something broad, like Business, or more focused, like Environmental Engineering. Most students choose their major by the end of their sophomore year, although some know their path from day one.
How Do I Choose the Right Major?
Choosing a major can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Start by thinking about your interests, passions, and what you're good at. Consider what subjects you enjoy in high school and what careers sound appealing. It's also a good idea to research the job outlook for different fields. Don't be afraid to explore different options and even change your major if you find a better fit. After all, there are many types of majors designed to match different learning styles and career goals.
Types of College Majors (Main Categories)
College majors can be grouped into categories based on subject focus and career paths. Here's an overview of the main types of majors:
STEM Majors (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
STEM fields are at the forefront of innovation and discovery. If you are curious, a problem-solver, and enjoy a challenge, STEM majors might be for you. These majors focus on analytical and technical skills.
Business Majors
Business majors are perfect for students who are natural leaders, strategic thinkers, and interested in the world of commerce. These programs cover everything from finance and marketing to management and entrepreneurship.
Arts and Humanities Majors
If you are creative, love to read and write, and are fascinated by human culture and history, the arts and humanities are a great fit. These majors develop critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills.
Social Sciences Majors
Social sciences explore human society and social relationships. If you are interested in understanding why people behave the way they do, how societies function, and how to solve social problems, consider a major in this category.
Health and Medicine Majors
For those who are compassionate and have a desire to help others, the field of healthcare offers numerous rewarding career paths. These majors prepare you for roles in clinical care, research, and healthcare administration.
Education Majors
If you have a passion for learning and want to inspire the next generation, an education major could be your calling. These programs prepare you to become a teacher or work in other educational settings.
Communication, Media, and Journalism Majors
Are you a strong storyteller, love working with the media, or want to influence public opinion? If so, a major in Communication, Media, or Journalism might be the perfect fit for you. These majors focus on how people share information through various platforms. These majors help you build writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills that are essential in today’s fast-paced, media-driven world.
Specialized and Emerging Majors
The world is changing fast, and colleges are keeping pace by offering new and exciting majors. This category includes programs that are either highly focused on a specific niche or are brand new fields created to meet modern demands. These majors are often interdisciplinary, mixing technology with art, or science with business. Examples include cutting-edge fields like Data Science, Cybersecurity, Sustainability Studies, Neuroscience, and Game Design.
Full Alphabetical List of College Majors
Explore this A-Z list of college majors to discover different fields of study offered across U.S. colleges and universities. Whether you're interested in science, art, education, or something in between, this list will help you explore your options.
A-F
- Accounting
- Aerospace Engineering
- African American Studies
- Agricultural Science
- Anthropology
- Architecture
- Art History
- Astronomy
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Business Administration
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Communications
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Creative Writing
- Criminal Justice
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science
- Design
- Digital Media
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Early Childhood Education
- Ecology
- Economics
- Education
- Electrical Engineering
- Elementary Education
- English Literature
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Ethnic Studies
- Film and Media Studies
- Finance
- Forensic Science
- Forestry
G-L
- Game Design
- Gender Studies
- General Studies
- Geography
- Geology
- Global Studies
- Graphic Design
- Health Science
- History
- Hospitality Management
- Human Development
- Human Resources
- Industrial Design
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
- International Business
- International Relations
- Journalism
- Kinesiology
- Landscape Architecture
- Languages and Linguistics
- Legal Studies
- Liberal Arts
- Literature
M-R
- Management
- Marketing
- Materials Science
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Media Studies
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Meteorology
- Microbiology
- Middle School Education
- Molecular Biology
- Music
- Neuroscience
- Nursing
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Occupational Therapy
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Physiology
- Political Science
- Pre-Dental
- Pre-Law
- Pre-Med
- Pre-Pharmacy
- Pre-Veterinary
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Radiologic Technology
- Religious Studies
S-Z
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Software Engineering
- Spanish
- Special Education
- Speech and Hearing Sciences
- Sports Management
- Statistics
- Supply Chain Management
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Theatre
- Theology
- Urban Planning
- Veterinary Science
- Visual Arts
- Web Development
- Wildlife Biology
- Women’s and Gender Studies
- Zoology
