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How Should I narrow down what major I would like to go into when I am not sure what to choose.

I am very interested in psychology and communications. I am good with people and do well in sciences classes so I considered being a nurse. I have always been interested in being a detective or analyst, I am just not sure what jobs I would be able to get if I went into Criminal Justice and psychology. I also want to make a good amount of money, and be able to have kids and still have a job where I prioritized my family and work. #psychology #nursing #criminal-justice #career #sociology

nursing psychology criminal-justice sociology
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Brenda’s Answer

When you have multiple interests and strengths, it can be hard to narrow down or determine what major might be the best fit for your desired career. Typically when I meet with students that have a wide array of interests such as yourself, I often remind them that it is okay not to know what major to choose. A study conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics found that 80% of college students change their major at least once (2018). This being the case, many colleges have designed entry programs that give students the flexibility not to declare a major until later in their undergraduate education. For example, Purdue University offers the Exploratory Studies program which allows students to take courses in a variety of academic areas before they have to declare their specific major. This is just one example of programs that allow students to explore their interests while still taking courses to ensure a four-year graduation.

Another thing to consider is the possibility of a double major. I'll use myself as an example. When I went to college I had an interest in criminal justice because I was considering going to law school. However, once I got to college, I realized I also had an interest in communications and was able to add this additional major to my plan of study. Some programs will have overlap in courses which makes it plausible to do a double major like in my case, but just keep in mind that this can vary my school.

I hope this is helpful to you!
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Zhan’s Answer

Hi Brody, thank you for sharing your concerns. It is absolutely ok, we have all been in that stage.. Please do not rush.. Your decisions does not need to be definite. You may always change or amend your major or even to explore new career. Todays world is offering endless opportunities.. But there is something that you need to keep in mind.. Whatever you will choose or do, please do will all your dedication. Follow your feelings and put all your energy and commitment. It that way you will be successful and you will see if that major/profession make sense for you and your future plans. On that way you will not regret later. Hope this will assist. Good luck!!
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Matthew’s Answer

I think that it's important to select a major that is more applied than general. What I mean is that it's better to be trained to actually perform a specific job when you graduate as opposed to having general skills. For example, it's better to have an accounting degree than marketing, it's better to have an engineering degree than general physics. From your list, I'd select 1) nursing, then 2) criminal justice, in that order. All other things being equal like talent and interest, etc.

When you are choosing to start a career, the selection process is 1) jobs where you can make decent money, 2) jobs that you are good at doing, 3) jobs that you enjoy doing. As you build your experience and career, you can then reverse these decision factors.
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John’s Answer

All good answers, however remember the average person has changed careers 7 times prior to being 35! Go after things that you have a passion for and as those passions change so will your choices. It's a great journey
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Kathleen’s Answer

I just answered another one of your questions Brody, so check that out when you have a chance as it also applies here! But in summary, try to find an internship or work experience so you can explore different careers which may help you decide what to major in.
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Blake’s Answer

Hey Brody,

I would recommend taking a career interest survey (myplan.com is highly rated) to determine what career applies most to your interest. From there, I would seek to acquire an internship in that field (so if being a nurse was the highest on your survey, then get an internship at a hospital to shadow a nurse). As for the money piece, I would advise being very careful weighing too much on that portion. It's definitely okay to want to make good money, but you also don't want to be miserable at what you do for the rest of your career.

Blake
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Laura’s Answer

Hi there! I was an Intelligence Analyst with the Federal Gov't for almost 14 years. My major was Psychology/Education for my BA and Educational Psychology with a focus on Behavioral Analysis for my MA. My advice would be to major in something that you could use in another field if you start in Criminal Justice and do not find it the best career path. As mentioned, I began my career in the Federal Government (specifically intelligence). The best recommendation I received was to choose a major that could carry me across multiple career paths. Other options could include: Psychology, International Relations (for a specific Federal Gov't career), Forensic Sciences, Strategic Intelligence, and National Security. I recently transitioned from the Fed Gov't to Dell Technologies (Corp. Communications / Analyst Relations) and have found that my BA and MA apply to both career paths and my journey. Best of luck!
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hey there, Brody!

Choosing your major is a big decision, and there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, think about what you love to do, what you're good at, and where you see yourself in the future. It's fantastic that you're interested in psychology and communications, and that you're a people person who also shines in science classes. These are all clues that can help you make your choice.

One way to narrow down your options is to look at where your interests and strengths overlap. For instance, if you're interested in psychology and communications, you might want to major in one or both of these subjects. Some colleges even offer programs that combine the two.

You also mentioned that you're thinking about becoming a nurse because you're good at science. Nursing can be a very fulfilling career. It lets you work closely with people and offers plenty of opportunities for growth and specialization.

As for your interest in being a detective or analyst, a major in criminal justice and psychology could be a good fit. This combination would give you a solid understanding of human behavior, which is key in law enforcement, criminal justice, and investigative work.

To get a better idea of what careers in criminal justice and psychology might look like, try talking to people who work in these fields or look for internships or volunteer opportunities. This can give you a real sense of what the job entails and help you make a more informed decision.

You also mentioned wanting a job that lets you put your family first while still earning a good income. It's important to look into the work-life balance different careers offer. Some jobs might have irregular hours or high stress levels, while others might offer more stability and flexibility.

To find a job that lets you balance work and family, look for careers with flexible hours, the option to work from home, or part-time opportunities. Also, look into companies known for being family-friendly. This can help you find a job that fits your lifestyle.

Choosing a major is all about finding what you're passionate about, what you're good at, and what fits your lifestyle and future goals. Keep an open mind as you explore different subjects and careers.

Here are three reliable sources you might find helpful:

- American Psychological Association (apa.org)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
- National Communication Association (natcom.org)

May you be blessed with wisdom and guidance in your journey!
James Constantine Frangos.
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