5 answers
Monet
Student
Durham, North Carolina
2
Questions
Asked
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How can I best decide what to major in?
I attend an Early College HS on NCCU's campus (J.D. Clement) and I have to decide a major when I'm a junior. Thankfully, I'll be saving a lot of money for college, since I'll graduate high school with an diploma and Associate's Degree (and my college classes are free). I've been looking into Central's programs and concentrations, mainly Theatre, performance concentration, and Music, Vocal performance Concentration. I honestly want to double major in Music and Theatre, and minor in English. But I'm scared that they will both end up being 'useless degrees' I'm also considering double majoring in Theatre and English (writing concentration), and minoring in Music instead, which I suppose would be more practical, but I'm still not sure about that either.
PS: Thank you to everyone that answered my previous question. You have no idea how much better I feel! Hopefully this doesn't feel like I didn't listen to your advice!
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5 answers
Fallon Taylor
Art/Fashion Design/Modeling
9
Answers
Rowland, NC
Updated
Fallon’s Answer
You could start with what feels right to you. I've changed majors and Universities several times. This is common. Take a look at the required classes for each degree program you are considering. If it doesn't work you can switch. Hope this helps!
David Barcelona
Guest Lecturer
20
Answers
Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Monet,
First of all, let me just say how incredible it is that you’re attending an Early College High School and already thinking deeply about your future. That’s such a huge advantage—you’re ahead of the game in so many ways! The fact that you’re exploring majors while considering how they align with your passions and practicality shows maturity and foresight. So give yourself some credit for being this thoughtful—it’s not easy to navigate all these big decisions at once.
Now, let’s talk about deciding between Theatre, Music, English, or any combination of them (because wow, you’ve got some amazing options here). You’re clearly someone who loves storytelling, creativity, and performance, and that’s something to celebrate. These are fields where passion drives success, but I totally get why you’re worried about whether they’ll feel “useful” after graduation. Here’s how to approach this decision with clarity and confidence:
1. Reflect on What Excites You Most
Start by asking yourself:
What lights you up? When you think about Theatre, Music, or Writing, which one makes you feel most alive? Imagine spending hours immersed in that field—does it energize you or drain you?
What do you see yourself doing daily? For example:
In Theatre Performance: Would you enjoy rehearsing, collaborating with directors, and bringing characters to life?
In Vocal Performance: Does singing fill you with joy, even during long practice sessions?
In Writing: Do you love crafting stories, poems, or essays and seeing how words impact others?
There’s no “wrong” answer here—it’s about finding what resonates most with you . Remember, your major doesn’t have to define your entire career; it’s just a starting point.
2. Explore Practical Applications of Your Passions
It’s smart to consider how these degrees might translate into real-world opportunities. Let’s break it down:
Theatre & Music Double Major:
Pros: If you dream of performing professionally—on stage, in musicals, or even teaching voice/acting—this could be perfect. Both fields value versatility, so having skills in both areas sets you apart.
Cons: It might limit your time to explore other interests like writing unless you add a minor. Also, careers in performance can be competitive, so think about backup plans (like teaching, directing, or arts administration).
Theatre & English Double Major (with Writing Concentration), Minor in Music:
Pros: This combo offers flexibility. A Writing concentration equips you with communication skills applicable to countless industries—publishing, journalism, marketing, etc.—while still keeping your creative roots alive. Adding Music as a minor keeps your vocal talents sharp without overwhelming your schedule.
Cons: You might miss the depth of study in Music if you only minor in it. Think about whether you’d feel fulfilled with less focus on singing.
Pro Tip: Consider hybrid roles! For instance, combining Theatre/Writing could lead to playwriting or screenwriting, while pairing Music/Writing might open doors to lyricism or music journalism.
3. Test the Waters Before Committing
Since you’re already on NCCU’s campus, take advantage of their resources to explore these fields further:
Audit Classes: Sit in on Theatre, Music, or English courses to see which ones excite you most. Pay attention to how the material feels—are you eager to dive deeper?
Talk to Professors & Students: Reach out to faculty members in each department. Ask questions like:
What kinds of internships or jobs do graduates pursue?
How does the program prepare students for life after college?
Join Clubs & Activities: Get involved in theatre productions, choir performances, or literary magazines. Hands-on experience will help you gauge your interest in each area.
4. Address the Fear of “Useless Degrees”
Here’s the truth: no degree is inherently “useless,” but its value depends on how you apply it. Fields like Theatre, Music, and English teach timeless skills—creativity, critical thinking, communication, collaboration—that employers across industries value.
For example:
Theatre: Skills like public speaking, teamwork, and adaptability are sought after in business, education, and tech. Many actors transition into casting, production management, or corporate training.
Music: Beyond performing, musicians often work in arts administration, event planning, or sound engineering.
English: Writers find careers in content creation, social media management, copywriting, editing, and more.
If financial stability is a concern, consider pairing your creative pursuits with a practical skill set. For instance:
Take electives in marketing, graphic design, or digital media to broaden your options.
Build a portfolio showcasing your work (performances, writings, compositions) to demonstrate your talents to potential employers.
5. Give Yourself Permission to Evolve
Here’s the thing: choosing a major isn’t a lifelong commitment. Plenty of people switch paths later or combine their degree with new interests. Your Associate’s Degree gives you a head start financially, so use this time to experiment and discover what truly fulfills you.
Ask yourself:
Which option feels like the best balance of passion and practicality right now?
Am I willing to put in the effort to make this path work, even if it requires extra hustle?
And remember, it’s okay to change your mind later—you’re not locking yourself into anything forever.
Monet, you’re in such an exciting position. With your talent, curiosity, and access to free college classes, you’re setting yourself up for success no matter what you choose. Whether you go all-in on Music and Theatre, lean toward English and Theatre, or mix and match in another way, trust that your creativity and hard work will open doors.
Take it step by step, stay open to exploration, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey. You’ve got this—and whatever path you pick, I know you’ll shine brightly.
First of all, let me just say how incredible it is that you’re attending an Early College High School and already thinking deeply about your future. That’s such a huge advantage—you’re ahead of the game in so many ways! The fact that you’re exploring majors while considering how they align with your passions and practicality shows maturity and foresight. So give yourself some credit for being this thoughtful—it’s not easy to navigate all these big decisions at once.
Now, let’s talk about deciding between Theatre, Music, English, or any combination of them (because wow, you’ve got some amazing options here). You’re clearly someone who loves storytelling, creativity, and performance, and that’s something to celebrate. These are fields where passion drives success, but I totally get why you’re worried about whether they’ll feel “useful” after graduation. Here’s how to approach this decision with clarity and confidence:
1. Reflect on What Excites You Most
Start by asking yourself:
What lights you up? When you think about Theatre, Music, or Writing, which one makes you feel most alive? Imagine spending hours immersed in that field—does it energize you or drain you?
What do you see yourself doing daily? For example:
In Theatre Performance: Would you enjoy rehearsing, collaborating with directors, and bringing characters to life?
In Vocal Performance: Does singing fill you with joy, even during long practice sessions?
In Writing: Do you love crafting stories, poems, or essays and seeing how words impact others?
There’s no “wrong” answer here—it’s about finding what resonates most with you . Remember, your major doesn’t have to define your entire career; it’s just a starting point.
2. Explore Practical Applications of Your Passions
It’s smart to consider how these degrees might translate into real-world opportunities. Let’s break it down:
Theatre & Music Double Major:
Pros: If you dream of performing professionally—on stage, in musicals, or even teaching voice/acting—this could be perfect. Both fields value versatility, so having skills in both areas sets you apart.
Cons: It might limit your time to explore other interests like writing unless you add a minor. Also, careers in performance can be competitive, so think about backup plans (like teaching, directing, or arts administration).
Theatre & English Double Major (with Writing Concentration), Minor in Music:
Pros: This combo offers flexibility. A Writing concentration equips you with communication skills applicable to countless industries—publishing, journalism, marketing, etc.—while still keeping your creative roots alive. Adding Music as a minor keeps your vocal talents sharp without overwhelming your schedule.
Cons: You might miss the depth of study in Music if you only minor in it. Think about whether you’d feel fulfilled with less focus on singing.
Pro Tip: Consider hybrid roles! For instance, combining Theatre/Writing could lead to playwriting or screenwriting, while pairing Music/Writing might open doors to lyricism or music journalism.
3. Test the Waters Before Committing
Since you’re already on NCCU’s campus, take advantage of their resources to explore these fields further:
Audit Classes: Sit in on Theatre, Music, or English courses to see which ones excite you most. Pay attention to how the material feels—are you eager to dive deeper?
Talk to Professors & Students: Reach out to faculty members in each department. Ask questions like:
What kinds of internships or jobs do graduates pursue?
How does the program prepare students for life after college?
Join Clubs & Activities: Get involved in theatre productions, choir performances, or literary magazines. Hands-on experience will help you gauge your interest in each area.
4. Address the Fear of “Useless Degrees”
Here’s the truth: no degree is inherently “useless,” but its value depends on how you apply it. Fields like Theatre, Music, and English teach timeless skills—creativity, critical thinking, communication, collaboration—that employers across industries value.
For example:
Theatre: Skills like public speaking, teamwork, and adaptability are sought after in business, education, and tech. Many actors transition into casting, production management, or corporate training.
Music: Beyond performing, musicians often work in arts administration, event planning, or sound engineering.
English: Writers find careers in content creation, social media management, copywriting, editing, and more.
If financial stability is a concern, consider pairing your creative pursuits with a practical skill set. For instance:
Take electives in marketing, graphic design, or digital media to broaden your options.
Build a portfolio showcasing your work (performances, writings, compositions) to demonstrate your talents to potential employers.
5. Give Yourself Permission to Evolve
Here’s the thing: choosing a major isn’t a lifelong commitment. Plenty of people switch paths later or combine their degree with new interests. Your Associate’s Degree gives you a head start financially, so use this time to experiment and discover what truly fulfills you.
Ask yourself:
Which option feels like the best balance of passion and practicality right now?
Am I willing to put in the effort to make this path work, even if it requires extra hustle?
And remember, it’s okay to change your mind later—you’re not locking yourself into anything forever.
Monet, you’re in such an exciting position. With your talent, curiosity, and access to free college classes, you’re setting yourself up for success no matter what you choose. Whether you go all-in on Music and Theatre, lean toward English and Theatre, or mix and match in another way, trust that your creativity and hard work will open doors.
Take it step by step, stay open to exploration, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey. You’ve got this—and whatever path you pick, I know you’ll shine brightly.
Michelle M.
Actress
2268
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Monet !
You are welcome for the advice for the last question.
Since you are already in early college for your Associates Degree right now, I am not sure why you are asking about a major unless your school allows early college with no major for your Associates Degree. I have to be hesitantly honest because I do not want to discourage you, but it seems as though you should be well informed, especially from someone who did a Bachelors in Theatre and knows what it's like.
The plan for the Double Major for Theatre and anything else is not doable. Also, theatre is only a major if you plan to dedicate your life to it and don't see yourself doing anything else. I am first concerned about what your early college Associates Degree will be in because that may be a "useless" degree" . If it is in Liberal Arts, that would be one degree that is not focused on a career, therefore not help you transition to an upper division major. What you get your Associates in should go with or compliment what you get your Bachelors Degree in. Double Majoring with a minor in performance subjects is just not possible. It will be too distracting as well as provide conflicts in your schedule for performances you'll need to prepare for on campus and off campus productions. Also, for acting, if you want it to be your main career, the entire four years for a Bachelors is crucial.
Your early college high school does not list what students can major in for their Associates Degree and the school wants people to call them to find out what majors are offered, so that seems as though they may not be offering many useful majors. I don't know what to think about that.
Although some may think a degree in theatre is useless, it's not if you have it in mind that that will be your career and you live in either Los Angeles or New York City to pursue a professional career. You can also obtain professional jobs doing non-acting work in Theatre. So it's only useless if you make it useless.
You basically do not need a degree in music or writing. The work you will obtain will be based on performance auditions or submitting your writing to publishers. They do not require a degree for this. Music and Writing are skills, skills that you have to guide for yourself for the career.
Keep in mind that if you still plan to double major in college for anything, you will have to pay for your 2nd major courses and you may have to overload on classes or you may need to be enrolled longer than it would take to get a four year degree Bachelors. It's going to be exhausting to double major and your grades may suffer.. Having the 2 years free tuition for your early college Associates would be for naught when you'd have to pay for two majors for a Bachelors. You'll have to pay for every course you take.
You are free to do what you want but it is sometimes very helpful to get advice from a neutral party that may have insight about this. Your college experience should be some of the best years of your life, not rushed through, overloaded or venturing into plans without a lot of information and what to expect. If you do double major, I hope that you can have a beneficial experience that will prepare you for a chosen career. You do not need a degree in everything that you are interested in. Many careers like writing can be done other ways and so can music, but it's all up to you, your energy level, how well you schedule things and if you can handle several courses a semester.
I am glad you asked this question but sorry I have to be so honest. There will be many who will say that Double Majoring and early college is a great idea, but I do see flaws in these routes and only want the absolute best for students.
Have an awesome day, Monet !
You are welcome for the advice for the last question.
Since you are already in early college for your Associates Degree right now, I am not sure why you are asking about a major unless your school allows early college with no major for your Associates Degree. I have to be hesitantly honest because I do not want to discourage you, but it seems as though you should be well informed, especially from someone who did a Bachelors in Theatre and knows what it's like.
The plan for the Double Major for Theatre and anything else is not doable. Also, theatre is only a major if you plan to dedicate your life to it and don't see yourself doing anything else. I am first concerned about what your early college Associates Degree will be in because that may be a "useless" degree" . If it is in Liberal Arts, that would be one degree that is not focused on a career, therefore not help you transition to an upper division major. What you get your Associates in should go with or compliment what you get your Bachelors Degree in. Double Majoring with a minor in performance subjects is just not possible. It will be too distracting as well as provide conflicts in your schedule for performances you'll need to prepare for on campus and off campus productions. Also, for acting, if you want it to be your main career, the entire four years for a Bachelors is crucial.
Your early college high school does not list what students can major in for their Associates Degree and the school wants people to call them to find out what majors are offered, so that seems as though they may not be offering many useful majors. I don't know what to think about that.
Although some may think a degree in theatre is useless, it's not if you have it in mind that that will be your career and you live in either Los Angeles or New York City to pursue a professional career. You can also obtain professional jobs doing non-acting work in Theatre. So it's only useless if you make it useless.
You basically do not need a degree in music or writing. The work you will obtain will be based on performance auditions or submitting your writing to publishers. They do not require a degree for this. Music and Writing are skills, skills that you have to guide for yourself for the career.
Keep in mind that if you still plan to double major in college for anything, you will have to pay for your 2nd major courses and you may have to overload on classes or you may need to be enrolled longer than it would take to get a four year degree Bachelors. It's going to be exhausting to double major and your grades may suffer.. Having the 2 years free tuition for your early college Associates would be for naught when you'd have to pay for two majors for a Bachelors. You'll have to pay for every course you take.
You are free to do what you want but it is sometimes very helpful to get advice from a neutral party that may have insight about this. Your college experience should be some of the best years of your life, not rushed through, overloaded or venturing into plans without a lot of information and what to expect. If you do double major, I hope that you can have a beneficial experience that will prepare you for a chosen career. You do not need a degree in everything that you are interested in. Many careers like writing can be done other ways and so can music, but it's all up to you, your energy level, how well you schedule things and if you can handle several courses a semester.
I am glad you asked this question but sorry I have to be so honest. There will be many who will say that Double Majoring and early college is a great idea, but I do see flaws in these routes and only want the absolute best for students.
Have an awesome day, Monet !
Joseph Ford
188
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Monet, I spent 2 years at NCCU. Best 2 years of college in my life though I graduated from another University. You are at the right school for Music and Theatre. When I was attending the school, the great Donald Byrd was in charge of the music programs and The Blackbyrds music group originated there. If this is your dream and passion don't worry about the $$$. It is very important to enjoy what you're doing in this world today. You go ahead and major in either or both remember you always minor in business to keep yourself marketable.
Good luck and Go Eagles
Good luck and Go Eagles
Eric Scott Gold
Entertainer
18
Answers
Newtown, Pennsylvania
Updated
Eric Scott’s Answer
What is your ultimate goal? Imagine you could choose your perfect job—what would it be? This will help you see that no major is truly "useless."