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Advice for picking an undergrad major?
Hello! I am trying to pick an undergrad major, and I am very indecisive! Currently, I am looking at many majors ranging from policy to marketing. I love FASHION, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, ACTIVISM, and PSYCHOLOGY! If anyone knows of any undergrad majors that are vague or versatile enough for me to later pursue more specific studies or jobs in the above-mentioned fields, please let me know!
I would love to go to Parsons or FIT to study fashion, but I have been encouraged to keep my studies versatile until I have more experience with college internships. Thank you so much! If you know of any majors combining fashion with one of those other pursuits (psychology, environment/sustainability, etc) or other fields with high career prospects please let me know! I really appreciate it and have to make this decision ASAP. #fashion #psychology #college-major #fashion-design #college #major #fashion-design #undecided #environmentalscience #highpaying
Thank you!!!
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Jacob’s Answer
It's great that you have a variety of interests, and you're thinking strategically about your undergraduate major. Here's some advice to help you navigate your decision:
1. **Consider a Broad Major**: Given your diverse interests, you might want to consider a major that provides a broad foundation and allows you to explore multiple fields. Some examples include:
- **Environmental Studies**: This major combines elements of environmental science and sustainability.
- **Social Sciences**: A major in social sciences, like Sociology or Anthropology, can encompass aspects of activism, psychology, and environmental studies.
2. **Double Major or Minor**: Another option is to select a primary major that aligns with your core interests and then add a minor or double major to incorporate your other passions. For example:
- Major in Fashion Design with a Minor in Psychology or Environmental Science.
- Major in Marketing with a Minor in Environmental Studies.
3. **Interdisciplinary Programs**: Some universities offer interdisciplinary programs that allow you to blend multiple fields. Look for programs like "Environmental Psychology" or "Sustainability in Fashion."
4. **Explore Course Catalogs**: Review the course catalogs of the colleges you're interested in. Look for majors that offer flexibility and a range of electives, allowing you to tailor your coursework to your interests.
5. **Talk to Academic Advisors**: Reach out to academic advisors at your prospective colleges. They can provide guidance on majors and help you create a plan that aligns with your goals.
6. **Internships and Experience**: Consider that you can gain practical experience in your areas of interest through internships, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs. This can help you explore your passions before committing to a specific career path.
7. **Career Prospects**: While pursuing your passions is essential, also research the career prospects and earning potential of your chosen major. This can help you make a well-informed decision.
8. **Flexibility for Change**: Remember that your undergraduate major does not necessarily dictate your entire career. Many professionals work in fields unrelated to their majors. Focus on gaining a strong foundation in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are transferable to various careers.
9. **Stay Open-Minded**: Be open to evolving interests and career paths as you gain exposure to new experiences in college.
Ultimately, the key is to choose a major that aligns with your current interests and allows for flexibility as your interests may evolve. College is an opportunity for exploration and growth, so don't be afraid to take courses, join clubs, and engage in internships that align with your passions. It's a journey of self-discovery, and you have the flexibility to adapt your path as you learn and grow.
1. **Consider a Broad Major**: Given your diverse interests, you might want to consider a major that provides a broad foundation and allows you to explore multiple fields. Some examples include:
- **Environmental Studies**: This major combines elements of environmental science and sustainability.
- **Social Sciences**: A major in social sciences, like Sociology or Anthropology, can encompass aspects of activism, psychology, and environmental studies.
2. **Double Major or Minor**: Another option is to select a primary major that aligns with your core interests and then add a minor or double major to incorporate your other passions. For example:
- Major in Fashion Design with a Minor in Psychology or Environmental Science.
- Major in Marketing with a Minor in Environmental Studies.
3. **Interdisciplinary Programs**: Some universities offer interdisciplinary programs that allow you to blend multiple fields. Look for programs like "Environmental Psychology" or "Sustainability in Fashion."
4. **Explore Course Catalogs**: Review the course catalogs of the colleges you're interested in. Look for majors that offer flexibility and a range of electives, allowing you to tailor your coursework to your interests.
5. **Talk to Academic Advisors**: Reach out to academic advisors at your prospective colleges. They can provide guidance on majors and help you create a plan that aligns with your goals.
6. **Internships and Experience**: Consider that you can gain practical experience in your areas of interest through internships, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs. This can help you explore your passions before committing to a specific career path.
7. **Career Prospects**: While pursuing your passions is essential, also research the career prospects and earning potential of your chosen major. This can help you make a well-informed decision.
8. **Flexibility for Change**: Remember that your undergraduate major does not necessarily dictate your entire career. Many professionals work in fields unrelated to their majors. Focus on gaining a strong foundation in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are transferable to various careers.
9. **Stay Open-Minded**: Be open to evolving interests and career paths as you gain exposure to new experiences in college.
Ultimately, the key is to choose a major that aligns with your current interests and allows for flexibility as your interests may evolve. College is an opportunity for exploration and growth, so don't be afraid to take courses, join clubs, and engage in internships that align with your passions. It's a journey of self-discovery, and you have the flexibility to adapt your path as you learn and grow.
Updated
Pro’s Answer
Try an Interdisciplinary, Liberal Studies, or General Studies major, that will let you combine multiple interests. Or an Individually Designed major that you can even name yourself.
Updated
Alice’s Answer
Hi Clare - Just a thought but there are colleges that now combine sustainability with fashion given the increased focus on sustainable fashion. As you've rightly mentioned, Parsons, FIT, and even Pratt Institute offers these programs. The other angle to perhaps think about is are you interested in more the environmental science aspect, are you passionate about climate change, or even the ethics of environmental science policy. Given the rising concerns of climate change, there will be lots of interesting roles and careers around this. There are some niche programs such as the SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry in Syracuse that could be interesting to explore. Most importantly, I think you should think about what is it that excites you about college and learning about this areas - is it the research/science, is it being creative/hands-on, or do you want to be actively involved in change? You can also consider liberal arts colleges that may offer a broader curriculum and then pick courses along the way that pique your interest (e.g. Psychology / Marketing). The world is your oyster so it's an exciting process. Good luck!
Thank you so much for your response! I am applying through UCAS so I do have to decide a major because entry to university, but thank you for sparking those questions in my mind! I really appreciate it. :)
Clare
Updated
Shelby’s Answer
Hi Clare, my advice when picking a major is to think about what really brings you joy in life. I definitely had this challenge when choosing a career and I chose to make a pros and cons list about each career I thought I wanted to pursue. What did I like about the idea of that role, and what was I hesitant about. I think you will find out a lot about yourself when doing this. Also know that there are schools that will let you start undeclared. By doing this, you're allowing yourself some time to take courses in a few areas to see what it is that you really like. For example, you may think that you want to study Graphic Design but after taking an introductory course decide that it isn't for you and you'll still have the chance to declare a major that isn't Graphic Design. However, I realize that many schools make you go in undeclared so I would just encourage you to talk to someone who works in that field to see if it sounds like something you may like doing yourself. Hope this helps!
Find people who work in each field and interview them about their jobs
Create a pros and cons list on each of your areas of interest
Shelby recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much! I am applying through UCAS so I have to decide a fixed major/focus before admission (aka now), but I will definitely make the pros and cons list and try to reach out to some people in the field! Thank you so so much.
Clare