Deciding on a major/changing your major

By Dr. Joanne Keeley

Choosing a major … how hard can that be? Well, it’s one of the hardest decisions you’ll make in your life.

Although making this decision is stressful due to the many choices you have, it is not carved in stone and in the future you may make a “major switch.”

However, if you gather information about yourself, what’s offered at ACC, and the world of work around you, your decision will be a good one. It will provide the most direct, fastest road map through your educational journey whether you plan on transferring to a four-year college or going straight into the workforce.

They say that many people spend more time deciding what car to buy than they do deciding on a career. Hopefully, you will not be one of those people!

A major decision

You will make the best choice of a major if you first think about your interests (what you enjoy doing, what you are passionate about), your abilities (what you do well), and your values (what motivates you and makes the job worth doing). You also want to learn about the options for majors/careers that meet or match who you are.

Yes, this can be a difficult process. However, ACC counselors are there to help and show you the tools needed for making such a “major decision.”

Changing your major

Some students arrive at ACC and know exactly what they want for a career, but most students do not. There is no rush to make an instant decision on a major. Keep in mind that once you choose a major, there is still room for change.

Of course, changing majors can also have drawbacks. If done too often, it can lead to taking too many courses and may delay graduation or transfer to a four-year college.

So proceed with caution and gather information before making a commitment. In other words, meet with a career counselor at an ACC campus and begin taking steps now to find out what major meets your goals.

Where to find help

ACC offers many services to students for assistance in selecting a major and choosing a career.

First and foremost are ACC counselors, located at each of the main campuses, who specialize in just such major decisions.

They might introduce you to other resources that will help your decision-making process, including:

• DISCOVER – a computerized system designed to help you learn about your interests, abilities, and values and how they relate to the world of majors and careers. You can then explore the characteristics of virtually any of the fields out there.
• The ACC Career website links to myriad major and career decision-making tools.
• Campus Career Centers – career, major, and college resources available on campus
• Career Planning Course - for an in-depth look at the major or career that’s best for you
• Hot Jobs - What are the hot jobs for now and the future?

So, meet with an ACC counselor to find the best path to a satisfying major/career. Take the time to explore your interests and your options before making a decision. And remember, this is a journey, not a final destination. Enjoy the trip!

Joanne Keeley, Ph.D., is a counselor at the Eastview Campus. Dr. Keeley earned a bachelor's degree in French and education and a master's degree in educational psychology. She was awarded a doctorate in educational administration as part of the Community College Leadership Program at the University of Texas at Austin. She has been with ACC for a dynamic 26 years.