Choosing a college major is an exciting yet overwhelming decision that can shape a young adult’s future. For many, the pressure to pick a career path so early can feel daunting, leading to stress, self-doubt, and even anxiety. At Protected Roots Integrative (PRI) Treatment Center in San Diego, we understand that this decision goes beyond academics—it’s a pivotal moment tied to personal well-being. That’s why we emphasize not only practical strategies for choosing a major but also mental wellness techniques that help you navigate the emotional side of making life-changing decisions. Finding clarity and peace of mind can be as crucial as choosing the right major, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Tips For Picking a College Major
Choosing a college major is one of the most daunting choices a young adult can make. Being told to pick a career for the rest of your life when you have only just graduated high school is extremely overwhelming. While no one major is perfect for everyone, the University of Kansas provides some tips for choosing a major that might help in their “10 Tips for Choosing a Major in College:”1
- What Do You Enjoy?: It is important to identify what you are good at and what typically causes stress. By picking a topic that you are interested in, it is easier to avoid burnout and love what you end up doing.
- Look for Job Opportunities: While it is vital to enjoy what you do, it is also necessary to figure out expected opportunities, potential salaries, and whether this investment you are making in yourself is worth it. Weigh the opportunity cost of each potential field and consider all possible options before making a final decision.
- Consider Childhood Dreams: What is it that you have always wanted to do? Does this career still interest you? If so, find out the path best suited to finding success in this field.
- Start with General Education Requirements: If you are still unsure of what major to choose, it is ok to start by completing general education requirements! Take some time to adjust to the college environment, join interesting clubs, and talk to other students. With time, you will find the right major for you!
- Don’t Rush the Process, Take Some Time Off if Needed: Ultimately, if you are unable to decide on a major, it is ok to take a semester/year off to consider all of your options. There are few decisions as important as choosing your major. If you need extra time to decide, take it!
College Major Advice
The University of South Florida expands upon these ideas in “Top Considerations When Choosing a College Major:”2
- Determine How Much Time You Can Commit to School: Certain majors expect much more from their students, such as pre-med and engineering. See how much time you can allot to your academics and decide if you need to work part- time to make it through your degree.
- Seek Out the Advice of Someone You Trust: It is ok to ask a parent, teacher, or relative what they envision you doing as a career. If you know someone who has become successful in a field you enjoy, try to meet with them to see what majors they would recommend.
- Seek Input, But Don’t Let Others Decide for You: While familial input is important, it is essential that you not let anyone else decide your career for you. At the end of the day, the only one who can choose the best path for your own life is yourself. Try not to get pressured into selecting a major that you may not truly enjoy.
While the concept of choosing a career for the rest of your life can feel terrifying, taking steps to narrow down the choices, while ensuring adequate time to plan for every scenario, can hopefully relieve some of this stress. At times of great stress, it is also crucial to address the underlying issues. At Protected Roots Integrative (PRI) Treatment Center in La Jolla, CA, we utilize evidence-based, clinically-driven coping skills to address the causes of stress, while also treating the symptoms. Here at PRI, we tailor each treatment to the specific needs of every patient, ensuring a holistic experience that leads to healthier decision-making.
References:
- Cordell, M. (2022, August 10). 10 tips for choosing a major in college. The University of Kansas, Edwards Campus. https://edwardscampus.ku.edu/blog/10-tips-choosing-major
- DeLeon, H. (2022b, October 5). Top Considerations When Choosing a College Major. Admissions.usf.edu; University of South Florida. https://admissions.usf.edu/blog/top-considerations-when-choosing-a-college-major
Dr. Warter received his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Wright Institute in Berkely, California, completed his Predoctoral Internship at USC’s Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and was a Postdoctoral Researcher at USC’s Institute for Integrative Health and Wellness. Dr. Warter has also been trained at UCSF School of Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, and in community clinics in rural, underserved communities in Argentina and Paraguay. Dr. Warter has received training in providing parents with guidelines to help prevent behavior problems and enhance communication skills and strategies to promote children’s social, emotional, and academic competence. Dr. Warter has also published and presented at the University of Naples and the University of Buenos Aires on subjects related to Third Culture Kids and the impacts of Social Media on Personality and Self Esteem.
Dr. Charles Warter, PsyD
