Deciding what to major in can feel like a giant question mark.
Maybe you're wondering how your favorite subject fits into a career. Maybe you're thinking, "What should I major in if I'm still figuring out what I even want to do?" You're not alone - and you don't have to have the full answer right now.
At the University of Cincinnati, we're all about helping you explore, experiment, and eventually choose a path that's as flexible as it is focused. Because your major should reflect you: your interests, your goals and your potential. And you've got a lot of it.
Whether you're career-ready, still exploring, or somewhere in between, let's walk through how to make a smart, flexible and future-forward decision.
Before diving into course catalogs and job titles, take a step back and think about what lights you up:
- Do you like solving problems or helping people
- Are you energized by creativity, structure, science or storytelling?
- What subjects do you truly enjoy learning about?
- What kind of work environment do you imagine for yourself?
- Are you looking for a career-focused major or something more exploratory?
There's no "right" answer to these questions. They're simply a starting point to help you explore your options towards majors that reflect who you are now, while staying open to who you're becoming.
Learn more: Explore the 10 most popular college majors at UC.
There's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all major. Some degrees are highly career-specific, like architecture or nursing. Others, like communication or psychology, offer flexibility across industries and open doors to multiple paths. Instead of asking, "what's the best major," try asking, "what major is right for me?"
Majors and careers don't always match up in a straight line, and that's OK. With UC's emphasis on experience-based learning, you'll test-drive careers before you graduate through:
- co-ops and internships that give you real-world experience
- research and creative projects that help you dive deeper
- clinicals, service learning, and student orgs that help you lead, explore and build confidence
These opportunities to gain experience let you try out paths and pivot, if needed.
Choosing a college major isn't a one-time decision; it's something you can (and should) revisit as you grow and evolve. When you're asking yourself, "What degree should I get?" there are plenty of helpful tools and tips to guide the way.
Here are a few ways to make the process a little easier:
Take the My Majors quiz: Get personalized recommendations based on your strengths and interests. It's quick, easy, and surprisingly spot-on.
Explore career trends: It's smart to look at job outlooks, salaries and in-demand skills. But don't let data be the only driver. The right major for you balances both passion and practicality.
Browse UC's programs: With over 400 majors, minors, and certificates across UC's campuses, there's more out there than you probably realized. Take time to explore what fits you best.
Think beyond the classroom: UC's co-op program gives you the chance to test out careers before graduation. You're not just learning, you're building your resume and gaining real-world experience.
Being "undecided" gives you space to explore your interests without pressure. And the best part? You don't have to figure it all out on your own. Whether you're just starting out, feeling stuck, or thinking about switching things up, UC offers personalized support to help guide your journey with intention and confidence.
Meet with an academic adviser by setting up an appointment in My Bearcat Network.
Start as an exploratory studies student while still earning credit toward a degree.
Start with general education classes - which you'll need to complete regardless of major - and choose electives that spark your curiosity.
Join a student organization related to the majors you're considering.
- Meet with a career coach at Bearcat Promise Career Studio.
You're allowed to change your mind. You're allowed to try new things. And you're allowed to choose a path that you're excited about, not one that checks all the boxes for someone else.
So if you're sitting here wondering, "what should I major in?" know this - you're not alone, and you're not behind. In fact, you're exactly where you need to be.
Ready to take the next step? Find more tips on changing or choosing your major.
