Career Services

Choosing a College Major

Before coming to Penn State Harrisburg, a student must have declared a major. However, this does not mean that once a student is attending Penn State Harrisburg his/her choice of major will not change. Choosing a college major can sometimes be difficult, with many variables to consider. This page outlines some recommendations that will hopefully assist students in choosing their college major.

Any student may contact Penn State Harrisburg's faculty for specific information regarding college majors. Professors will be willing to discuss majors in their field of expertise.

Determining Your Priorities

I. Factors related to your personal interests and motivation

1. Interest or pleasure in the subject of the major

Motivation to know more about the subject
Relationship of the subject to your personal values

2. Likelihood of success/excellence in the area

Self-confidence relative to your previous success in the area
Motivation and/or ability to improve in aspects difficult for you
Desire to excel, not just to improve
Other

3. Advice of "significant others"

Advisor/counselor
Friend
Parent
Other:

4. Extracurricular interests (e.g. art)

Wanting to apply this in your vocation, not reserve it for your avocation
Other

5. Other personal factors

II. Factors related to your financial, graduate school, or career needs

1. Financial

Possibility that financial aid might be available for a five-year program or dual degree
Immediate need/desire for well-paid employment
Long-term need/desire for well-paid employment
Other

2. Graduate School

Plan to attend graduate school soon after completing your Bachelor degree.
Plan not to attend graduate school soon after completing your Bachelor degree.
Background appropriate for particular graduate major or professional school
Other

3. Career

Direct relationship of your major/minor to your career plans
Opportunities for previously unfamiliar careers that are beginning to interest you
Belief that a liberal-arts education is desirable/useful for total life plans, not for your career
Other

III. Factors related to the major/minor at Penn State Harrisburg

1. Availability of needed courses at Penn State Harrisburg

2. Requirements of the major/minor:

Reading
Writing papers and/or essay exams
Math, statistics, or computer science
Number of courses
Specific courses
Other

3. Difficulty of the subject for you

Adapted with permisison from "Choosing a Major: Factors to Consider," University of Pennsylvania