auda1358

I'm faced with a dilemma in my schooling...the choice of a suitable major. I've tried five so far: physics, history, geology, math, and economics.

I'm now approaching the end of my sophomore year and realize that it's time to buckle down and make a decision, but I'm finding it difficult to commit to a single major. So far I've finished 70 credits and maintained a 4.0 GPA, which would appear to be good except that I've not taken a substantial concentration of classes in any subject except math (where I've earned 20 credits).

How would you recommend deciding on a major? I'm considering math and chemistry strongly, but fear that either might pigeonhole me into an academic life. I like chemistry more, but I have more credits in math and see it as potentially more useful for a financial career. If you could suggest a few other majors that I should consider as well, I'd appreciate it.

csprof2000

If you have mostly mathematics credit, and you're worried about job opportunities, look into engineering. Chemical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, etc. Computer science may also accept a large number of math credits, and it's one of the best science fields for not being pigeon-holed into academia.

tenisghs

@ auda1358

I would definitely recommend math or a related field as your major. It seems you do very well in the subject. Stick with it. There are plenty of job opportunities for mathematics majors. Ditto for economics, science and engineering too.

http://www.wsc.mass.edu/math/careers/math.html#Careers

StitchInTime

Peruse TED to see if anything excites you.

colberTreporT

TED is awesome!!!

4321234

MyMajors.com - Find college majors or minors

generally, pick a major that:
1. you like
2. you do well in
3. you're proud of

auda1358

Thanks for your replies. I like the TED website, it's interesting.

I took the "mymajors" quiz, and on reflection, the results should not have surprised me. It suggested that I should pursue a degree in land use planning or natural resource management or meteorology on the basis of my interests. Since I was young, I've loved to read about weather and the natural environment (especially mountains and snowfall and tornadoes).

That said, I think that I'm going to take a major in applied math. With some associated computer and modelling skills, I could probably work in a wide range of fields. More to the point, since I already have a fair amount of the math done, it will free more time up in my schedule to do other things that interest me (eg electives, local travel, relaxation and exercise).

I don't really care for math that much, but I don't actively dislike it. Meteorology would be a really good fit for me, but my school doesn't offer it as a major, and I'm nervous about taking on debt and giving up my scholarships to go somewhere else. This seems like the best (and probably easiest) route at this point.