How to Choose a Major
A few words of advice to consider when picking a major...
- It is not just one decision
- It is not just once in a lifetime event
- It is done best in the context of career planning
- It is done best with the assistance of faculty advisors, counselors , parents, and professionals working in the fields which you have under consideration
- It is done best with the aid of the NRCC College Catalog , college transfer guide (see web sites for your colleges), VA View and other Career Links
A few more things to remember when choosing a major...
- Interests + skills + values + dreams = good major for you
- Students (people) do change their minds about their courses, majors, and careers
- Sometimes there is very little relationship between undergraduate degree and the specific type of employment upon graduation
- Many students are exactly like you; i.e., they really don't know what they want out of life. See Career Development Main for starting point
When choosing a major, it is important to remember that there are differences between...
- LPN and RN and BSN
- A technician and an engineer
- Early childhood development teacher and K-3 teacher
- Getting into a teacher education preparation program and just transferring to a four-year college or university. Most institutions require a 2.5 GPA and passing score on the PRAXIS exam for entry into junior level education classes
- Occupational/technical programs and college transfer programs. Example: Business Management vs. Business Administration
- To make sure you know the appropriate differences.....see your faculty advisor or counselor.
