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Your college major is just one part of your college education.

You’ll probably devote only a third of your total course work on your major. And most of your time will be spent on general requirement courses and electives.

That said – your college major is important if you’re choosing a particular career field. And it’s also important if you want to get into a particular grad school program.

So here are some tips on what you should consider before choosing a college major:

Don’t choose a major until you’re absolutely sure.

The worst move is to choose a major without seriously thinking about it. It’s best to be “undecided” until you know for sure what major is for you. Sure, the academic bureaucrats want you to choose a major quickly, but don’t let them stress you out. Choose your major when you’re ready.

Talk with academic counselors.

If you know that you want to work in a particular career field — like law, health care, or journalism — take the time to visit with an academic counselor at your college. They are there to help you decide on classes and majors that will fit with your career interests.

Take a personality/career test.

Many career centers offer free testing to students who are trying to figure out a career field. Take these tests as soon as you can. You’d be surprised how revealing these tests are about what types of careers you should consider. Your unique personality type will work well within certain career fields, and these tests will highlight those careers for you.

Think of the long-range marketability of the major.

I strongly believe you should take college classes that interest you. And that you should choose a major you are passionate about. However, it’s also important to think about college majors that will help you with your future career. And if you’re planning on going into a grad program, you need to choose a major that will interest that grad school.

Consider minoring in the less marketable subject.

If you’re very passionate about Women’s Literature, then this might be a good subject to minor in. However, if you’re ultimate goal is to go to law school — consider majoring in political science, which will give you a strong background in public policy and help you later in grad school.

Think beyond your first job out of college.

No matter what career field you choose, think big when choosing your college major. For example, let’s say that you want to work in journalism after college. Well, there’s a possibility you’ll be in a management role within 10 or 15 years. And that’s why a well-rounded college education that included accounting, media law, and business administration would be important. So take courses outside your major because you never know what you might be doing 15 years from now. And if you want to be in a management or director role in the future, a background in business is always very helpful.

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