13 How to Choose a Major
Choosing a Major
Some students enter college knowing exactly what they want to major in. They may already have a plan for graduation, further education, or a specific career. That situation is not typical.
Many students are unsure about what to major in, or they may be interested in several options. If that is the case, start by thinking about why you came to college. You may want a higher earning job, a meaningful career, or the opportunity to learn new things. Your answer may include a combination of these reasons.
Part of your First Year Seminar (FYS) course will support you in exploring these questions. This exploration also takes time.
Understanding Fields of Interest
To support this process, LaGuardia organizes majors into Fields of Interest. Each field groups majors that share similar skills, course pathways, or career connections.
Fields of Interest are designed to support exploration, not limit your options. You can use these fields to:
- Compare majors that share similar themes
- Notice patterns in your interests
- Identify programs you may want to explore further
The six Fields of Interest at LaGuardia are:
- Business & Entrepreneurship
- Education & Public Service
- Engineering, Science & Technology
- Health & Wellness
- Languages, Culture & Society
- Visual & Performing Arts
Each field includes an overview and a list of associated majors. You can select a field to begin exploring different academic pathways. You can also visit the LaGuardia Academics page.
Learning from Other Students
Hearing how other students chose their majors can help you understand that there is no single path.
Below, you will hear from Apollo, a Film and Television student who explored her interest in storytelling by joining campus clubs and building community.
You will also hear from Miguel, a Liberal Arts student who used flexibility in his major to explore different interests before deciding on a direction.
Understanding Degree Maps
Understanding your degree requirements is an important part of exploring a major.
A degree map is a planning tool that outlines recommended course sequences by semester. It shows:
- Required courses
- Prerequisites
- Program requirements
- Transfer pathways
- Career paths
To explore degree maps, visit the LaGuardia Degree Maps page. To learn more about specific courses, review the college catalog. Students should also meet with an advisor to confirm they are on track and understand how these requirements apply to their academic plan.
Types of advisors include:
- Faculty mentor
- Academic advisor
- Peer advisor
Before meeting with an advisor, students are encouraged to come prepared with questions. Questions may relate to registering for classes, understanding course load, changing a major, reviewing degree requirements, or planning for future semesters.
Examples of questions students may ask include:
- Am I on track for my major?
- Which courses should I prioritize next semester?
- How many credits should I take based on my schedule and responsibilities?
- What should I know before changing my major?
- Are there any requirements I should complete before applying to a specific program?
You can schedule an appointment with an academic advisor through EAB Navigate. For more information, visit LaGuardia’s advising website.
Connecting Majors to Careers
Choosing a major is not only about coursework. It is also helpful to understand how a major connects to potential careers.
At this stage, you do not need to decide on a specific career. Instead, focus on learning about:
- The types of work you may enjoy
- Skills you want to develop
- Different career pathways connected to your interests
In the Career Exploration and Connections chapter, you can explore careers in more detail, including work styles, interests, and available resources.
