Understanding Different College Majors

When considering different options for college majors, it’s a good idea to spend some time learning what is really involved in different fields of study, especially if you are applying for scholarships for high school students. Sometimes it is hard to tell what is really involved in a particular major based simply on the title for the program of study. For example, unless you are already enrolled in business school, you aren’t likely to understand the difference between an accounting major and a finance major.

College course catalogs are a good resource for finding college major descriptions, along with lists of required courses. Many schools publish their catalogs online, which can make it easy for you to compare college major descriptions at different schools you are considering. While catalog descriptions are an excellent starting point, they don’t always paint a clear picture of the differences between programs of study that sound similar and share many courses in common. Before selecting a major, it’s a good idea to make sure you fully understand the programs of study that interest you.

Other Resources for College Major Descriptions Include

• High School Guidance Counselor
• College Admissions Officer
• College Advisors
• College Career Services Office Personnel
• Professor in Academic Department
• Students Enrolled in Degree Programs
• Individuals Working in Fields that Interest You
• College Alumni Association