Career Services Center

Choosing a Major

Picking a major can feel overwhelming.  Factors such as family pressure, personal values, lack of career knowledge, or having too many options can make the decision making process challenging.  Knowledge about careers, your interests and values as well as school requirements can make the process easier. The nice part is that you have help.  In addition to the guide below, we have trained staff that can provide guidance so that you can make an efficient and effective decision. 

Research Majors
  1. UCSD General Catalog External Link Icon
  2. Common Majors and Careers  External Link Icon  
  3. Review the  Alumni Survey  to see what recently graduated UCSD alums are doing with their majors.
  4. Occupational & Salary Information
Meet with advisors
  1. Meet with an advisor in the academic program you are considering to discuss the required courses.
  2. Meet with a career advisor to discuss job options that supports the major you are considering.
Ask questions
  1. What is the philosophy of the department?
  2. What are the faculty backgrounds and research interests?
  3. What skills and knowledge will you gain from the major?
  4. What occupations and graduate programs have graduates of the major pursued?
Take further action
  1. Sit in on a few classes to get a feel for the subject matter and professors' teaching styles.
  2. Talk to students in the major and ask for their assessment of the department, classes, and the professors.
  3. Consider taking some  career assessments  to gain an understanding of your career interests and best suited majors.