Advice for Choosing a Major

dav1y

dav1y

USNA '26
5-Year Member
Joined
Aug 5, 2019
Messages
421
Hi all!

Sorry to bother y'all on the first day of 2023 but I just wanted some advice on picking a major and how the process works. I've always thought that I would go aero, but recently I've started to have second thoughts. A lot of the aero majors I know love it, but I also know many that absolutely hate it. The workload and pace just seem so intense and I've started thinking about doing something "easier" such as Naval Architechture or possibly double-E. I just wanted to get some advice and see what y'all think. I also wanted to ask about how declaring a major works and what the chances are you don't get selected for your first choice. Thanks again!
 
Talk to your upper class in the majors that interest you. Ask what their work load is, what they like, dislike, etc. Pick what you are most interested in. Also evaluate your strengths. You will do best in what interests you the most. Was a history major. In hindsight, wish I had picked Naval Architecture. I did love my history courses and it’s still a passion of mine. Naval Architecture - Small major, amazing lab spaces, interesting topic. BTW, spent most of my career post active duty in engineering and then tech.
 
Echo the “pick something interesting to you”. No matter what school you attend. Period. Obviously making a wise choice. You will find your niche no matter…and will be happiest and most successful doing something you enjoy.

Adding that you are graduating from a SA? And that diploma, and subsequent doors it opens, will take you far.

I still recall asking about this, 4 yrs ago. @Capt MJ provided a listing of her sponsor Mids majors, and where they are now. Maybe she still has it, but it was eye opening for me.
 
The first Monday back your whole class has a majors fair where you’ll get to explore different majors. For majors selection, you will put in your top three preferences in March, and a few weeks later, major assignments will be announced. Generally, you need a Group 1 major somewhere in your top 3 as a requirement. Poly sci, history, foreign areas, and quantitative economics are generally the majors to hit their maximums. When a major is over capacity with all first choice people, they will randomly take someone and move them to their second choice. Provost Firebaugh will explain this algorithm more with time, but the bottom line is that there is no way to “game” the system. Also, if you want a Group 1 (engineering) major, you are practically guaranteed your first choice. Same for most Group 2.

I‘ll echo again what NavyHoops and justdoit19 have said about doing what interests you. One piece of advice told to me by a professor in the history department was to choose a subject you wouldn’t mind doing at 3am - because you just might have to do it at such an hour. One thing you could do is ask some of your upperclass to show you their homework problems or watch Zach Star’s videos on YouTube covering different majors.
 
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If you like EE it can be easy … same goes for Naval Architecture … anything I suppose can be hard if you don’t like it

In addition to the great advice above … after you have narrowed your choices …. Go through the Syllabus for the Major-Specific courses, and do some investigation on the Nature of the Theory & Practice for each

… this should get some brain cells headed in the right direction for you … narrow your interest even better
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Son was originally thinking History, but after talking with some upperclassmen, has been leaning more toward Electrical Engineering. He wants to do something a bit more challenging (in his eyes) that offers him an opportunity to build on in the future.

Second the advice of talking to your company mates to see why they chose their majors.
 
dav1y said:
Hi all!

Sorry to bother y'all on the first day of 2023 but I just wanted some advice on picking a major and how the process works. I've always thought that I would go aero, but recently I've started to have second thoughts. A lot of the aero majors I know love it, but I also know many that absolutely hate it. The workload and pace just seem so intense and I've started thinking about doing something "easier" such as Naval Architechture or possibly double-E. I just wanted to get some advice and see what y'all think. I also wanted to ask about how declaring a major works and what the chances are you don't get selected for your first choice. Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Nav arch is “easier”.
 
Son is an aero major with a minor in a foreign language. The work load is crazy. His QE major roomies have time and freedoms and seem to have no homework—ever. But he loves the subject matter and has found mentors and classmates that speak his language and love what he loves. He has been inspired by his labs and his opportunities in research. Do what you love. When it sucks, and it will, doing what you are passionate about will get you through. Just my 2 cents.
 
Computerman21 said:
The first Monday back your whole class has a majors fair where you’ll get to explore different majors. For majors selection, you will put in your top three preferences in March, and a few weeks later, major assignments will be announced. Generally, you need a Group 1 major somewhere in your top 3 as a requirement. Poly sci, history, foreign areas, and quantitative economics are generally the majors to hit their maximums. When a major is over capacity with all first choice people, they will randomly take someone and move them to their second choice. Provost Firebaugh will explain this algorithm more with time, but the bottom line is that there is no way to “game” the system. Also, if you want a Group 1 (engineering) major, you are practically guaranteed your first choice. Same for most Group 2.

I‘ll echo again what NavyHoops and justdoit19 have said about doing what interests you. One piece of advice told to me by a professor in the history department was to choose a subject you wouldn’t mind doing at 3am - because you just might have to do it at such an hour. One thing you could do is ask some of your upperclass to show you their homework problems or watch Zach Star’s videos on YouTube covering different majors.
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Thank you! I know our majors fair is scheduled for the 9th but I was just a bit worried about not getting my first choice for a major, although since I am definitely going Group 1 then that is very helpful to know.
 
Pick something that interests you *and* something you are good at. The sweet spot is in the middle.

If you are struggling in Calculus, it may not be a great idea to dive into math, physics, or most of the group 1 majors.

If you never had language aptitude in high school, it may not be a great idea to do Chinese.

If you're struggling to keep up with cyber, reconsider picking Computer Science, IT, or Cyber Ops.

The group 3 majors are not as easy as you think if you don't enjoy reading and writing. A lot of reading and writing.

If you really want to pick a major that you know you might not be good with, recognize that you may sacrifice significantly more time than your classmates and still run the risk of dropping down to General Engineering or General Science by graduation. Motivation and force of will can only take you so far. If your academics slip, it will also mean dropping sports, clubs, and ECAs to recover time.

I had a few classmates that picked engineering because they thought it was cool or would help with future employment prospects and ignored their own poor performance in the initial STEM courses like Calculus and Chemistry. They did pretty well in high school, and they were self-assured in their ability to "figure it out."

It is entirely possible that you won't "figure it out," you end up just struggling for the entire four years, and you spend an uncomfortable amount of time on academic probation and mandatory summer school.

Be deliberate and weigh your own strengths and weaknesses carefully.
 
nuensis said:
Pick something that interests you *and* something you are good at. The sweet spot is in the middle.

If you are struggling in Calculus, it may not be a great idea to dive into math, physics, or most of the group 1 majors.

If you never had language aptitude in high school, it may not be a great idea to do Chinese.

If you're struggling to keep up with cyber, reconsider picking Computer Science, IT, or Cyber Ops.

The group 3 majors are not as easy as you think if you don't enjoy reading and writing. A lot of reading and writing.

If you really want to pick a major that you know you might not be good with, recognize that you may sacrifice significantly more time than your classmates and still run the risk of dropping down to General Engineering or General Science by graduation. Motivation and force of will can only take you so far. If your academics slip, it will also mean dropping sports, clubs, and ECAs to recover time.

I had a few classmates that picked engineering because they thought it was cool or would help with future employment prospects and ignored their own poor performance in the initial STEM courses like Calculus and Chemistry. They did pretty well in high school, and they were self-assured in their ability to "figure it out."

It is entirely possible that you won't "figure it out," you end up just struggling for the entire four years, and you spend an uncomfortable amount of time on academic probation and mandatory summer school.

Be deliberate and weigh your own strengths and weaknesses carefully.
Click to expand...
Great post. I’ll add, that if you discover you picked the wrong major, you *may* be able to change. Earlier rather than later.

Find your ‘sweet spot’.
 
My son (a history major c/o ‘23) has had 2 (count them) in-major classes due to scheduling conflicts and the demands of required STEM and professional classes (and he validated stem classes). He has 5 history classes this coming semester. If you are a tier 1 or 2 major, working in those in-major classes seems easier. YMMV.
 
ders_dad said:
My son (a history major c/o ‘23) has had 2 (count them) in-major classes due to scheduling conflicts and the demands of required STEM and professional classes (and he validated stem classes). He has 5 history classes this coming semester. If you are a tier 1 or 2 major, working in those in-major classes seems easier. YMMV.
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It’s the price Group 3 majors have to pay for having subject matter that everyone is interested in 😂. Early on, it is difficult to get into majors classes as a Group 3 since the required courses are usually offered as electives to Team STEM. I will say it is odd that he has five majors courses stacked, but that is probably more his advisor’s doing than anything. As long as he is ahead/on matrix, he is fine. For a data point, I had one to three major courses a semester as a political science major. Like you said, YMMV! Your DS sounds like he’ll have an enjoyable last semester academically!
 
Choosing a major is very much like choosing a career. If you have a passion for it, your perception of it being 'work' is greatly reduced. I'm not saying it will be easier, but it is much easier grinding out those late-night study sessions if you have a passion for the subject.

It was a given that my son would become an engineering major. It was his 'destiny...' Then he started reading more about space and the Universe and he just couldn't put the books down. He chose Astro Physics as his major, which was truly a shock to us. Now I can't imagine him being in any other major. He would never be as passionate about engineering as he is right now.
 
I’m going to be the contrarian.
Majoring in something you love sounds nice, but it can limit your future depending on what you wish to do.
For example, if you go the aviation route you can be a successful pilot without a technical degree. I was a double major in German Literature and European History. But some doors in Aviation were closed to me due to that major such as test pilot and astronaut. Not that I was going to do either, but that wasn’t even a possibility. There were other similar positions that required engineering degrees
If you want a career later in medicine you don’t necessarily need to be pre med, but you need to knock out most of your pre requisites as an undergrad. Yes, you can do them later, but it’s tough. My wife knocked out organic chemistry in her 30s, but she has a near photographic memory. I remember her turning pages in her organic chemistry notes while watching football on TV. After 30 minutes she put her notes away and got an A on her final. That’s not normal.
My nephew was an engineering major and, after his ADSO for flight school went and got a doctorate in engineering. He now works for an engineering company. He would not have this job if he majored in history. I guess you can get a doctorate in engineering if you’re a history major, but that would be very tough.
So my recommendation would be to think about careers you want post military, or even things you would like to do in the military. Don’t limit it to JO jobs, but look around at mid level officer jobs and think about what you want to do. Yes, Major in something you enjoy, but also try to pick something that will serve you in the future. Also, think about what you will do if you don’t commission. Yeah, we don’t like to think about it, but it happens. If that does happen, what’s your “plan B”? In such a situation EE would probably serve you better than the other options. I think aeronautical engineering is more limited.
Just my 2 cents.
 
UHBlackhawk is correct. However, I would say that most people who want to become astronauts are drawn to the technical majors. It's in their DNA. Those who want med school know the majors that will allow them to get the requisite courses. The above are a tiny percentage of each class. If you have a unique desire (i.e., becoming astronaut), you should discuss that with your academic advisor.

History majors become outstanding submariners. Nuclear engineers become Marines. Aero majors drive ships. And on and on.

For the overwhelming majority, selecting something you like AND are good at is the best place to start and generally (with some exceptions), won't limit your future.
 
usna1985 said:
UHBlackhawk is correct. However, I would say that most people who want to become astronauts are drawn to the technical majors. It's in their DNA. Those who want med school know the majors that will allow them to get the requisite courses. The above are a tiny percentage of each class. If you have a unique desire (i.e., becoming astronaut), you should discuss that with your academic advisor.

History majors become outstanding submariners. Nuclear engineers become Marines. Aero majors drive ships. And on and on.

For the overwhelming majority, selecting something you like AND are good at is the best place to start and generally (with some exceptions), won't limit your future.
Click to expand...
Good points. While I mentioned some things that were extreme such as astronaut, as I pointed out there were other areas that required certain degrees. Many I didn’t think about until I was an O-3. I would bump into an officer who was doing something cool, but I lacked the degree to go that route.
Also, the history major might be a good submariner, but what will they do if they can’t commission? Again, not something most think about until it happens and often this takes place in their Firstie year. I was faced with this as I came close to graduation as ROTC did not guarantee active duty. I can’t remember when I finally got the word that I got a reserve active duty slot, but it was a huge relief. At the time I was kicking myself for my major as my job prospects in the civilian job market at the time were not great. I have seen more than one Cadet graduate and not commission. Yes, the Old Grad network helps. But it also helps to have marketable skill sets.
I would highly recommend a student at any university, even a SA, do some research and look at the usefulness of a major in the civilian world. The old school advise that your major does not matter… I’m sorry.. is not very good advice.
So again, my advice is for a college student to explore and think about what they want to do. Some things are easy to change.
 
Some thoughts on both sides of the argument.

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Why finding your passion is terrible advice - SmartBrief

Some of the first words on the pages of a typical self-help book are, “Follow your passion.” Once you start going down that hopeless rabbit hole, you’re likely to find yourself surrounded by lots of lost people who mumble to themselves as they sleepwalk through life. People are passionate about...
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UHBlackhawk said:
Good points. While I mentioned some things that were extreme such as astronaut, as I pointed out there were other areas that required certain degrees. Many I didn’t think about until I was an O-3. I would bump into an officer who was doing something cool, but I lacked the degree to go that route.
Also, the history major might be a good submariner, but what will they do if they can’t commission? Again, not something most think about until it happens and often this takes place in their Firstie year. I was faced with this as I came close to graduation as ROTC did not guarantee active duty. I can’t remember when I finally got the word that I got a reserve active duty slot, but it was a huge relief. At the time I was kicking myself for my major as my job prospects in the civilian job market at the time were not great. I have seen more than one Cadet graduate and not commission. Yes, the Old Grad network helps. But it also helps to have marketable skill sets.
I would highly recommend a student at any university, even a SA, do some research and look at the usefulness of a major in the civilian world. The old school advise that your major does not matter… I’m sorry.. is not very good advice.
So again, my advice is for a college student to explore and think about what they want to do. Some things are easy to change.
Click to expand...
Very good point at most schools. My experience as a USNA grad is that most companies considered my USNA BS to be a BS in Engineering. Unlike the vast majority of schools, even the English and foreign language majors get BSs and the over 90 college credits of STEM are enough that it is considered a General Eng degree. I was an International Security Affairs (international PolySci) major and both GE and Lockheed employed me as an Engineer and several others in roles that called for an engineering degree/background.
 
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