As a PhD candidate, I have some ‘nontraditional’ insights on navigating college life that parents should consider. Anxiety ranks as the primary reason college students seek counseling, with rates on the rise. So, if your child is returning home for spring break, steer clear of stress-inducing inquiries like “Have you chosen your major yet?” or “What are your plans after graduation?”
Having spent years as an adjunct professor and a doctoral student, I’ve witnessed firsthand the anxiety these questions generate. Reflecting on my own undergraduate experience nearly twenty years ago, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to select the perfect major. I envied those in nursing, engineering, and accounting, fields that seemed to offer clear career trajectories. In contrast, as a liberal arts major, the thought of forging my own path was more daunting than tackling organic chemistry.
The advice to “follow your passion” often felt unhelpful and even irritating to me. With a broad range of interests, it was challenging to see how my passions could translate into a specific major that would secure a job and pay the bills. Would I still love my interests if they became my job for 40+ hours a week? Because of this, I refrain from giving the typical “passion” advice. Instead, I recommend that students focus on simply earning a degree. While college can be transformative, the pressure to choose the “right” major often leads to unnecessary stress.
The Importance of Declaring a Major
Declaring (and sticking with) a major early can bolster a student’s mental resilience, keep them academically engaged, reduce tuition costs, and help them graduate on time. On average, students switch majors three times, which can lead to delays and additional expenses. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, only 60% of students graduate from the same institution within six years. Given tuition fees—averaging $17,237 at public universities and $44,551 at private ones in the 2016-17 academic year—this can add up significantly.
As our children mature, they naturally evolve, explore new interests, and want to try different careers. Choosing a major doesn’t equate to a lifelong commitment to that field. A 2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics report revealed that the average late baby boomer held over 12 jobs from ages 18 to 52. Additionally, a 2013 CareerBuilder survey found that 47% of college graduates’ first jobs were unrelated to their major, and 32% had never worked in their field. The 2010 Census indicated that just 27.3% of college graduates worked in a field directly related to their degree.
The Value of a College Education
Some may question the value of a college education altogether. However, college serves as a means to achieve independence, enhance communication skills, and foster creative thinking. Employers consistently seek candidates with diverse skills and broad knowledge bases. The benefits of a liberal arts education are substantial.
Just as you can’t guarantee your child’s happiness all the time, neither can a specific academic program. If your child can handle their major’s demands, sticks to a budget, plans to pursue further education, and isn’t making a drastic field change (like history to biology), it’s best to encourage them to select a major they find engaging without overthinking it. The job market is dynamic, and there are numerous avenues available for liberal arts graduates. There isn’t a single correct path to success. Declaring a major ideally leads to timely graduation, which in turn leads to employment. Multiple jobs contribute to a career, and the relationships cultivated in that career can greatly impact overall well-being.
Conclusion
For a sense of reassurance this spring break, remember that the specific major often becomes a minor detail in the grand scheme of things. Encourage your child to focus on completing their degree.
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In summary, the pressure around choosing a major in college can be overwhelming, but it’s essential to recognize that it is not a binding decision. Encouraging your child to focus on completing their degree is paramount, as the specific major may not be as critical to their future as they might think.