I have heard many people say that it was very easy for them to choose a major that they enjoy, but for many of us choosing a major is like finding a needle in the haystack. Deciding what to study at a university can be very difficult to do for three reasons.

1. There are so many options to choose from.

2. You are not sure what you want to do.

3. Fear of failure.

It is normal to have these doubts and ask these questions. If you are undecided about what you would like to do in college, I'll let you in on what students do to choose their major.

We often put aside the thought of choosing a major and rely on the idea that it will magically come. Make a battle plan and take action.

Get Started

Step 1: Sit down in a quiet and focused area and have a pen and paper in front of you.

Step 2: See all of the degrees that Eastern New Mexico University offers.

Step 3: Make a list of five degrees that seem appealing to you.

Step 4: Research the degrees on your list of five.

Step 5: Start eliminating the degrees that are the least interesting until you reach the point of choosing a major that you are satisfied with.

Get a Feel for It

Another helpful tip is to take courses that touch base on the degrees that you consider to be engaging. Within your general education requirements, there are many courses that fall under categories like writing, communication, mathematics, science, social sciences, humanities and fine arts. You might be overwhelmed by just looking at these subjects, but I am here to tell you that we often have to get a feel for it by just giving it a try.

Step 1: Look at the catalog for the general education requirement checklist:  https://www.enmu.edu/images/academics/degree-plans/clas/general-education-associate.pdf

Step 2: Highlight the courses within each the five focusses that seem to be of interest to you.

Step 3: While you are registered and attending your classes ask yourself, "Do I enjoy doing this subject?"

Step 4: When you have finished the semester and decided which courses you liked and which ones you didn't, make decisions for which classes to take next semesters. Continue to take classes that you are interested in that major (that are within the catalog). 

Step 5: Choose a degree plan that suits your interests.

Try to find what you like at the same time you are receiving college credit you need for your general education. In the process you won't be losing anything. Instead, you will gaining an associate's degree and discovering your major.

What is Stopping You?

The perks of being a college student are almost endless. Take advantage of attaining a degree and enjoy this time of your life. One of the factors that tend to holds us back from achieving our immediate goal is fear. Your goal is to choose a major, but fear is stopping you. Don't let the fear of failure paralyze your ambition. Seek to find a degree that you will enjoy and that will benefit your future. Think positive!

Step 1: Consider all the opportunities that ENMU offers.

Step 2: Brainstorm how this will impact your future.

Step 3: Think positive about the outcomes and the accomplishment of graduating with a bachelor's.

Lastly, don't stress or overthink yourself about choosing a major. The greatest tip is to be intentional with your life, education and future. There are limitless opportunities; I encourage you to take them.