When you start thinking about colleges, one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably:
“Do they offer the major I want?”
Totally fair—but also a bit overwhelming, right? That question can feel so broad that it’s hard to know where to start. The truth is, this question can help you figure out not just what you might study, but what kind of school might be the best fit for your style, goals, and vibe.
Big Universities = Big Options
If you’re someone who wants a buffet of academic choices, a large public university might be your jam. These schools often offer hundreds of majors and minors—we’re talking everything from Business, Engineering, and Nursing to super-specific fields like:
- Viticulture (yes, winemaking 🍷)
- Marine Biology
- Aerospace Engineering
- Computational Neuroscience (try saying that five times fast)
This is great if you’re someone who wants the flexibility to explore, switch paths, or go deeper into a niche field. The tradeoff? Larger schools can sometimes feel more impersonal, and switching majors might delay graduation a bit. But hey, a fifth year of college isn’t the worst thing in the world.
Small Colleges = Deep Dives & Big Thinking
On the flip side, small liberal arts colleges tend to offer fewer majors—but don’t let that scare you. These schools are all about depth over breadth, and their programs often emphasize learning across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
So instead of just specializing super early, you might find yourself connecting dots between fields—like how philosophy intersects with biology, or how psychology influences political behavior.
If you’re curious, love smaller classes, and want to really get to know your professors (and have them actually know you), a liberal arts college might be your sweet spot.
Interdisciplinary Options = Best of Both Worlds
More and more schools are offering interdisciplinary majors—aka mix-and-match programs that blend several subjects into one powerhouse degree. Think:
- Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)
- Environmental Studies
- Peace & Conflict Resolution
- Neuroscience & Behavior
- Digital Humanities
These are awesome if you’re into critical thinking, problem-solving, and want a major that doesn’t fit neatly in just one department.
What If You’re Undecided?
First of all—it’s totally okay to be undecided. Seriously. So many students change majors once (or twice or three times), and that’s part of the process.
Some people say undecided students should stick to big universities for more options, but that’s not a hard rule. In fact, small colleges can be amazing for undecided students because you often get to sample a wide range of classes your first year and build close relationships with professors who can help guide you.
Bottom line: Don’t count out any school just because you’re not sure yet. Look for a place where you’ll feel supported, curious, and inspired to explore.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About the Major
Choosing the right academic fit isn’t about picking the school with the most majors or the most famous program. It’s about finding:
- A learning environment where you’ll thrive
- A community where you’ll feel at home
- Flexibility to grow as your interests evolve
So yes, look at majors. But also look at class sizes, professor accessibility, campus culture, advising, and how open the curriculum is. This is your launchpad—make sure it fits you.
✅ Checklist: Finding Your Academic Fit
Step 1: Know Yourself
- What subjects do I enjoy the most right now?
- Do I prefer hands-on learning or big-picture theory?
- Am I more comfortable in small classes or large lecture halls?
- Do I want to specialize early or explore for a while?
Step 2: Research Your Options
- Make a list of majors you’re interested in
- Look into schools that offer those programs
- Explore interdisciplinary majors (ex: PPE, Environmental Studies, etc.)
- Check if the school allows you to double major or easily switch majors
Step 3: Consider the School Type
- Large university = lots of majors + flexibility
- Small college = close-knit community + broad-based learning
- Which style feels more like me?
Step 4: Undecided? That’s okay.
- Look for schools that support exploration in the first year
- Ask how easy it is to declare/change your major
- Focus on environment & advising over number of majors
Step 5: Think Beyond the Major
- What’s the classroom vibe like (collaborative? competitive?)
- How accessible are professors?
- Are there internship, research, or study abroad opportunities?
- Will I enjoy being part of this campus community?
