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Choosing a Major



Many people do not realize that choosing a major is not choosing a career. While some careers, like nursing or engineering, require a specific undergraduate major most do not. As you think about your undergraduate major at Binghamton, consider the following:

  • Choose a major that interests and motivates you. You will get better grades and get more out of the major. A higher GPA will be attractive to future employers and will leave the door open to going to graduate school later if you decide to go.

  • Majors don't limit you to one type of work. For example, if you major in History, English, or many other majors, you might become a bank manager, lobbyist, career counselor, production manager, or pursue a number of other career fields. To find out what Binghamton alumni with your major are doing now, visit the Alumni Career Network and perform a search. We're sure you'll find something of interest!

  • Major is only one variable in determining your career path. Your grades, electives, and skills you acquire through experiences both in and out of the classroom often tell employers more about what you have to offer than does your major. Also, other factors such as personal traits, your goals, experiences (jobs, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, internships), and knowledge of and demonstrated interest in a career field play a large part in determining an employer's response to you.

  • Most college students choose majors in the liberal arts -- English, foreign languages, history, philosophy, visual and performing arts, etc. Graduates with these majors offer employers many valuable skills including:

    *Appreciation of different lifestyles and points of view
    *Balanced knowledge of the sciences, social sciences, and humanities
    *Analytical, problem-solving skills
    *Enthusiasm for learning and independent thinking
    *Flexibility and adaptability
    *Ability to speak and write effectively
    *Ability to interact with people at different levels
    *Excellent written and oral communication skills

    Take supplemental courses, gain experience (internships, volunteer work, part-time and summer jobs), and get involved with extracurricular activities that strengthen your competence in areas such as:

    *Leadership
    *Teamwork
    *Computer and information systems
    *Creativity
    *Foreign languages

  • Develop skills employers want. Read "What Do Employers Really Want? Top Skills and Values Employers Seek from Job-Seekers" to learn what those skills are and determine if you have them or need to find a way to develop them.
What Undergraduate Majors are at Binghamton?
Binghamton Universiy Schools and Degree Programs

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