How much do majors matter?

By Kara Croteau, Campus Representative, University of South Carolina

As a senior in college, figuring out what you want to do in life, and therefore major in, plays a big role in where you decide to go to college. I know for me, I was interested in business, and chose my schools based on the business programs they offered.

But according to Zac Bissonnette’s article, he proves that what you major in does not necessarily mean that is the field you have to work in for the rest of your life. A study conducted by PayScale Inc. actually showed that history majors who pursued careers in business ended up earning, on average, just as much as business majors.

This fact probably comes as a concern and big upset to all those business majors out there, including myself. At most four year universities and colleges, it is known that the business majors have one of the toughest course loads. We endure the hours of calculus and statistics because, hey, we have no other choice.

So, to make a long story short, don’t stress over your major. If it’s not too late, go ahead and change it to that area of study that’s always interested you most, but you were too afraid to take a risk and major in an “impractical” field of study. By doing so, you’ll have more fun, have a better experience, and be less likely to drop out of something you are passionate about.