Choosing a Major

An academic major may be linked to a person's interest, or it may be linked to the career that a person wants to pursue. Choosing a major requires gathering information about your interests or about a career and the suggested area of study for that career.

The Career Center has many resources to assist students with choosing a major:

  • Free career assessments that can help identify majors and occupations that might fit your interests, skills, values, and personality.
  • Transfer information for students planning to transfer to another college or university.
  • A computer lab where students can research majors and occupations.

DMACC offers a course to help you choose a major. SDV 130 Career Exploration emphasizes how to assess your skills, interests, values, and personality. The course could be used as an elective toward your degree and is taught by a DMACC counselor.

As you explore majors, keep in mind that the most satisfying careers will be those where you are:

  • Using skills and abilities that come naturally and that you enjoy using.
  • Involved in meaningful activities that interest you.
  • Doing something that is consistent with your values and personality.

To schedule an appointment with a career counselor, contact the DMACC Information Center at 515-964-6200 and dial 0 to reach an operator who will assist you.