Common College Life: Choosing a Major
Many people know exactly what field of study they want to pursue before entering college, but with others it takes almost the entire length of college before they settle on a major-or even two, if one decides to double major. Some people pick a major and stick with it while others change focuses two or three times before it's all over. Some have minors, some don't. I think what's most important when figuring these decisions out is to remain calm, level headed, and humble; God knows what you need and when you need it. We need to remember that even though we are in college to receive an education, ultimately we are on the Earth to glorify God. Christians have a calling to fulfill, one that involves living a life after that of Christ, and I think we often forget that when we become consumed with labels that define us in life, such as a job title or a major in college. I also see people making decisions about what to study solely based on how much money they will make for their own personal gain. Money isn't bad in itself, but I think the motive behind every decision made, including what to study, should be selfless and glorifying to God. I also think that it's important to know why you want to pursue an area of study, as it may help you reach a decision on the topic. If you know that you are passionate about a certain topic, research it in depth. See what colleges offer as far as majors or minors regarding the topic and look up what careers you could pursue with certain majors. Remember that although we are called to be disciples, that doesn't mean that we must live in monasteries with no contact to the outside world or that every person should go live in a third world country for the rest of his/her life. Some people are called to be engineers, while others may be called to be a social worker. My little sister currently wants to do horse therapy. Some people are called to overseas missions and others are called to stay where they are. However, every calling can still be glorifying to God. If you want to be an artist, be one for the Lord. My best friend is a science guru majoring in biochemistry, but she has decided to be a medical missionary overseas to glorify the Father and serve other people with her talents. We can reconcile pursuing God with pursing an education, and we should! It's not one or the other. Both are possible. When choosing a major and/or minor from a godly perspective, I think there are a few points and/or questions to consider:
- Why do you want to pursue the area of study you've chosen?
- Are you passionate about your major?
- Does your major reflect/bring out the talents God has given you?
- Can your major help you to reach a God-given calling?
- Have you spent time in prayer about your major?
- Consult advisors/friends/family about your decisions
If I had to choose two most important factors when it comes to choosing a major, I would say prayer and seeking counsel. In chapter four of Philippians we are reminded to pray, 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus'. The Word also advises us to seek counsel in all decisions: 'A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel', Proverbs 1:5.
I'm often forgetful of the Lord's faithfulness, but He is sure to remind me just how true He is, not only in the big areas of life, such as salvation and unconditional love, but also in the less significant areas, like showing me what to major in and what career choices to make. When we take steps of faith and are patient in prayer, God answers in some way.
I want to recommend a podcast I heard at Breakaway (a ministry at Texas A&M that has weekly worship, speakers, and conferences) this past year: Why College?
