What makes a college major meaningful?

Hey guys, I'm trying to figure out what I want to do in the future and what to major in when I get to college. I've heard some majors being described as more meaningful. What exactly does that mean, and what makes a major 'meaningful'? What are some examples of these meaningful college majors? Are they generally in specific fields or does it vary?

A college major is typically considered 'meaningful' if it aligns with an individual's career goals, personal interests, and values. A meaningful major is one that not only engages and stimulates the student academically, but also prepares the student for the future, whether that be graduate school or a specific career path. It should ideally provide a foundation of readily applicable skills and relevant knowledge that can be built upon for lifetime learning.

Whilst the meaningfulness of a major can vary significantly among individuals based on their personal and career goals, certain fields may be broadly considered 'meaningful' due to societal relevance, career opportunities, or the chance to contribute positively to the world. These could be in various fields such as environmental science (for those looking to work towards a more sustainable future), social work or education (to shape future generations or aid vulnerable populations), public health (to improve health outcomes at a population level), or biomedical engineering (for those interested in cutting-edge medical technology).

However, it's crucial to understand that a 'meaningful' major truly depends on personal alignment. For example, someone passionate about art can find majoring in art history or visual arts meaningful as it aligns with their personal interests and might lead to a rewarding career in curating, museum management, or teaching.

Ultimately, a college major becomes meaningful when it allows you to invest your time and academic effort in learning something that genuinely interests you, challenges you, and prepares you for your future professional or academic endeavors. A meaningful major is as varied as the people who pursue them, and it's most certainly not restricted to one specific field or discipline.