Mizzou Majors: How Do I Choose?

I'm considering applying to the University of Missouri, but they have so many majors that I'm not sure how to narrow them down. Any tips on choosing the right major? How flexible is Mizzou if I decide to change majors later?

When it comes to choosing a major at the University of Missouri (commonly referred to as Mizzou), you may want to start by considering the fields of study that align with your career goals and interests. For instance, if you have a passion for journalism, Mizzou's School of Journalism is highly regarded nationally.

Dividing majors into categories can also make your choice more manageable. You can break down your choices based on whether the major falls under arts, sciences, social sciences, business, health, engineering, etc. Then, you can eliminate entire categories based on your preferences, strengths, and career goals.

Another way of narrowing down your choices is to research the kind of coursework involved in each major. Mizzou provides curriculum guides for each of their majors, which can give you a snapshot of the kinds of classes you'll be taking for that major. Find the ones that most interest you.

Moreover, reflect on your high school classes and extracurriculars. What subjects did you enjoy or excel at? If you loved your high school chemistry class and participated in the science club, perhaps a major in Biochemistry or Chemistry could be a suitable choice.

It's also worth considering the career prospects and opportunities related to each major. For example, some majors have high employment rates directly after college, while others may require further schooling or degrees. You can research the job placements of previous graduates in the major to understand career projections.

As for changing majors, Mizzou is fairly flexible. You can usually switch your major without too much difficulty, particularly within the first year or two. However, ensure you're considering this while planning your coursework; If you change majors late in your college career, you might need to take additional classes, which can impact your graduation timeline.

Lastly, you don't have to decide immediately. Many students come in as undecided majors and take a year or two to explore a variety of courses before deciding on a major. Just make sure you're keeping graduation requirements and timelines in mind.

Balancing your interests with practical considerations like career prospects and your overall objectives for your education can guide you towards the right decision. Good luck!