Choosing a Major
Whether you are trying to choose your major or change your major, we are here to help you explore your options and make informed decisions about your academic path at Simpson. This website has a variety of online resources to help you during this decision making process. We also offer individualized career coaching services to help you.
To make an appointment, please login to Handshake and request a time through the Career Center tab.
Majors & Minors at Simpson College
Simpson College offers over 80 majors, minors, and pre-professional programs, so you have quite a few options to choose from! Begin by assessing your academic strengths and interests to narrow your search to 3-5 options, then dig in and research each option in-depth. As you consider each major, try to answer these questions:
- What about this major/minor appeals to me? Why am I considering it as a potential choice?
- Are there things about this major/minor that I’m not sure about or don’t like?
- What are the requirements of this major/minor?
- How does this major/minor fit my career goals for after graduation? What kind of careers do graduates of this program typically pursue?
To gather information on each major/minor so you can address these questions, review each program’s website fully. You might then develop a list of questions and interview faculty, current students, and alumni of the majors/minors you’re considering.
Additional Major/Minor Resources
What Can I Do With This Major?
What Can I Do With This Major? is a website featuring 106 major profiles with information on common career paths, types of employers that hire in the field, and strategies to maximize opportunities. Links to professional associations, occupational outlook information, and job search resources are included.
Candid Career
Candid Career is a Simpson College resource available for our students to view videos in order to learn more about various fields:
My Next Move
Explore occupations by keyword, industry, or by completing a free career assessment.
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Search this online database of occupational profiles to learn more about careers you’re considering.
O*Net
Another great resource for researching occupations and industries.
Truity
This website offers free personality and interest assessments that might provide insights into your preferences and talents.
Where Can I Get Help?
If you’d like help working through this process, consider making a career coaching appointment on Handshake with a staff member to get one-on-one assistance. You should also work closely with your faculty advisor throughout your exploration process; they can help you create four-year plans and discuss the academic requirements of the major more fully.
