Discover Majors and Degrees
Step 4 | 20 minutes
Instructions
Steps 4-6 all lead up to your choosing three colleges that might be right for you. In Step 4 you’ll learn about college majors and degrees and how this information can help you choose a college. Start by watching the welcome video. Then, complete the reading, watch the video about majors and degrees, and complete your Action Items.
Video - Welcome to Steps 4-6
Reading
As you consider where to apply, you'll need to understand the difference between a college major and a degree.
- Major: It's the subject or academic area you specialize in during college. Some majors, like airline mechanics, prepare you for specific careers whereas other majors, like English, prepare you for a range of careers.
- Credential/Degree: It's what you earn when you complete a program of study. Some of the most common credentials are certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees. You could, for instance, earn either an associate degree in Nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN).
Video - Majors and Degrees
Action Items
- Not all colleges offer the same majors or the same degrees. For instance, you can't earn a certificate in marine technology at Warren-Wilson College, and you can't earn a bachelor's degree in music therapy at Cape Fear Community College. Take a few minutes to read this list of degrees and consider which most interest you.
- Go to the Explore Programs and Majors section of CFNC.org where you can search on a major to see which colleges offer it and which degrees they have available.
Additional Resources and Tips
For Students
Consider exploring the career assessments and resources available in the career section of CFNC.org and at NCcareers.org.
For Parents
We’ve asked your student to review a list of degrees and which types of colleges offer them. Not all colleges offer the same majors and degrees. For instance, you can't earn a certificate in marine technology at Warren-Wilson College, and you can't earn a bachelor's degree in music therapy at Cape Fear Community College. Take a few minutes to read the list of degrees in the Action Items section and consider talking with your student about their thoughts.
You may also want to encourage them to explore the career assessments and resources available in the career section of CFNC.org and at NCcareers.org.