|
The relationship can vary. Some majors (e.g., nursing, engineering, architecture) offer the opportunity to gain licensure or credentialing. Most majors, however, give perspectives, theories, and skills valuable in all kinds of professional endeavors. Therefore, the best major for you is one that matches your interests, academic strengths, and values.
For example:
- Use your History degree to become a sports broadcaster (like Chris Berman of ESPN) or a business tycoon (Martha Stewart).
- Take your Sociology degree and go to law school (like First Lady Michelle Obama).
- Your Psychology degree could open doors in the field of entertainment (it certainly did for Director Jerry Bruckheimer and television show host Jon Stewart).
- Simpson’s creator Matt Groening, meanwhile, went the Philosophy route.
Not sure what you can do with a major of interest? Check out this fantastic website to discover the many directions a major can take you! (Note: The UA does not offer all of these majors, though we do offer most of them. For more on what majors are available at the UA, check out Degree Search.)
Most majors open all kinds of professional doors. You don't need to know which of the 10,000+ occupational titles out there has your name on it to choose a major that can keep all the right doors open for whatever your future holds!
Most careers do not require specific credentialing. What they do require is the right combination of academic and career preparation.
Start by finding out the Training, Qualifications, and Credentialing needed to pursue a career in the field you’re interested in. Two fantastic resources: the Occupational Outlook Handbook and the University of Arizona’s Student Engagement & Career Development office.
Some career fields (e.g., nutrition, education) require credentialing that is offered at the UA. Other career fields (e.g., interior design, culinary arts) require credentialing that may be offered elsewhere. Still other fields (e.g., advertising, human services, retailing) require specific experience in the field, regardless of major. Knowing what is important to future employers —and often, what’s important is not which major you completed—is the key to making sure you are prepared for life after graduation.