Majors & Careers (USA)
College Majors & Careers (USA)
How to choose a major and what popular US majors involve — computer science, nursing, business, engineering, data science and pre-professional tracks.
Choosing a college major is one of the most visible decisions in a US undergraduate application, yet it is rarely as fixed as it seems. Most US universities allow students to declare a major by the end of their sophomore year and to change it thereafter, so the initial choice is a starting point rather than a binding commitment. What matters most is making a thoughtful, interest-led decision with a clear understanding of each programme's structure, accreditation, and requirements.
This hub brings together guides covering the major academic fields students most commonly consider at US universities — including computer science, nursing, business and finance, and engineering — alongside a practical framework for making the choice itself. Each guide is written to help you understand what a field covers and what to look for in a programme, without fabricating salary claims or employment guarantees. Use the official pages of each university, the relevant accrediting body, and official US government resources to verify any specific figures before you decide.
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Tests this hub covers
SAT
College Board · 8 weekend test dates a year (2026–27: Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Mar, May, Jun; same for U.S. and international)
ACT
ACT (ACT Education Corp.) · 7 test dates a year, in the U.S. and outside it (2026–27: Sep, Oct, Dec, Feb, Apr, Jun, Jul; most non-U.S. dates are two-day windows)
AP Exams
College Board · Once a year (May)
GRE
ETS (Educational Testing Service) · Year-round, 365 days a year (once every 21 days, up to 5 times in any rolling 12 months)
GMAT Focus
GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) · Appointments 7 days a week (test centres in opening hours, online around the clock where offered); up to 5 attempts in any rolling 12 months, at least 16 days apart
Guides for United States
14 of 14 guides in this hub are for the United States.
Co-op Programs, Explained
What cooperative education (co-op) programs are at US universities, how they differ from internships, which schools are known for strong co-op programs, and practical considerations for prospective students.
Read guideDouble Major, Minor & Dual Degree, Explained
Clear definitions of a double major, a minor, and a dual degree at US colleges and universities — how they differ, what they involve, and how to decide which, if any, is right for your goals.
Read guideHow to Choose a College Major
Choosing a college major in the US — covering how to explore options, what factors matter, and why switching majors is common and manageable.
Read guideComputer Science Major Guide (USA)
What a computer science degree in the US covers, how programmes differ, the role of ABET accreditation, and how to evaluate options — without salary figures or employment guarantees.
Read guideNursing Degree Guide (USA)
The main nursing degree pathways in the US — ADN and BSN — plus the NCLEX-RN licensure process and how to evaluate accredited programmes. No health advice; no salary claims.
Read guideBusiness & Finance Majors (USA)
The main business and finance majors at US universities — what they cover, how undergraduate and graduate programmes differ, and what to look for when evaluating options. No salary claims.
Read guideEngineering Majors (USA)
The main engineering disciplines at US universities, the role of ABET accreditation, graduate study options, and what to look for when comparing programmes.
Read guideData Science & AI Majors (USA)
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence majors at US universities — what you study, which schools offer the degree, what skills the programs build, and how to decide if the field fits your goals.
Read guideThe Pre-Med Track, Explained
The pre-med track at US universities — what pre-med means, which science courses are typically required, the role of the MCAT, how to apply to medical school, and what students should know before choosing this path.
Read guideThe Pre-Law Track, Explained
The pre-law track at US universities — what pre-law means, why no undergraduate major is required, the role of the LSAT, how law school admission works, and what prospective students should consider before choosing this path.
Read guideUndecided Major? What to Do
Unsure what to major in at a US college? What "undeclared" means, how colleges support students still exploring, ways to decide, and changing your major later.
Read guideOPT and CPT, Explained
A plain-English guide to Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 international students in the USA — what each is, how they differ, and how to plan ahead.
Read guideThe STEM OPT Extension, Explained
What the 24-month STEM OPT extension is, which degree fields qualify, what E-Verify means for employers, and how to plan your application — official USCIS guidance for F-1 students.
Read guideStudying in the United States
Continue exploring the United States
Universities, entrance tests, costs and visa facts for the United States — all in one place, each linked to its official source.
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