Choosing the best college major is a complex process.  The best major for any student is an area of study of interest to the student that best matches his temperament, skills and motivation.  It also needs to be a field where the student is likely to have career opportunities upon graduation from college.

College majors should not be selected because they are trendy, popular with peers or an unknown that sounds exciting.  An amazing number of students tell people their major is something popular on television, like CSI.  Often, they are not aware of what a CSI does or the type of education required to enter the field.

Students should choose a college major the same way they would choose a car.  Will the major get the student where they need to go?  Is the new major cost effective in terms of cost for the degree in relation to salary expected?  Does the major match student needs, interests and skills?    

College major is as much a consumer decision as college choice.  Students should choose carefully and wisely.  When students are undecided or conflicted about a choice, or when a parent feels that a choice does not suit the student, professional assessment could save time and money.

Assessment instruments have come a long way since mom or dad went to college.  Assessments are much more accurate because they tend to measure more about a person than interests. Objective information obtained from an assessment report, can help students choose a major based solely on what suits them.

Changes in college major are common.  And they can be costly depending on when they occur and on how different the old and new major are from each other because of extra semesters the student may need to spend in college to complete their new program of choice.