looking to go to college... dont know what i want to study though (doctoral, degrees)

[dmf456]

[FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=1]i have the samee problem.. i have been out of high school for almost a year and a half && i am looking to go backk to school. most likely a trade school but i do not know what i want to go for! nothing interests me .. someone pleasee help me[/SIZE][/FONT]

[mcatp]

Please go into science or engineering. We as a country are lacking in these areas so please consider studying something in these areas. They are fun.

[gobearsgo]

A lot of people have said don't pick something just because of the income potential. But please do take it into consideration when thinking about how you will repay student loans. Nothing worse than not having a job or marketable skill if large loan payments are due.

Here are lists of majors that go with possible interests:

If you're interested in Biological Science, consider:
Animal Science
Biochemistry
Biological Engineering
Biological Sciences
Chemical Engineering
Chemistry
Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound
Environmental Geology
Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences
Food Science and Nutrition
Forestry
General Agriculture
Geological Sciences
Nursing
Nutritional Sciences
Occupational Therapy
Plant Sciences
Pre-professional Physical Therapy
Radiologic Sciences
Soil, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences

If you're interested in Physical Science, consider:
Biochemistry
Biological Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Chemistry
Civil Engineering
Environmental Geology
Geological Sciences
Physics
Soil, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences

If you're interested in Technology, consider:
Biological Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Computer Science (BA)
Computer Science (BS)
Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound
Electrical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Information Technology
Mechanical Engineering
Radiologic Sciences

If you're interested in Health Care, consider:
Biochemistry
Biological Engineering
Biological Sciences
Chemical Engineering
Chemistry
Communication Science and Disorders
Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound
Food Science and Nutrition
Nursing
Nutritional Sciences
Occupational Therapy
Physics
Pre-professional Physical Therapy
Radiologic Sciences
Respiratory Therapy

If you're interested in Nature or the Environment, consider:
Agribusiness Management
Agricultural Economics
Agricultural Systems Management
Animal Science
Biochemistry
Biological Sciences
Chemical Engineering
Chemistry
Civil Engineering
Environmental Geology
Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences
Forestry
General Agriculture
Geography
Geological Sciences
Interdisciplinary Studies-Environmental Studies
Parks, Recreation and Tourism
Physics
Plant Sciences
Soil, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences

And there's always Business and Accounting.

[sgresident]

you should check out the resources at your local community college. they often have career counseling dept that will administer certain tests that gage your interests..not just asking you. it assesses your talents etc. you can always take most of the basic college-requirements at the community college, plus, check into the things that you might be interested in. It is far more inexpensive and good way to explore. our local community college enrollment has jumped over 13% and they are building two additional campuses in other communities and have built some really nice new computer space, science buildings and student centers at their main campus here.

[hoffdano]

gobearsgo - you might want to add Nuclear engineering to your list(s). It fits in several categories.

[Metrix1234]

I agree with many people here when they say that you can't pick a job based on your future paycheck. What you should be thinking to yourself is what could you see yourself doing for the rest of your working career 40+ hrs a week? I believe that it is possible to be successful in anything you do. You just need to figure out what you enjoy doing, and how you can make a job like that fit your lifestyle financially.

Things you should try to do when you go to college..
1. Study!! -I could list numerous friends of mine who fell short of their own potential just because they felt they rather go to the bars that study for a test or do homework.
2. Network. -I believe it goes inherently with being successful in college. This means to go out and meet with people, and join respective clubs and/or volunteer groups for your major.
3. Enjoy it. -Even though you need to take college seriously and take advantage of your opportunities, you should really try to make the most of your own college experience. Study abroad, go on road trips, go to clubs, drink, party, anything and everything that you have a desire to do within reason. Because college will be one of the best times of your life.

[Newmans0wn]

I have a new sort of question, yet it still falls under this question:
I have been out of High School for 4 years working full time to support myself. I really want to go to college, but don't know what for. The reply's in this are great, but does anyone know if there are courses or schools that are not as time consuming, to the point where I can keep my full time job?

Thanks!

[Lou347]

Originally Posted by lisdol

Another one to look at if you like science is Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technologist. Its a 4-yr degree and has a lot of Chemistry and Biology in it, but unlike a straight major in one of those, prepares you with clinical rotations at labs.

Though, I'd recommend going for a PharmD if you have the time.

There is a shortage of med techs for good reason. Lab personnel are the lowest on the health care totem pole. They can be replaced by cheaper techs and hospitals like cutting costs in the lab which is not visible to patients. Most people I know in the field do not recommend it.


Nurses are paid 50% higher and have options for advancement such as clinical research or pharma.

[Lou347]

Originally Posted by mcatp

Please go into science or engineering. We as a country are lacking in these areas so please consider studying something in these areas. They are fun.

Please do not go into science There is a huge glut of American scientists especially with Ph. D's competing with dirt cheap h1-b's for jobs that are important yet still pay like crap. I have a MS in Chemistry and I regret it intensely. When I got sick of making $15 an hour without benefits or a raise I went back to school for Physical Therapy. I would not recommend science to my worst enemy.

The only exception would be if you are using it to go to pharm med or dental school. Otherwise it doesn't pay to go to college at all because a science career is nothing but economic punishment. I predict science is going to be increasingly dominated by foreigners because American companies aren't willing to pay a living wages for scientists.

[debzkidz]

Go in as an undeclared major and take a variety of courses to see what you really enjoy. Some universities require all freshman to go in as "general studies" or "university studies" major and do not require them to declare a major until the end of the second year. I've read that the avearge college student changes majors 3 times.