What is an Intended Major?

Wondering what is an intended major? Learn what it means, why colleges ask, and how to choose the right one for your academic journey.

When you start filling out college applications, one of the most common questions you’ll see is: What is your intended major? This phrase may seem straightforward, but for many students, it raises more confusion than clarity. What if you’re undecided? What if you’re not sure which field matches your future career? Understanding what an intended major is can make a huge difference in how confidently you approach your application and how admissions officers view your choices. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what “intended major” means, why it matters, and how you can decide the best way to answer it on your college applications.

Understanding What an Intended Major Really Means

Imagine sitting in front of your college application, staring at a dropdown list of majors. You may feel the pressure to choose something permanent, as if your whole life depends on that one decision. But here’s the truth: when colleges ask, what is your intended major, they’re really just asking what subject or field you are most interested in studying right now. It’s a signal of your current interests—not a lifelong contract.

Colleges understand that many students change their majors once they start. In fact, according to national data, more than half of students switch majors at least once before graduating. So the term “intended” is key. It shows that this is your initial plan, not your final destination.

FAQ: If I put down an intended major, does that lock me in? No, it doesn’t. Most colleges allow and even expect you to change your major once you gain more exposure to different fields.

Tip: Use your intended major to show colleges your genuine interests, not to impress them with what you think they want to hear.

Why Colleges Ask About Intended Majors

Picture yourself as an admissions officer reading hundreds of applications. Each student brings unique talents, goals, and experiences. By asking what is an intended major, colleges gather useful insights about where your academic passions lie. This helps them understand your story and how you might fit into their academic community.

Some colleges also use intended majors to balance enrollment. For instance, highly competitive programs like computer science or nursing may admit fewer students, while broader fields like English or history may be more flexible. Your declared interest can also influence scholarship opportunities, advising support, or even housing communities tied to certain majors.

FAQ: Will choosing a hard-to-get-into major hurt my chances of admission? It depends on the college. At some schools, competitive majors have tougher admissions standards. At others, it makes little difference because you can change majors later.

Warning: Be careful about declaring an intended major you’re not truly interested in just to improve your chances. Some colleges track this closely and may expect you to stick with it.

How to Choose an Intended Major When You’re Unsure

You’re filling out the application, and the question pops up: What is your intended major? But you’re undecided, and the thought of choosing feels overwhelming. This is more common than you might think. In fact, many students enter college without a clear path. The good news is that colleges usually offer an “undecided” or “undeclared” option for this exact reason.

If you’re torn between multiple fields, start by reflecting on what excites you most in school or in your free time. Think about which subjects make you lose track of time or which activities you naturally gravitate toward. You might also want to research career paths linked to those majors. A helpful approach is to consider a mix of passion, skills, and practicality.

Here’s a quick table to help you evaluate:

Factor	Question to Ask Yourself	Example
Passion	What subject excites me most?	“I love writing stories.”
Skills	What am I naturally good at?	“I’m strong in math and problem-solving.”
Career Potential	Does this major lead to jobs I’d enjoy?	“Engineering has strong career prospects.”

FAQ: Is it okay to apply as “undecided”? Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable. Colleges often provide extra advising and resources to help undecided students explore options.

Tip: If you’re truly unsure, it’s better to apply undecided than to force a major you don’t feel connected to.

How Intended Majors Affect Your College Experience

Let’s say you declare your intended major as biology on your application. When you arrive on campus, you may find that this choice influences your first-year experience. Advisors might guide you toward prerequisite courses, and you could receive invitations to major-specific events, clubs, or seminars. Declaring an intended major can help you build an early sense of academic community.

On the flip side, if you start as undecided, you’ll likely be encouraged to take a broader range of general education classes before narrowing down. This gives you room to explore different fields and discover new passions you may not have considered in high school.

It’s worth noting that at some schools, competitive majors may require you to apply directly into the program. In these cases, your intended major does matter more, because switching later may be difficult. But for most colleges, the choice is flexible.

FAQ: Does my intended major show up on my diploma? No, your diploma usually lists your official major at graduation, not your intended major at admission.

Warning: Don’t overload on major-specific courses too early unless you’re sure. Exploring widely can prevent you from missing unexpected opportunities.

So, what is an intended major? It’s simply the field of study you think you want to pursue when you start college. It’s not a binding commitment, but rather a way to share your interests with admissions officers and get connected to resources early. Whether you declare one confidently or choose “undecided,” the important thing is to stay open to growth. College is about discovery, and your intended major is just the starting point of that journey.