A good major?

<p>I'm transferring to Ohio University next fall. I originally intended to major in meteorology, but since decided that I think I want to keep it as a minor. That way I won't have to do all the upper level math and physics, which i think i'll have trouble with. </p>

<p>I'm having some trouble deciding what to do for a major though. I don't really want something that involves desk work. I love the outdoors, more than i ever really realized. I could spend hours in the parks and what not just riding my bike around. I don't think there's a major for that, but it kind of tells you what kind of person I am. I like to move around. Im friendly towards people, especially if I know them well, i also like helping people if i can. </p>

<p>I know this is a stretch, but does anyone have any ideas of what kind of major could fit my description? </p>

<p>Before those few of you say something about working at Walmart, let me say, lets be serious. Ok?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>Maybe some kind of ecoscience? Jobs involving sustainability and the environment are pretty in demand right now.</p>

<p>Yeah, you could study ecology and look into work with the National Park Service. There are often wildlife jobs in places like Yellowstone.</p>

<p>There might be some lab work in those fields though.</p>

<p>Environmental Studies, Geology, Earth/Space Sciences, Meteorology, Animal Sciences might all be good choices. At my school they also have International Studies with an environmental focus.</p>

<p>In some schools, these programs are not so good. I don’t buy into the joke major crap, but they might not be very challenging. In other schools these can be really challenging fields that can lead to a lot of jobs. So check it out! :)</p>

<p>At my U, we have a program called “Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism” which focuses on National Parks and the like. I don’t know if they have something similar at Ohio but it might be worth checking out.</p>

<p>I’m pretty suspicious of any politically-charged major like “environmental science,” I doubt the scientific rigor of majors like that. If ecology interests you, you may be better off getting a major in biology with a minor in geography. If climate science interests you, I’m sorry but anybody who isn’t well-versed in the math and physics behind it is merely a dilettante at best. I’m not saying this to shoot you down, but for you to reconsider a commitment to math and physics if meteorology is your true interest. Some math tutoring (many colleges offer it for free) could help you get on the right track.</p>

<p>I was thinking possibly majoring in Geography, with meteorology as my minor (since its in the same department). </p>

<p>The big reason i question meteorology as a major is because it is very hard to get a good job in meteorology. The curriculum is also extremely intensive (lots of math, and physics, and other courses not required but encouraged.) In which case I will have little or no time to take elective classes that will add valuable skills to the resume (communication, writing, etc… many employers look for these)…</p>

<p>I’m trying to figure if I should stick with the full major, with little time to take other classes, or acquire a broader knowledge that may be appealing to some employers</p>

<p>

It’s hardly politically-charged… Environmental science is pretty much ecology, a well respected and useful science.</p>

<p>Environmental Engineering. Hands down, the absolute best major for you. It does require some math, but it’s not head banging math.</p>

<p>Ecology <em>is</em> a respected science, but come ON, environmental science degrees are the Starbucks of science degrees. The better way is to get a real science degree and then apply it to ecology and the environment. As for anything climate related, one really ought to get a physics degree.</p>

<p>Oh please, I’m sure if you really like Meteorology, you’ll be able to pull through in the Physics and Math courses they require (they are probably not as crazy as you think).</p>

<p>I think i probably will try to get through the math and physics, but the math goes up to differential equations and physics to thermodynamics. I’m more worried about the physics, although knowing the math will probably help the physics, a lot. The professor said i should take care of my math (which means i need to take calc 1 over the summer) my first year there (which will be my sophomore year), then deal with the physics the following year</p>