Can you major in something diff than your focus in grad school? help... ?!

College Search & Selection
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<p>Most of my friends (scratch that, ALL my friends) and most people I know already know what they want to study, what career they want, and where they want to go to college. I am a junior in hs, and college is right around the corner...</p>

<p>I keep fluctuating between dozens of different majors, careers, and colleges.
So, my main question is, can I major in something say like, classical languages, and then get my ph.d in astronomy? Because I do know definitely that I want a ph.d. Hmm. I've "narrowed" my possible majors down to history, archeology, english, philosophy, poli sci, classics, and astronomy. </p>

<p>SO..I want to know if it is better to major in what you want to get your ph.d in, or not. So if I major in something that doesn't really correlate with what I apply to study in grad school, does that harm me? Because from one angle, I won't be as familiar with the topic as others, but then from another, I will get to gain expertise in two areas of study vs one. </p>

<p>Has anyone here done this? How does it look to grad schools? What effect does it have on career opportunity? Did you know for sure what you wanted to do at this time? </p>

<p>I think I am leaning towards the classic major because it is so versatile. This being said...is anyone here majoring in, or has majored in, classics? What have you studied in grad school? </p>

<p>I know, I have a lot of questions, but I will be sure to post on your threads as well!!</p>

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<p>First of all, you cannot be certain you want PhD without knowing what you want it in. PhDs are only for people who are very, very passionate about what they study. Chances are, if you can’t even decide a major, you probably have no idea what getting a PhD entails. Basically, I’m telling you to be realistic and keep yourself open.</p>

<p>Now to answer your question: Yes, you can get a grad degree in an area different than your undergrad. Of course, going from Classics to Astronomy will require a LOT of prep work before you can enroll in the program - there are minimum math/physics requirements for advancement. A transition from, say, history to archaeology would be much smoother and more feasible (same with English/philosophy, classics/philosophy, etc.) Grad schools don’t care what your major was as long as you meet the requirements for the grad program. Often times students from one major will be accepted into a grad program for another field on the condition that they complete some background undergrad courses in the new field first.</p>

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<p>That helps, thanks agc0319, and yes; I know very much about what a ph.d entails, both of my parents have phds, I was simply asking if it were wise to major in that which I want to doctor in. Like I said, I am leaning towards the classics major… I think I’d want to then get my phd in philosophy. Although there aren’t many career options, but there is always teaching. Would it be feasible to say, major in classics, minor in astronomy, go to grad school for philosophy? </p>

<p>Thanks, I’ll keep myself open.</p>

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<p>I would say a better option would be to major in classics and minor in philosophy. Most PhD programs want to see 15-18 upper level hours of credit in the field you will be studying, so a philosophy minor is your best bet for knocking that requirement out.</p>

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<p>hey kid, apply to college, get into college, attend college, </p>

<p>then</p>

<p>take your time and decide what major is best for you and whether you will need a graduate degree…</p>

<p>meanwhile enjoy life</p>

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<p>Thanks agc0319!</p>

<p>lol JohnAdams, good advice. i should probably chill a little bit, you’re right.</p>