How to Choose the Right University Major When You’re Interested in Everything

Can’t decide on a university major? You’re not alone. This guide helps students who are curious about everything choose the right undergraduate degree by exploring interests, strengths, and future flexibility—so you can feel confident about your academic path.

Choose the Right University Major
Photo by Letizia Bordoni / Unsplash

The Problem With Being “Multi-Interested”

If you're the kind of student who enjoys everything from literature to biology to coding, choosing a university major can feel impossible. While some students are laser-focused on medicine or engineering from an early age, others love learning in all directions—and that can be overwhelming when it comes time to make a decision. The good news? Being interested in everything isn’t a weakness. It’s actually a great starting point—if you know how to turn that curiosity into a smart undergraduate degree choice.

This guide is designed for students who haven’t settled on a dream job or field of study, but who are ready to explore their options strategically. With the right approach, you can select a university major that balances your interests, plays to your strengths, and keeps your future flexible.

Step 1: Understand What a Major Really Is

What is a University Major?

university major is a structured sequence of courses that focuses on a specific academic discipline. In most undergraduate degrees, your major makes up roughly one-third to one-half of your total coursework. This means your major will shape not only what you study—but also how you think, write, research, and solve problems.

Choosing a Major Isn’t Choosing a Life Sentence

One of the biggest misconceptions is that picking a university major locks you into a career path. In reality, most degrees—especially in the arts, sciences, and social sciences—can lead to a wide variety of professions. What matters more is the skills you develop along the way: critical thinking, analysis, communication, and problem-solving.

Step 2: Map Out Your Academic and Personal Strengths

Look at the Patterns in Your High School Courses

Think about which subjects energize you, not just which ones you’re “good at.” Maybe you enjoy writing persuasive essays in English and also love the precision of physics problems. Those are clues. If you excel in STEM but also enjoy creativity, interdisciplinary majors like cognitive science, environmental studies, or business-technology hybrids might be a perfect fit.

Consider Learning Style and Personality

Some majors are project-based (e.g. design, engineering), while others emphasize reading and theory (e.g. philosophy, political science). Do you enjoy solving open-ended problems, collaborating in groups, or diving deep into research? Your learning preferences can help narrow down the best fit.

Step 3: Explore Broad Majors That Offer Flexibility

Don’t Panic—You Can Start Broad

If you’re unsure, choose a program that allows you to explore multiple disciplines in first year. Many top universities in Canada and abroad offer general arts, science, or commerce entry streams where you can declare your major later.

Examples of Broad Programs:

  • General Arts & Science (U of T, McMaster, Queen’s)
  • First-Year Studies in Engineering or Business (Western, UBC, Waterloo)
  • Interdisciplinary Majors like International Development, Integrated Science, or Global Health

These programs are perfect for students who want to keep doors open while figuring out their path through real academic experience.

Step 4: Think About Transferable Skills and Career Options

You Don’t Need a “Career Major” to Have a Career

While some fields like nursing or engineering are more direct, most degrees—like psychology, economics, English, or biology—offer transferable skills that can lead to careers in business, policy, marketing, law, education, and more.

Ask yourself:

  • What types of problems do I like solving?
  • Do I want to work with people, data, ideas, or systems?
  • What kind of lifestyle do I want in 10 years?

These questions often guide students toward the right undergraduate degree without needing a dream job locked in now.

Explore Career Outcomes by Major

Sites like the Government of Canada’s Job Bank or university career services often publish employment stats by major. While no data can predict your future, it helps to know what others with your degree go on to do—and what additional training they pursued after undergrad.

Step 5: Test the Waters Before You Commit

Use Summer Courses, Job Shadows, and Online Learning

Before finalizing your application, consider doing a short course or shadowing someone in a field you’re curious about. Platforms like Coursera, edX, or even YouTube can give you a preview of what psychology, computer science, or finance classes feel like.

Talk to Current University Students

If possible, connect with students already enrolled in majors you're considering. Ask them:

  • What surprised you about the program?
  • What does a typical week look like?
  • Would you choose this major again?

You can also check out course catalogs and syllabi from top universities to get a sense of workload and content.

How Myls Tutoring Helps You Choose—and Thrive in—Your Major

Find a Tutor on Myls Online Tutoring Matching Platform

At Myls Tutoring, we understand that choosing the right university major is about more than interest—it’s about planning your academic journey with clarity and support. That’s why we offer:

  • Personalized Academic Planning: We guide students through interest and aptitude assessments to match their strengths with the right undergraduate programs.
  • Knowledge Map: Our AI-driven Online Tutoring platform helps students visualize how their skills align with different academic paths and majors.
  • Trial Lessons in Core Subjects: Not sure if you want to study economics or life sciences? Book a trial lesson in each to test your fit.
  • Flexible, Expert Tutoring: Once you choose your path, we support your transition with tailored learning support in first-year university courses.

Whether you're applying to top universities or still exploring your direction, Myls Tutoring helps you make informed, confident decisions that shape your future success.

Register and Book your trial session today and take the next step toward choosing a university major that’s right for you.