If Your Parents Don't Like Your Major

Parents and students may not always agree on the best college major. This disagreement can stem from various concerns ranging from personal experience, interests, and future career prospects.

By Jessica Dickenson — August 29, 2022

Tags: career, college life, general info, high school, major, parents, students

Nothing can be more frustrating than not seeing eye-to-eye on an issue. Choosing a college major is a very personal and important decision to make as a young adult, so it is not uncommon for parents to offer advice to new students. However, parents and students may not always agree on the best college major. This disagreement can stem from various concerns ranging from personal experience, interests, and future career prospects.

What to do? In many cases, the real problem is that parents don't fully understand your goals and care about what's best for you. Both sides need to make a conscious effort to be respectful and truly listen to the other. Here are some ways that you can navigate this situation:

1. Do Your Research

Before going to war for your major, make sure you do your research. While some degrees sound fun or interesting, your parents may have a point about earning a more practical degree. You should be able to able to answer some common questions and concerns that parents have, such as:

What reputation does your program have?
What kinds of internship opportunities are available?
Do you have to pursue a master's or doctorate to attain your career goals?
What are the post-graduation job opportunities like?
What is the average salary for someone with this degree?
Can you afford your student loans after graduation?

You may not have all the answers, but general knowledge of what you are getting into lends you credibility. You should feel confident in your research and be able to show how you think that the major is a practical decision for you.

2. Consult Experts

As you determine whether your desired major is the right choice, it may be a good idea to consult an expert. College professors, graduates, working professionals, and admissions advisors can provide valuable insights into the program to help you determine if the program is right for you and what tips can ensure your success.

Make sure you ask about the major's pros and cons. No degree is perfect, so you may discover the information you were unaware of. If you can communicate with a variety of individuals, you will gain a variety of insights and experiences that should help you and your parents understand what the major has to offer.

3. Communicate

This may seem like a no-brainer, but make sure you and your parents communicate your needs and wants. Not all majors are created equal, but that is the beauty of education! Your parents may be worried that you may have an indirect career pathway by transferring from dental hygiene to history, but you may want that freedom. Show that you have thought about your future and your desire to learn in that subject area.

Try also to keep an open mind. Your parents may have valid concerns you did not address in your research. If you cannot reach a final agreement, you may instead find a compromise. Generally, parents want their children to succeed, so try to be patient with your parent even if they do not agree with you 100% of the time.

Ultimately, college is an investment in your future, so you should not feel pigeonholed in a major to make your family happy. You should find a major that best aligns with your passions, motivations, and skills. You may also have to accept that your parents may never fully support your major choice, even if it is the right choice for you. Don't be afraid to ask for other help if your parents are unsupportive of your major. Many resources are available to help you succeed regardless of your college major.

Jessica Dickenson

Jessica Dickenson graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College with degrees in English and communication. She has applied her abilities working as a young marketing professional for a local university but works as a freelance writer and photographer in her spare time. She currently resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her husband.

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