Declare your destiny...or your major

We all thought we knew exactly what we wanted to do in college. We'd all major something that was really cool, exciting and innovative, a subject that would also fill our wallets after graduation. That perfect major that would combine what we love with a marketable future.

Or so we thought.

According to the US News, the average college kid changes his or her major about six times during their university career. As common as the MTV music awards or someone resigning in Tony Blair's cabinet. Don't be surprised if you suddenly realize that you actually hate what you wrote about so well in those college dream essays. Chill out, it happens to just about everyone.

Whatever the case, trust upperclassmen when they tell you to do what comes naturally. Don't try to push your luck in political science if your true love is physics. Each major has difficult years, requires hours in the well-loved M.S.E. palace and has a minimum of 120 credits required. The Hopkins academic mantra fully endorses a rigorous workload for all four years, and no major escapes.

If you have interests other than your major, however, a lot of possibilities are available. You can do a very feasible minor (yes, there are Biomedical Engineers who minor in Latin American studies), or you can join an organization or a club which works towards these interests.

Biomedical engineering

The infamous BME is also known as the best biomedical engineering program in the nation. Truth be told, many a freshman decides to major in BME. Truth also be told, many a freshman quickly switches to another major. Majoring in BME takes a lot of time and effort. If you just want to find an easy way into med school, do not major in this subject. If you have the motivation and the insane work ethic, go ahead.

Biology

So you want to go to med school and would rather spend your time learning about protein-kinase pathways and Mendellian inheritance instead of art, history or literature? Do you dislike flexibility and choice when it comes to classes? Do you find Hopkins professors too personable and accessible? Well, you're in luck. Hopkins offers one of the top biology programs in the country.

Computer Science

Not a major for those who need sunlight, Computer Science boasts long, late-night hours working in dimly-lit rooms while plotting to take over the world. Too few teachers and too many students have made even this major's upper-level classes crowded with 90 or 100 students and your adviser might know your name ... when you donate your fortune back to the department. Now that the dot-com boom is over, the rewards may not be as great, but one does graduate with a fine taste in caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.

Economics

Non-economics majors look at the number of lacrosse players majoring in Economics and assume that it'll be an easy ride. You couldn't be more wrong. The upper level economics courses are some of the hardest courses on campus. Remember, if you want to learn about how to make money, take a business course.

Engineering

Engineering courses are hard but worth it. Get ready for a lot of math work. If you can handle it, then you'll be just fine. Whether you are a mechanical, civil or electrical engineering, be prepared for a lot of work.

Foreign Language

Language majors at Hopkins are few and far between. Apart from the first years for learning the language, upper level electives are relaxed, easy and fun. Most majors took foreign language as a double major for diversity. Although the Spanish department isn't too popular, the French and Italian departments are well-liked. Courses are available in several smaller departments, including Portugese and Asian languages.

History

One of the top programs in the nation, the History Department always offers interesting classes with well-known professors. While the department itself is not small, not many undergraduates are majoring in History. The requirements for a history major are light, so many students choose to double in another subject.

International Studies

Even though this major is International Studies, it is always referred to as International Relations or just IR. It's the largest major at Hopkins, so it's very easy to find fellow IR majors to study with. International Studies is essentially a mix of Political Science, History, Foreign Language and Economics. The major also offers a five year BA/MA opportunity with the world-renowned SAIS school in Washington DC.

Math Science

If you're an engineering major you're probably going to be filling most of the requirements for the Mathematical Sciences major. It's through the Engineering school and most students elect to take this as a second major because it only requires a few more classes than the math requirements for the engineering degrees.

Neuroscience

Each year, more and more students major in neuroscience, the study of the brain and its function. The field spans topics in behavioral biology, psychology, physiology and computer imaging, and thus has broad appeal. Students are drawn by hands-on research opportunities and the chance to study with professors who are working in what some call "the last frontier ... the brain." The major meshes well with premed requirements, and most neuro majors will claim they have one of the best majors on campus.

Psychology

Introductory psychology classes tend to feature some of the most fascinating and entertaining lectures offered at Hopkins. This is owing in part to the inherently interesting nature of psychology, but it is largely due to the highly engaging professors that teach here -- just ask anybody who took Dr. Noonburg's Intro to Abnormal Psych. It is rumored that psychology is an easy major, but don't be misled -- while the multiple-choice tests given in intro classes are nice, upper-level courses often require long papers and essay writing. Psychology is an excellent major not only for those interested in a psych-related field, but for those planning to pursue a career in law, healthcare, marketing, education or social work as well. Plus, it's a great way to analyze your psychotic roommate.

Public Health

This major, attractive to both premeds and other science students, meshes the best of social and natural sciences for the study of broad health issues. Small, upper level-electives are fascinating. Your senior year will find you taking grad classes at our renowned Bloomberg School of Public Health across town.

Writing Seminars

How often in high school did you get to take classes taught by well-published authors? Or get acting lessons from a widely acclaimed "artist-in-residence?" The Writing Seminars department, while not a huge attractor of incoming freshmen, becomes a haven for creative writing majors, drama geeks, and anyone else who wants a break from the monotony of engineering or poly sci courses. Despite the campus-wide perception of the department, Writing Seminars is not a bullshit major if you're willing to put effort into it and get something out of it. And it's not for coasting either. Grading is subjective, but professors know whether or not you're trying to improve your writing. If you don't write well, you won't do well in the classes. But if you just try a little, the department will make a writer out of you. Or a poet. Or maybe even the next John Astin.