Majors and Careers

• Can the Career Center help me choose a major?
• What did others do with this major?
• Is the BS better than the AB (BA)?
• Should I double major, add a minor or certificate?
• Does my major matter?
• What can I do with a major in . . .?

Can the Career Center help me choose a major?

We can give you some guidance in choosing a major that you can use along with the help you are receiving from your academic advisor.  You will find that most people who graduate from Duke with a liberal arts degree do not work in careers stereotypically related to their major.  However, we can help you understand which majors at Duke may appeal to your academic strengths while also overlapping with your career interests. Because Duke is largely a liberal arts institution, we do not have vocationally-centered majors (such as business or advertising) but a career counselor can help you learn how to develop skills necessary for a profession both inside and outside of the classroom.

What did others do with this major?

If you are interested in learning about some of the careers that Duke alumni have pursued, check out DukeConnect and Career Week.

Is the BS better than the AB (BA)?

In most cases, a BS or AB doesn’t matter. However, if you plan to pursue a graduate degree related to your major, it is advised that you complete the BS degree to get a solid foundation for your advanced studies.

Should I double major, add a minor or certificate?

You should double major, add a minor or certificate only if it makes sense for you and you have a true interest in both of the areas of study. Having two majors does not necessarily make you more marketable to employers, rather a cohesive plan of study that fits with your interests is what employers appreciate.

Does my major matter?

Duke alumni pursue many different career fields, regardless of their major. There are a few professions that require certain majors, such as engineering, nursing, etc. However, your liberal arts education from Duke translates into many diverse skills that transfer into many different career interests and professions. If you glance through the list of alumni profiles on www.dukeconnect.com, you can try conducting a search by a major such as English to see for yourself the wide variety of paths people with this major took after graduation.  A career counselor will be happy to discuss all of the possibilities of your major with you. 

What can I do with a major in . . .?

The Resource Room in the Career Center has a number of books regarding careers and majors. We also have an excellent online resource to help you explore the possibilities. Go to 'What can I do with a major in. . .?' On campus, you can contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies of the majors you are considering (find them here on TREQs) and ask for specific examples of what recent grads from those majors are doing now.  As always, we recommend you discuss your skills and interests with your career counselor.