Choosing a major as an older student?

I'm planning to go back to college as an older student. Just a tad nervous about fitting in and making the right choice. Any advice on what majors would be more accommodating or helpful for older students?

Absolutely, it's never too late to go back to college and pursue your education. As for fitting in, mature students often bring a wealth of life experience to the table, which can be incredibly beneficial to classroom discussions, group projects, and networking.

Regarding your major, the most accommodating major will largely depend on your own interests and professional goals. To determine this, consider the skills you have developed over your career, your areas of interest, and the feasibility of balancing work, life, and study commitments.

For instance, you may want to consider majors where your life experience and professional background can be an advantage. If you have been working for years in a business environment, a Business Administration degree could be an excellent choice, allowing you to formalize and deepen your current knowledge base, while also enhancing your resume.

Alternatively, if you're looking to make a career change, you might want to pursue a major that’s in high demand and offers flexibility. Fields such as healthcare, computer science, and education often have a variety of roles available, and some programs are designed specifically with nontraditional students in mind, providing flexible schedules or online courses.

However, it's essential to stay true to your own interests and not just follow job trends. You'll be spending a significant amount of time studying this subject, so it's crucial that you have a genuine interest in it.

Make sure to explore the resources available to you from the school, such as academic advisors. They can guide you towards a program suited to your experience and aspirations. Get in touch with them and have a detailed discussion about your goals, and the resources available at the university.

Lastly, don’t hesitate to participate in orientation programs or workshops designed for non-traditional students, if your college offers them. These can be great opportunities to meet other students who are in similar situations and to learn about the resources available to you.