The most important element in determining a choice of major should be the student’s interest in and ability to do well in the field. In general, if students are interested and engaged in a subject, they will have a greater success rate and have a much more rewarding educational experience. When students are excited about their studies, they communicate that enthusiasm, to their faculty, to graduate schools, and to employers -- resulting in lifelong relationships with professors, in a broader choice of where to continue their education, and in a much wider choice of job options both during the summers and after graduation.

Often disciplines that seem impractical are highly attractive to a very wide range of employers and graduate schools. As examples, History and Sociology students have found themselves in positions assisting on clinical trials, continuing studies in public health, and/or working for national or international health advocacy organizations, like the Red Cross. Philosophy majors can hold great interest for consulting firms, political candidates, and/or government organizations, in addition to law schools.

Suffering through a so-called practical discipline in which a student has no interest or ability to succeed makes the educational experience much less rewarding and successful, both while at MountUnionCollege and after graduation. Through elective courses, students can fill in the practical gaps while concentrating on subject matter that interests them. For example, a Finance major who might be interested in a person-centered career can take courses in psychology and communication to acquire easily transferable skills.