Why You Should Read This Book
This book is for anyone interested in learning about the decision-making process related to an undergraduate student declaring an academic major. Part I presents a situational analysis regarding the selection of a college major and sets the foundation for the remaining two parts of the publication. In Part II of Major in Happiness, undergraduates, parents, family members, professors, higher education administrators, politicians, and other concerned stakeholders will learn about the fallacies and flawed mental models that have plagued the selection of college majors for decades. Students will find Part III particularly valuable since it contains assessments to complete prior to, and then after, declaring a major. Each assessment allows the student an opportunity to increase their self-awareness. Doing so is critical if the student wants to advance their self-determination. If you are currently a high school student or graduate considering college, or if you are already an undergraduate, you should read this book if you want to:
1. Major in happiness.
2. Gain insight into the fallacies and myths behind certain majors.
3. Declare the major you believe is best for you.
4. Advocate for yourself.
5. Assess your skills, traits, and talents.
6. Exercise self-determination in order to develop into the person you want to be.
7. Separate fact from fiction regarding the application and value of different majors.
8. Understand how to better prepare yourself for tomorrow’s challenges.
9. Increase your self-awareness.
10. Develop a better sense of purpose in your professional life.
In fall 2014, some 20 million students attended over 4,000 American colleges and universities.1 Since each student needs to declare a major that means 20 million individuals asked, or previously asked, themselves the same question: What major do I select? This question is asked at community colleges, residential liberal arts colleges, and 4-year private institutions, as well as major public research universities. Students ask each other, consult with family members, discuss their options with professors, and reflect upon their own wishes. It is a difficult question to answer for most. Trying to figure out the answer often causes anxiety, depression, and confusion. It doesn’t have to be this way. Major in Happiness provides valuable insight that students can immediately use as they search for an answer to the question: What major do I declare? Many students will also ask themselves “since I don’t like my major, which one should I switch to?” The answer to both should be the major that allows you to be happy. The last thing this world needs is another miserable person working at a job they despise that sadly falls short in helping them reach their potential. We have serious global issues that require men and women to operate at their best intellectually, physically, emotionally, and socially. Future generations need to increase their autonomy, competency, and ability to connect with others. The next generation cannot solve the problems of tomorrow if they are miserable and living lives of mediocrity. Students must engage in self-determination in order to find their purpose and contribute their true and potential selves to tomorrow’s solutions, but they must first major in happiness.