by Erin Smith, Senior Editor

As high school graduation nears, you're probably thinking about your college major.

Choosing a major is a big deal. It determines the classes you'll take in college and prepares you for your career after college.

Deciding on a major of study isn't easy, and it's sometimes difficult to know where to start. To make it easier, we got the skinny on college majors according to Missy Ludo with the Northern Illinois University's Academic Advising department.

What's the time frame
Now, you may be one of the lucky few who know exactly what you want to do with the rest of your life. But if you're not, don't worry. You're not alone.

In fact, according to the web site MyMajors.com, up to 80 percent of students entering college don't know what they want to study.

"[At NIU] we work hard to let students know it's OK to be undecided," said Ludo.

This is pretty common. Most schools don't require their students to declare a major until after the sophomore year is completed. That gives you plenty of time to decide.

Start with the classroom
Take a look at the classes you've taken in high school. Which ones were the most interesting? Did friends come to you for help on certain subjects?

Most students have at least one subject that is easy for them to understand and catch on to new concepts. You'll enjoy your college years a lot more if you're focusing on subjects you are naturally good at.

That's not to say that you'll like every class in your degree path. Chances are you'll take a few courses that will make you question your choice. But if you choose to focus on something you truly enjoy, all the hard work will be easier to handle.

Look at your hobbies
What do you like to do with your spare time? Do you like to read and write? Do you love volunteering at the local animal shelter? Is your perfect afternoon spent under the hood of a car or tinkering with a computer?

"If you like working with people, a job working in a cube won't be a good fit," Ludo said.

To be happy in your major area of study, and the career that will follow, it's important to choose something you enjoy. Who wants to spend the next 40 years doing something they hate?

The final word
High school juniors and seniors have plenty of time to explore their options. That's good, because picking a major is challenging, and most colleges offer dozens to choose from.

Ludo stresses that it is important to pick your major for the right reasons. Don't pick a degree simply for the large entry-level salary or because you have friends in that program. You are going to be spending the next several years focusing on this subject. If the subject isn't right for you, those years will be long.

And if you don't get it right the first time, don't sweat it. Many students change majors two or three times during the course of their college education.