UW Majors & Holland Types
According to Dr. John Holland’s RIASEC theory, both people and majors can be classified according to six basic types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, & Conventional. Below you will find a brief description of the six different types. Select which type you feel best describes you to see a list of majors that correspond with that type.
Want to discover what your Holland type is? Take the Career Interests assessment using PathwayU!
Realistic – “The Doers”
- Like to work with things more than with people
- Traits: genuine, sensible, practical, natural, thrifty, modest, persistent, honest
Investigative – “The Thinkers”
- Like to work with ideas more than with people or things
- Traits: logical, curious, exact, intellectual, cautious, independent, quiet, modest
Artistic – “The Creators”
- Like to work with ideas more than with things
- Traits: open, creative, independent, emotional, impulsive, original
Social – “The Helpers”
- Like to work with people more than with things
- Traits: helpful, understanding, responsible, warm, cooperative, convincing, friendly, kind, generous, patient
Enterprising – “The Persuaders”
- Like to work with people and ideas more than with things
- Traits: outgoing, adventurous, energetic, optimistic, sociable, self-confident
Conventional – “The Organizers”
- Like to work with papers and numbers
- Traits: practical, careful, thrifty, efficient, orderly, persistent
