Background Checks: What They Really See About Your College Major

When it comes to background checks, many believe they thoroughly delve into every detail about your college education. However, the reality is quite different.

What Goes Into a Background Check?

Depending on the nature of the check, it can be as simple as a verification of your criminal history or as comprehensive as an educational background check. For a national security background check or a visa application, your college major is typically irrelevant. However, if you've made claims about your education, including your major, these checks might be more detailed.

Why Do Employers Check Your Major?

If you're applying for a job that is closely related to your field of study, your major and any declared minors can be relevant. This is especially true if it's your first job, and the employer can't verify your past employment through a track record. If the job requirement explicitly states a preference for a certain major, the employer may inquire about your academic background.

Types of Background Checks and Education Verification

Most background checks include basic information such as criminal history, creditworthiness, employment history, and previous residences. Some more expensive checks may also include educational verification, which usually requires an official transcript or a copy of your degree. However, this is not always necessary. Many background check companies might seek permission from the individual to order the transcript from their former educational institution, but this is not a common practice.

The Rarity of Major Misrepresentation

It is relatively rare for someone to lie about their major or educational details, and many do so for years without getting caught. High-profile individuals, for instance, have been known to misrepresent their educational background for decades. Even so, if you're applying for a job that requires a higher level of trust, such as a high-paying position, it's worth investing in a comprehensive background check to ensure the information is accurate.

Real-World Examples of Background Checks

Background checks can return a variety of results. For instance, a cursory check might not even include verification of your attendance at a particular college. Many checks will only show criminal history and creditworthiness, or they might indicate where you have worked and lived. I once had a background check that revealed a one-day contract job I worked for ten years ago, which seemed unusual and irrelevant.

Occasionally, more detailed checks can reveal information that might not seem immediately relevant, such as a single address typo on an Amazon order that had been used for delivery. One check also mentioned a past living address that no longer existed, which I had to explain to the checker. Despite the strangeness, they accepted my explanation and I was offered the job.

Conclusion

While background checks can include extensive verifications, they often depend on the specific nature of the job and the requirements of the company. Whether they check your major or not largely depends on the job's relevance to your academic background. It's wise to ensure your educational details are accurate and complete to avoid any potential issues.