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If I want to change my major in college, what requirements and qualifications I usually need?
For the choice of major I may have a period to explore my interested in practice before I find out what direction I really want to study. What should I prepare for if this happens?
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5 answers
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Hi there! It's normal to be unsure about your major when starting in your college career - that's what college is for! I changed my major after two years of my bachelor's degree, as I took more classes and fell in love with cognitive science. For me, there were a couple of things I needed to prepare for.
1 - How many of courses had I taken, and how many of them would count towards my new major? For me, I didn't lose much progress towards a final diploma. My previous major was in a related field (linguistics), so many of the topics were similar
2 - Will I need to change schools? Many universities are organized into schools or faculties, which can have very different rules. For example, someone studying to become a doctor will likely be in the faculty of science, while someone studying literature will be in the faculty of arts. You may need to apply for this new school - I had to apply to the faculty of science, because cognitive science at McGill was a special program that was in two faculties at once. If you aren't changing faculties, you will likely have an easier time
3 - Consider if you really need to change at all! Many opportunities in the job market appreciate well-rounded individuals. You may want to continue in your current major, but take an internship, volunteer, or find a mentor in the career you're interested in. This may give you a background that is more interesting to potential hirers and help you stand out.
Good luck, and enjoy your learning experiences!
1 - How many of courses had I taken, and how many of them would count towards my new major? For me, I didn't lose much progress towards a final diploma. My previous major was in a related field (linguistics), so many of the topics were similar
2 - Will I need to change schools? Many universities are organized into schools or faculties, which can have very different rules. For example, someone studying to become a doctor will likely be in the faculty of science, while someone studying literature will be in the faculty of arts. You may need to apply for this new school - I had to apply to the faculty of science, because cognitive science at McGill was a special program that was in two faculties at once. If you aren't changing faculties, you will likely have an easier time
3 - Consider if you really need to change at all! Many opportunities in the job market appreciate well-rounded individuals. You may want to continue in your current major, but take an internship, volunteer, or find a mentor in the career you're interested in. This may give you a background that is more interesting to potential hirers and help you stand out.
Good luck, and enjoy your learning experiences!
Thanks for the advice.
Mina
Updated
Bright’s Answer
Changing majors during college is a common process, and universities understand that students' interests evolve. To change a major, students must meet certain requirements, such as maintaining good academic standing, obtaining departmental approval, completing prerequisite courses, and completing a "change of major" form. Existing credits will be evaluated to determine the number of additional courses needed.
To prepare for a potential major change, students should explore their interests, take general education courses in different disciplines, attend lectures and events related to their field, and talk to professors and students in different majors. Academic advisors can help students understand requirements, evaluate existing credits, and create a plan for changing their major. Research potential majors by looking at the curriculum, required courses, and potential career paths, and using online resources like university websites and career information websites.
Changing majors can sometimes add time to your degree, so plan accordingly and work with your advisor to create a realistic graduation plan. Keep your options open and don't feel pressured to choose a major immediately. Audit classes can be a great way to explore different majors without receiving a grade.
In conclusion, changing majors is a normal part of the college experience, and communication with your academic advisor is crucial. Research and exploration are essential for making an informed decision.
To prepare for a potential major change, students should explore their interests, take general education courses in different disciplines, attend lectures and events related to their field, and talk to professors and students in different majors. Academic advisors can help students understand requirements, evaluate existing credits, and create a plan for changing their major. Research potential majors by looking at the curriculum, required courses, and potential career paths, and using online resources like university websites and career information websites.
Changing majors can sometimes add time to your degree, so plan accordingly and work with your advisor to create a realistic graduation plan. Keep your options open and don't feel pressured to choose a major immediately. Audit classes can be a great way to explore different majors without receiving a grade.
In conclusion, changing majors is a normal part of the college experience, and communication with your academic advisor is crucial. Research and exploration are essential for making an informed decision.
I appreciate your support, Bright
Mina
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Changing your major in college is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and a clear understanding of the requirements and qualifications for the new field of study. The process typically begins with researching the specific prerequisites for the new major you’re interested in. Each academic department may have its own set of requirements, which could include certain GPA thresholds, specific coursework, or a particular skill set. For example, if you’re switching to a major in engineering, you may need to demonstrate proficiency in subjects like calculus or physics, while a transition into a business or economics major might require a strong background in mathematics or economics courses. It's important to meet with an academic advisor to discuss the change, understand the specific steps involved, and ensure you’re on track to fulfill all necessary requirements.
If you plan to explore different areas of study before settling on a major, many universities offer a period of exploration where you can take introductory courses in various fields without immediately committing to a particular discipline. During this exploration phase, it’s essential to take full advantage of the opportunity to immerse yourself in courses across a range of subjects that spark your interest. This time of exploration can provide valuable insights into what aligns with your passions, strengths, and career aspirations. It’s also a chance to develop foundational skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, that are transferable across various disciplines.
In preparation for a potential change in direction, focus on building a strong academic record, especially in general education courses that are often applicable to multiple majors. Stay organized and keep track of any prerequisites you may need for your desired major, as this will help you plan your course load and stay on schedule. Additionally, it’s important to be proactive about networking—reach out to professors, industry professionals, and peers in the fields you’re considering to gain insights into the various career paths available. Don’t hesitate to ask about internship or volunteer opportunities in those areas, as hands-on experience can further clarify your interests and strengths.
Lastly, be mindful of the possible impact of switching majors on your timeline for graduation. While some changes may extend your academic journey, others may require only minor adjustments. By remaining flexible and focused, preparing for this transition through research, self-reflection, and consistent academic effort, you can navigate this process with confidence and ultimately find a path that aligns with both your academic interests and long-term career goals.
If you plan to explore different areas of study before settling on a major, many universities offer a period of exploration where you can take introductory courses in various fields without immediately committing to a particular discipline. During this exploration phase, it’s essential to take full advantage of the opportunity to immerse yourself in courses across a range of subjects that spark your interest. This time of exploration can provide valuable insights into what aligns with your passions, strengths, and career aspirations. It’s also a chance to develop foundational skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, that are transferable across various disciplines.
In preparation for a potential change in direction, focus on building a strong academic record, especially in general education courses that are often applicable to multiple majors. Stay organized and keep track of any prerequisites you may need for your desired major, as this will help you plan your course load and stay on schedule. Additionally, it’s important to be proactive about networking—reach out to professors, industry professionals, and peers in the fields you’re considering to gain insights into the various career paths available. Don’t hesitate to ask about internship or volunteer opportunities in those areas, as hands-on experience can further clarify your interests and strengths.
Lastly, be mindful of the possible impact of switching majors on your timeline for graduation. While some changes may extend your academic journey, others may require only minor adjustments. By remaining flexible and focused, preparing for this transition through research, self-reflection, and consistent academic effort, you can navigate this process with confidence and ultimately find a path that aligns with both your academic interests and long-term career goals.
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Mina
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Xiyao,
Changing your major can feel like a big deal, but honestly? It’s super common—tons of students go through this, and it’s not as scary as it seems. The best part? College is literally designed for exploring different paths, so you’re not "falling behind" or making a mistake. You’re figuring things out, and that’s a good thing.
Bright Komor pointed out that universities expect students to change their minds and that the process usually involves checking requirements, filling out a form, and making sure your grades meet the criteria. This is solid because many students assume changing majors is a bureaucratic nightmare—but really, it’s just a matter of knowing the steps.
Some schools have a "pre-major" advising office or career counselors who specialize in helping students pivot. They can guide you on which classes to take now that might count toward multiple majors, giving you flexibility while you decide.
Chinyere Okafor emphasized exploring your interests first—through electives, internships, clubs, or just talking to professors and students in different majors. She also mentioned switching before junior year to avoid delays. This is crucial because changing majors blindly can lead to regret. Trying out different fields first makes sure your new choice is a better fit. So, If you’re torn between two majors, look for a double major, minor, or interdisciplinary program. Some schools let you blend interests (like business and art, or psychology and computer science) without starting over, so they basically let you create your own interdisciplinary program. Meaning: you can blend two fields and sound 10x cooler at networking events. “Oh, I study a mix of psychology and game design because I’m fascinated by how storytelling affects human behavior.”—Instant win too 🤪.
Alex Shapero shared his personal experience of switching from linguistics to cognitive science. He brought up a key point: sometimes you need to change faculties (like moving from arts to sciences), which might have different rules. He also noted that you don’t have to switch to work in a certain field—you can gain experience through internships or self-study while keeping your current major.
So, Yea, honestly, if your new major is competitive (like nursing, business, or engineering), consider applying as a backup to a related major that has an easier entry process. You can often transfer in later.
Alright, Xiyao, now 😏 let’s make this fun!...First, let me officially welcome you to the “Wait… Do I Actually Like This?” Club. We have snacks, occasional existential crises, and a support group of students who have switched majors five times but still don’t know what they’re doing. You’re in good company. 🫵🏼, let’s get into the secret hacks of changing majors—things nobody tells until you speak to them ofcourse! 😅🤫🤫
Before officially switching, sneak into a few classes of your new major. Yep, just casually sit in on lectures, listen to the professors, and see if you vibe with the content. If it excites you, great! If it makes you want to take a nap, well… maybe rethink things. I should say, Some professors don’t even check the roster, so you can ninja your way into multiple subjects before making your final decision. Just don’t get caught and end up in a major you never meant to join.
Xiyao, ever heard The “Talk to Seniors, Not Just Advisors” Rule 😏 Yep okay so....
Advisors are great and all, I Mena we are thank you... Uuhum, but they tend to be a little too optimistic. Talk to students who are already deep in the major. Ask them:
“What’s the worst part of this major?”
“Be honest, do you actually use this in real life?”
“If you could go back in time, would you still pick this major?”
If multiple people look at you with tired eyes and say “Run.”—take the hint.
Also Xiyao I should say to be careful of grass greener.... Oh.. So... Sometimes, a new major looks better just because you’re bored of your current one. But before you jump ship, ask yourself: “Do I actually love the new subject, or do I just hate my current classes?” Big difference. Test out a few side projects or read about the field before committing.
If you’re worried about explaining your major change later, here’s a pro tip: make it sound like part of your master plan. Instead of saying, “I got bored and switched,” try:
“I started in [old major] to build foundational skills, then transitioned to [new major] for deeper specialization.”
“My interests evolved as I gained more hands-on experience, leading me to a field where I can make a bigger impact.”
Boom. Now you sound like a genius, or just smart actually! 😎
Changing your major isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a sign of growth. You’re learning more about yourself, your interests, and what kind of career will make you happy. So take a deep breath, do your research, and trust that you’re making the right call for you.
And hey, if you ever feel stuck, remember: even the most successful people didn’t always have it figured out at first. The key is to keep moving forward. 🤗 Good luck, hope this helps!
Keep an Eye on Financial Aid & Scholarships Some scholarships and grants are tied to specific majors. If you switch, double-check how it affects your financial aid. Some schools let you keep your funding as long as you stay in a related field.
Make Friends in the New Major Every major has its own vibe, professors, and study habits. Join a club or attend department events to meet students who are already in that field. They’ll give you the real scoop on what to expect (and which professors to avoid!).
Don’t Let Fear of Starting Over Hold You Back A lot of people hesitate to change majors because they feel like they’re “too far in.” But think of it this way: would you rather spend one extra semester in a major you love, or graduate on time in a field you hate? The time will pass either way—make sure it’s leading you somewhere you actually want to go.
test things out, and remember: even if you switch, no knowledge is wasted. Unless it’s calculus. Then, yeah, you might never use that again.
Changing your major can feel like a big deal, but honestly? It’s super common—tons of students go through this, and it’s not as scary as it seems. The best part? College is literally designed for exploring different paths, so you’re not "falling behind" or making a mistake. You’re figuring things out, and that’s a good thing.
Bright Komor pointed out that universities expect students to change their minds and that the process usually involves checking requirements, filling out a form, and making sure your grades meet the criteria. This is solid because many students assume changing majors is a bureaucratic nightmare—but really, it’s just a matter of knowing the steps.
Some schools have a "pre-major" advising office or career counselors who specialize in helping students pivot. They can guide you on which classes to take now that might count toward multiple majors, giving you flexibility while you decide.
Chinyere Okafor emphasized exploring your interests first—through electives, internships, clubs, or just talking to professors and students in different majors. She also mentioned switching before junior year to avoid delays. This is crucial because changing majors blindly can lead to regret. Trying out different fields first makes sure your new choice is a better fit. So, If you’re torn between two majors, look for a double major, minor, or interdisciplinary program. Some schools let you blend interests (like business and art, or psychology and computer science) without starting over, so they basically let you create your own interdisciplinary program. Meaning: you can blend two fields and sound 10x cooler at networking events. “Oh, I study a mix of psychology and game design because I’m fascinated by how storytelling affects human behavior.”—Instant win too 🤪.
Alex Shapero shared his personal experience of switching from linguistics to cognitive science. He brought up a key point: sometimes you need to change faculties (like moving from arts to sciences), which might have different rules. He also noted that you don’t have to switch to work in a certain field—you can gain experience through internships or self-study while keeping your current major.
So, Yea, honestly, if your new major is competitive (like nursing, business, or engineering), consider applying as a backup to a related major that has an easier entry process. You can often transfer in later.
Alright, Xiyao, now 😏 let’s make this fun!...First, let me officially welcome you to the “Wait… Do I Actually Like This?” Club. We have snacks, occasional existential crises, and a support group of students who have switched majors five times but still don’t know what they’re doing. You’re in good company. 🫵🏼, let’s get into the secret hacks of changing majors—things nobody tells until you speak to them ofcourse! 😅🤫🤫
Before officially switching, sneak into a few classes of your new major. Yep, just casually sit in on lectures, listen to the professors, and see if you vibe with the content. If it excites you, great! If it makes you want to take a nap, well… maybe rethink things. I should say, Some professors don’t even check the roster, so you can ninja your way into multiple subjects before making your final decision. Just don’t get caught and end up in a major you never meant to join.
Xiyao, ever heard The “Talk to Seniors, Not Just Advisors” Rule 😏 Yep okay so....
Advisors are great and all, I Mena we are thank you... Uuhum, but they tend to be a little too optimistic. Talk to students who are already deep in the major. Ask them:
“What’s the worst part of this major?”
“Be honest, do you actually use this in real life?”
“If you could go back in time, would you still pick this major?”
If multiple people look at you with tired eyes and say “Run.”—take the hint.
Also Xiyao I should say to be careful of grass greener.... Oh.. So... Sometimes, a new major looks better just because you’re bored of your current one. But before you jump ship, ask yourself: “Do I actually love the new subject, or do I just hate my current classes?” Big difference. Test out a few side projects or read about the field before committing.
If you’re worried about explaining your major change later, here’s a pro tip: make it sound like part of your master plan. Instead of saying, “I got bored and switched,” try:
“I started in [old major] to build foundational skills, then transitioned to [new major] for deeper specialization.”
“My interests evolved as I gained more hands-on experience, leading me to a field where I can make a bigger impact.”
Boom. Now you sound like a genius, or just smart actually! 😎
Changing your major isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a sign of growth. You’re learning more about yourself, your interests, and what kind of career will make you happy. So take a deep breath, do your research, and trust that you’re making the right call for you.
And hey, if you ever feel stuck, remember: even the most successful people didn’t always have it figured out at first. The key is to keep moving forward. 🤗 Good luck, hope this helps!
Dr recommends the following next steps:
I appreciate your support, Dr
Mina
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Xiyao,
It’s completely normal to feel unsure about your major at first, college is all about exploring your interests and figuring out what path excites you the most. If you decide to change your major, the process will depend on your school’s policies, but here are some general things to keep in mind:
First, check with your academic advisor or the registrar’s office about your school’s specific requirements. Some majors have prerequisites or GPA requirements, especially competitive ones like engineering, business, or nursing. If you're switching to a very different field, you may need to take extra courses to catch up, so it’s good to plan early.
Second, explore your interests through electives, clubs, internships, or even part-time jobs before making a final decision. This way, you can get hands-on experience without committing to a major you’re unsure about. Talking to professors, upperclassmen, or professionals in fields you’re curious about can also give you valuable insight.
If you do switch, try to do it before your junior year to avoid delaying graduation. However, if you’re truly passionate about a new field, a little extra time in school might be worth it. Also, look into how your completed courses can transfer to your new major, sometimes, general education credits can still count toward your degree.
Most importantly, don’t stress too much! Many students change their major at least once, and it’s better to take the time to find something you genuinely enjoy rather than sticking with something that doesn’t excite you. Stay open to new experiences, ask lots of questions, and trust that you’ll find the right fit. You’ve got this!
Best wishes!
It’s completely normal to feel unsure about your major at first, college is all about exploring your interests and figuring out what path excites you the most. If you decide to change your major, the process will depend on your school’s policies, but here are some general things to keep in mind:
First, check with your academic advisor or the registrar’s office about your school’s specific requirements. Some majors have prerequisites or GPA requirements, especially competitive ones like engineering, business, or nursing. If you're switching to a very different field, you may need to take extra courses to catch up, so it’s good to plan early.
Second, explore your interests through electives, clubs, internships, or even part-time jobs before making a final decision. This way, you can get hands-on experience without committing to a major you’re unsure about. Talking to professors, upperclassmen, or professionals in fields you’re curious about can also give you valuable insight.
If you do switch, try to do it before your junior year to avoid delaying graduation. However, if you’re truly passionate about a new field, a little extra time in school might be worth it. Also, look into how your completed courses can transfer to your new major, sometimes, general education credits can still count toward your degree.
Most importantly, don’t stress too much! Many students change their major at least once, and it’s better to take the time to find something you genuinely enjoy rather than sticking with something that doesn’t excite you. Stay open to new experiences, ask lots of questions, and trust that you’ll find the right fit. You’ve got this!
Best wishes!
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Mina
You're welcome!
Chinyere Okafor