4 answers
izaiah
Student
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DO you think I can continually change my major in college if I want to switch what I do
How many times can you change your major and is it healthy for you to continuously change your major #college-major #major
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4 answers
Francisco Torres Diaz
Industrial Engineer, MSE, MBA
67
Answers
Columbus, Indiana
Updated
Francisco’s Answer
Hi Izaiah,
Changing major is a normal occurrence in college, I believe you can technically change it as much as you want, but you might be asked to discuss the changes with an academic adviser. Although it is pretty common to change majors maybe once or twice, it can become troublesome and expensive as you move on with your classes. For example, if you change your major in the first year, it's likely you been taking mostly common core classes, which most majors need, therefore no issue. If you do that in junior or senior year then you will be faced with classes not transferring or counting towards your new major. You could avoid this by transferring to a similar major, like going from finance to economics, but if you were to change from psychology to engineering, then probably you will find yourself with almost no classes applicable to the new major, therefore wasting lots of time and money.
It's okay to have doubts and to use your freshmen year to explore careers a bit, but be mindful and focus on finding the right career path for you. Best of luck!
Changing major is a normal occurrence in college, I believe you can technically change it as much as you want, but you might be asked to discuss the changes with an academic adviser. Although it is pretty common to change majors maybe once or twice, it can become troublesome and expensive as you move on with your classes. For example, if you change your major in the first year, it's likely you been taking mostly common core classes, which most majors need, therefore no issue. If you do that in junior or senior year then you will be faced with classes not transferring or counting towards your new major. You could avoid this by transferring to a similar major, like going from finance to economics, but if you were to change from psychology to engineering, then probably you will find yourself with almost no classes applicable to the new major, therefore wasting lots of time and money.
It's okay to have doubts and to use your freshmen year to explore careers a bit, but be mindful and focus on finding the right career path for you. Best of luck!
RAVI REDDY
Product Marketing Manager
100
Answers
Middletown, New Jersey
Updated
RAVI’s Answer
Yes, you can change major a few times and each time the receiving department as well as your guidance counselor must approve the change. It is not difficult. But they may also not allow you to change too many times.
You should understand the implications of changing the major too many times.
Every time you change your major, your core requirements (subjects/credits/units) will most likely change and some of your completed courses may not be counted towards your requirement to complete the degree.
That means:
1. you will not be able to complete the degree in the typical 4 year/8 semester time frame.
2. you will be required to pay for additional courses and additional time (boarding and lodging) that could cost a significantly more money than you planned to spend on your college.
3. Changing majors often and prolonging graduating could also cost you in getting good jobs as employers probably look at indecisiveness and may not get the confidence to hire you and pay you well.
Hope you make the right decision early on and best of wishes.
You should understand the implications of changing the major too many times.
Every time you change your major, your core requirements (subjects/credits/units) will most likely change and some of your completed courses may not be counted towards your requirement to complete the degree.
That means:
1. you will not be able to complete the degree in the typical 4 year/8 semester time frame.
2. you will be required to pay for additional courses and additional time (boarding and lodging) that could cost a significantly more money than you planned to spend on your college.
3. Changing majors often and prolonging graduating could also cost you in getting good jobs as employers probably look at indecisiveness and may not get the confidence to hire you and pay you well.
Hope you make the right decision early on and best of wishes.
Steve A.
Managing the Business of IT
41
Answers
El Segundo, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Many (most?) college students do end up changing or refining their major once (less frequently twice) while in school. However, changing your major excessively could be problematic:
1) If you don't spend enough time studying one subject, you may never really know if you enjoy it.
2) Changing majors could mean that you may be at college for more than the standard four years, and that will require more money. Financial aid packages might not cover an extra year of school, unless you happen to be in a mandatory 5-year program.
3) You might end up having to retake the same subject as a different or more rigorous class.
The best bet is to talk with your academic counselor and your school's career center counselor to help you understand where your interests really lie, where the opportunities are, and what the impacts of changing your major might be.
Good luck!
1) If you don't spend enough time studying one subject, you may never really know if you enjoy it.
2) Changing majors could mean that you may be at college for more than the standard four years, and that will require more money. Financial aid packages might not cover an extra year of school, unless you happen to be in a mandatory 5-year program.
3) You might end up having to retake the same subject as a different or more rigorous class.
The best bet is to talk with your academic counselor and your school's career center counselor to help you understand where your interests really lie, where the opportunities are, and what the impacts of changing your major might be.
Good luck!
Doug Coenson
Project Management/Six Sigma/Attorney
5
Answers
Juno Beach, FL
Updated
Doug’s Answer
Sure, you can change your major. Just watch out for knowing the requirements for each major so you don't prolong your education longer than needed. You can also consider double majors, or a major with a minor. Unless you are looking for a specific career like medicine, many careers don't lock you to a certain major. For instance, lawyers can come from various majors (communications, psychology, liberal arts, engineering...just about anything). While a degree in a major is important and helpful, I believe experience is much more so. Consider seeking internships and apprenticeships to gain experience and/or try out potential career options.