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College majors

Have you switched majors in college before? If so, how was the process?

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M’s Answer

Hi Ashley! Switching majors is quite common! It can be different depending on the school you are attending, so I would recommend using your school's website as a resource for more information, since it typically just requires filling out a form. Also, reach out to your advisor for more information or assistance. Hope this helped!
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Elizabeth’s Answer

Hi Ashley! So I switched my major between my sophomore and junior year of college. It was something that I thought about for a long time, but ultimately I did not feel like my original major suited by long-term goals. My recommendation before doing anything is to talk with your advisor (if you have one) and someone from your Registrar Department. If you switch majors, you need to have clear direction on what classes you will need to take and which ones will count towards your new degree. I did not have any issues switching majors, but I know people who were late graduating because they did not take all of the required classes for their new major. Good luck.
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Jaclyn’s Answer

Hi Ashley,

I switched my major a few times. The process was quite simple at my school. I first switched during my summer orientation and just needed to fill out a piece of paper that one of the administrators gave me when I asked about changing. Once I was a student I went to my advisor to let them know I wanted to change. This is the person that helps you pick your classes in your current major. There should be a quick form to fill out and then you should be ok. Some majors like engineering can be more challenging to switch into. Their course load is more challenging and it may increase the amount of time you need to be in college to meet all of the course requirements. Overall I do not regret changing my major each time I did it. I found a topic that I loved to learn and am happy in. Because mine were semi-similar and not natural sciences I was not delayed in graduating.

Another note: If you are not sure who your advisor is please talk to a professor you trust and they can help guide you as well.

Jaclyn recommends the following next steps:

Schedule a meeting with your advisor
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Jolene’s Answer

Hello Ashley!

I have changed my major before. I'm currently in my third year of college, and last semester I changed my major for the first time. Honestly, the first thing you can do is check in with yourself. Weigh all your options, like the major options you have, and really asking yourself if this is really what you want. That's the hardest step, or at least it was for me, just allowing myself to understand that it is OKAY to change your mind on things.

After this definitely talk to any advisors you have available to you, whether it be your academic advisor, or an advisor for your current major. They're there through this whole process, and can shed more light on how this will go. After that, it honestly depends on how your school goes through that process, but I promise you it isn't scary or hard. Just lean on those that are there to help you and it'll be smooth sailing.
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Teresa’s Answer

When switching majors, make sure that with the major you are switching to, you can graduate in time and try to make a plan on what classes to take for each semester.
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Gerardo’s Answer

Changing college differs with each college but it may want to start off by speaking with your counselor. Depending on how many classes you've taken in your current degree may affect your choice about changing. Some degree majors have completely different curriculums and may not use some the classes you are currently taking or have taken in the past to complete that major. My advice is to speak with someone in the counseling or admissions office to get the details for your college.
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Joanna’s Answer

This really depends on the college. For me, I switched from Human Biology to Physiology. The process wasn't as easy since the head counselor wanted to be sure I did well in all the prerequisite classes to enter the major. As such, I had to wait until the end of my second year to get all the prereqs in, set up a meeting with the counselor, and have her approve my major change.

For other majors, especially for those that have similar prereqs, it can be much easier.

On the flip side, there are also certain majors you cannot change to. For instance, UCLA did not allow people to change their majors from ____ to nursing. You had to be admitted as a first-year or post-graduate student for the nursing major.

I'd recommend you check in with your college about this process!
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