6 answers
Erica
Student
Broomfield, Colorado
2
Questions
Asked
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What's it like to change a major?
As a senior in high school, I have two potential majors that are completely different fields (science field and the other, fashion design field). I plan to take science classes in college and if I'm not cut out for them, I'd switch to fashion design courses. Will I have to stay in college longer if I switched from science to fashion design because I had already used up my college year studying science?
#college #college-major #college-major #college-majors
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6 answers
Jessica N. Contreras
design
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Jessica N.’s Answer
Hi Erica,
This is something I actually have some experience with. I started out in college thinking that I would stay in science but after my first semester transferred to the Fashion Institute of Technology, and studied fashion design there. Although my general education credits transferred, I still had to spend more time in college as FIT required me to take the curriculum in a specific order and most courses only run once a year. I'm sure it is possible to not have to spend extra time in college if that is your goal. However, I did cherish all of the time spent there and in the two different programs. To me, college was about the journey and setting myself up with internships and experiences that would allow me to have a better idea of where to head next after it ended.
This is something I actually have some experience with. I started out in college thinking that I would stay in science but after my first semester transferred to the Fashion Institute of Technology, and studied fashion design there. Although my general education credits transferred, I still had to spend more time in college as FIT required me to take the curriculum in a specific order and most courses only run once a year. I'm sure it is possible to not have to spend extra time in college if that is your goal. However, I did cherish all of the time spent there and in the two different programs. To me, college was about the journey and setting myself up with internships and experiences that would allow me to have a better idea of where to head next after it ended.
Abbey Dandy
Graphic Designer
1
Answer
Austin, Texas
Updated
Abbey’s Answer
Hello Erica. It's great that you already have somewhat of an idea of what you'd like to do. When I went to freshman orientation I had no idea what major I wanted to pursue. I was between Animal Science or Art Education. When I went to orientation I got to preview several majors and ended up choosing Advertising. After freshman year I changed schools, and after my first semester at a new school, I changed my major to Graphic Design.
I don't think you will know what you want to pursue until after the first or even second year of college. If you are leaning towards fashion design and think that science will give you more job security after college, maybe rethink that. It's a cliché but you have your whole life ahead of you and you should pursue what excites you the most. You may not even know what will excite you until you get to take college-level courses in design or science. Maybe neither of them will!
So don't sweat it if you don't have it figured out. Changing majors is extremely common. College is a time for you to explore your interests and to find out more about yourself. This may mean spending longer than four years in school, which is also normal. Although, it can be a burden financially. Life manages to sort itself out.
Last thing I want to add. Your science courses will without a doubt challenge you but don't write-off the difficulty and extremely hard work you will have to put into design courses. I'm talking late nights, tears, harsh critiques, imposter syndrome, etc. Both majors will challenge you, you just have to find out what challenges drive you to do better.
Hope this helped!
Major in one of your interests and minor in the other
See which subject excites you most
Switch majors (or don't)
I don't think you will know what you want to pursue until after the first or even second year of college. If you are leaning towards fashion design and think that science will give you more job security after college, maybe rethink that. It's a cliché but you have your whole life ahead of you and you should pursue what excites you the most. You may not even know what will excite you until you get to take college-level courses in design or science. Maybe neither of them will!
So don't sweat it if you don't have it figured out. Changing majors is extremely common. College is a time for you to explore your interests and to find out more about yourself. This may mean spending longer than four years in school, which is also normal. Although, it can be a burden financially. Life manages to sort itself out.
Last thing I want to add. Your science courses will without a doubt challenge you but don't write-off the difficulty and extremely hard work you will have to put into design courses. I'm talking late nights, tears, harsh critiques, imposter syndrome, etc. Both majors will challenge you, you just have to find out what challenges drive you to do better.
Hope this helped!
Abbey recommends the following next steps:
Lee Graves
Beta Product Manager
5
Answers
Erie, Colorado
Updated
Lee’s Answer
I know nothing about fashion design, but I changed majors and schools multiple times in college so I have some perspective on this. First thing I would say is that you're not alone...I had no idea what I wanted to go to college for when I started.
Like others have suggested, if at all possible to do double major or major in science with minor in fashion that might be a good route. This would allow you to build credits towards both areas. If you decide that you want to focus on one more than the other you'll at least get some benefit. To answer your question - it's not a big deal to change your mind later but it may take you longer to graduate. Enjoy the journey...
As mentioned, I had no idea what to do and someone recommended I start in Liberal Arts. After that, I changed majors multiple times: starting with Liberal Arts (Science) > Engineering Science > Mechanical Engineering > Mathematics > Business Administration > MBA. My key piece of advice from that path is to not start with Liberal Arts anything. I earned some credit toward later degrees, but I had to retake some classes at a higher level and not all classes were applicable to my degree. For example, my first year I took "College Physics" for Liberal Arts and my second year I had to take "University Physics" for Engineering Science. It was literally the same class with some extra math towards the end of the course.
Like others have suggested, if at all possible to do double major or major in science with minor in fashion that might be a good route. This would allow you to build credits towards both areas. If you decide that you want to focus on one more than the other you'll at least get some benefit. To answer your question - it's not a big deal to change your mind later but it may take you longer to graduate. Enjoy the journey...
As mentioned, I had no idea what to do and someone recommended I start in Liberal Arts. After that, I changed majors multiple times: starting with Liberal Arts (Science) > Engineering Science > Mechanical Engineering > Mathematics > Business Administration > MBA. My key piece of advice from that path is to not start with Liberal Arts anything. I earned some credit toward later degrees, but I had to retake some classes at a higher level and not all classes were applicable to my degree. For example, my first year I took "College Physics" for Liberal Arts and my second year I had to take "University Physics" for Engineering Science. It was literally the same class with some extra math towards the end of the course.
Mark Sobotie
Medical Practioner(Mental Health~Psychiatry~Investigation)
1
Answer
Cape Coast, Central, Ghana
Updated
Mark’s Answer
THE EXPERIENCE AND IMPLICATIONS OF A CHANGE OF MAJOR.
Changing a major is unlikely to be a pleasant event.It may tell significantly on ones Health especially the Mental health.
A feeling of failure,disappointment ,hopelessness,anxiety and depression may not be far-fetched.These could ripple to affect ones sleep ,concentration ,personal organisation. A change in behaviour towards family,friends and all who relate with such a one must not be ruled out.
The gravity and intense of the afore symptomatology amongst others would depend on the personality of such a one and the quality of help that had been offered.The Percept of giving up the Major ranges between a permanent loss to one which is temporarily.If the percept is towards a permanence, the giving up of the major would carry much more weight than if visualized as temporarily.It is noteworthy,that the range of percept about the loss of major could have a dynamic nature.The new Major that is taken aboard may also have influence on the impact of the old one.If this new Major becomes fulfilling and easy to grasp,then it is likely that the old Major's influence would be resolved easily.It is noteworthy also that the old and new majors may not necessarily be mutually exclusive.Exploration of the likelihood of still continuing with the current Major shall also be done.
The afore are some of the broad considerations in handling a Client who has to drop a major.Specifically for Erica,the impact of her giving up Science for Fashion Design would be assessed per the aforementioned parameters.I do not see the dissociation of the Science Course with the Fashion Design She wants to pursue.She could go ahead and drop the Science for the Fashion Design .I shall point out that she holding the belief of letting go a major which may never be helpful to her again is erroneous."The Fashion Design she wants to pursue may actually be facilitated with her knowledge in the science course" these shall be My words of Encouragement to Erica as I explain the useful link between the apparent dissociation between the 2 Major courses.
As to whether Erica would finish the Fashion Design Course within the time would depend predominantly on her academic prowess amongst others.
Working hard to achieve any goal in life is commendable ;but the advice is " Victory to enjoy the fruits of ones labour is the reward; however,to succumb after victory for other to enjoy is not acceptable".Take it easy, Erica- Poco -a' Poco" , little by little; and by this gesture,the Fowl takes in a satisfying drink.All the best.
Changing a major is unlikely to be a pleasant event.It may tell significantly on ones Health especially the Mental health.
A feeling of failure,disappointment ,hopelessness,anxiety and depression may not be far-fetched.These could ripple to affect ones sleep ,concentration ,personal organisation. A change in behaviour towards family,friends and all who relate with such a one must not be ruled out.
The gravity and intense of the afore symptomatology amongst others would depend on the personality of such a one and the quality of help that had been offered.The Percept of giving up the Major ranges between a permanent loss to one which is temporarily.If the percept is towards a permanence, the giving up of the major would carry much more weight than if visualized as temporarily.It is noteworthy,that the range of percept about the loss of major could have a dynamic nature.The new Major that is taken aboard may also have influence on the impact of the old one.If this new Major becomes fulfilling and easy to grasp,then it is likely that the old Major's influence would be resolved easily.It is noteworthy also that the old and new majors may not necessarily be mutually exclusive.Exploration of the likelihood of still continuing with the current Major shall also be done.
The afore are some of the broad considerations in handling a Client who has to drop a major.Specifically for Erica,the impact of her giving up Science for Fashion Design would be assessed per the aforementioned parameters.I do not see the dissociation of the Science Course with the Fashion Design She wants to pursue.She could go ahead and drop the Science for the Fashion Design .I shall point out that she holding the belief of letting go a major which may never be helpful to her again is erroneous."The Fashion Design she wants to pursue may actually be facilitated with her knowledge in the science course" these shall be My words of Encouragement to Erica as I explain the useful link between the apparent dissociation between the 2 Major courses.
As to whether Erica would finish the Fashion Design Course within the time would depend predominantly on her academic prowess amongst others.
Working hard to achieve any goal in life is commendable ;but the advice is " Victory to enjoy the fruits of ones labour is the reward; however,to succumb after victory for other to enjoy is not acceptable".Take it easy, Erica- Poco -a' Poco" , little by little; and by this gesture,the Fowl takes in a satisfying drink.All the best.
Jazhel Honrado
Academic Svcs Administrator
37
Answers
Updated
Jazhel’s Answer
Hello Erica,
Being confused about these things is normal. I don’t know if you are aware but you can do a double major if you really love both fields. If you only want to focus on one then my advice is to go for what you are passionate about. You want to make the most of your college years and be happy in a career afterwards. I do understand your concern about science. I know it can be challenging especially the more advanced courses as you move along. But, science can also be fun. If you are on the fence about science then I would suggest taking it as a minor. That way you still have something in the science field and who knows they may even favor your fashion courses. If you switch majors your science courses will eventually become electives. You won’t have to take up any more courses or stay in school longer if you switch early on. You have to take about 10 electives usually so you have room to take courses for both fields. Most of the required courses are in the upper levels (junior and senior years) so you have time to get a feel for the science field and switch if that is what you feel is best for you. I switched majors in my third year and the courses I took for that semester were considered electives. Then I moved on to the courses for my new major and even took on a minor that I thought complemented my major in some regard. Talk to a college counselor now about your concern and especially to an academic adviser when you’re in college. More importantly, when you decide you do want to switch majors always speak to an adviser first. They will guide you through the process to make the transition work for you and make it easier. Good luck.
Irena Daniel
Fashion Designer
5
Answers
Kennedale, Texas
Updated
Irena’s Answer
Before my university journey I was on a crossroad what major to choose. One of the major was economics and the other one was fashion design. I was really good at both. I had a very creative side of me but at the same time I was interested and good at more technical fields. Before I made my decision I spend a lot of time thinking the pros and cons of both fields and my willingness to overcome the obstacles I will face after I graduate university. I made my decision to do a major in Fashion Design because despite the fact that is very competitive industry and the chances of getting a job in your field is so hard I knew that I was okay with taking those risks because this is what I felt the most doing in my life, I have a very creative personality . Economics was a save options subconsciously because you can always find some kind of work related to it. But with fashion design was taking a huge risk that I was aware of.
And as a graduate right now I face what I knew and 95% of my school mates are facing the same obstacles and many of them gave up on that industry and they are trying to find something else to do.
I think the main questions is how willing you are to take risks and how determine you are for each field. If you are willing to face the struggle in the fashion field and you are well aware of it, go for it.
Another thing with Art majors is there is way more pressure than people think before they start it. It is enormous physical and mental work that you should be aware of before you pursue this career.
I was willing to go days after days without social life and many sleepless night in order to finish my projects with the highest level of quality that I can deliver in a project. I was willing to sacrifice a lot because I knew it will be hard.
If you have a true passion about art field, you shouldn't be scared but if you are going in this industry just because you "think" you are good at it, don't bother.
Many student left after the first year of University because they enrolled because they enjoy drawing clothes. But fashion is more than just drawing clothes it is physical and it is highly self-motivated field. You have to have the motivation to learn on your own and to be determine to achieve. Another think, you have to be good at is communications. Collaboration ad networking is a huge thing in Art fields.
But at the end of the day you should listen to your guts. There isn't an "easier" fields there is just fields that you will be willing to sacrifice because it is your passion and there will be fields that you will search for excuses to say how hard it is and you cannot cope.
But no matter what entering a field or switching fields from technical to creative you have to be ready to face different challenges.
You have to be aware of another thing "mental health", mental health in the fashion industry is a huge problem and I think one of the reasons is that a lot of people enroll in those courses related to fashion because they are unaware of how hard those courses are. I will give you an example: my final year for my graduation collection I was only able to go home for 1 week for Christmas because I had so much work to do, on Christmas Eve at the dinner table I was hand-sewing, It was that stressful I knew I was not able to have a single day that I sould be able to just relax, it didn't exist. I had to write my dissertation and work on my collection and meet deadlines at the same time. But no matter how hard it was I had the determination to do it and that was what differed me from the other students who are mentally drained from it because they were questioning themselves if this whole thing is worth it. Another thing, Fashion Design courses are pretty pricy, you gotta supply yourself by yourself. Fabrics are expensive and art supplies are expensive.
You are young changing courses shouldn't be something to worry about better change it instead of finishing a course and they realizing that it is not what you want to do. Don't look at other people either, if they graduate before you. The moment you get into university, you are on your own and you should follow your own interests. Trust me no one knows 100% what they might like after 5 years. Your goal should be to be happy with what you do, it sounds a cliché but it is the truth. Nothing is more disappointing than doing something that you don't truly like. But on decisions like this you have to listen to your own self and what makes you happy not what would make your parent happy or your friends or loved ones. It is a very personal journey and you have to be honest and realistic with yourself. Either field will be hard, you gotta choose what is better for you and in which one you are willing to sacrifice. And it is okay to fail it is okay to not be perfect it is okay to change your mind after a while it is in our nature to change our desires and what is important to us while we grow.
No 20 years old have their things figured out. Just be brave and open to new things. And take failure as learning lesson. Your own experience will teach you more than anything else.
I hope I helped you on your decision or other people who are wondering about what are some of the insight of that field.
And as a graduate right now I face what I knew and 95% of my school mates are facing the same obstacles and many of them gave up on that industry and they are trying to find something else to do.
I think the main questions is how willing you are to take risks and how determine you are for each field. If you are willing to face the struggle in the fashion field and you are well aware of it, go for it.
Another thing with Art majors is there is way more pressure than people think before they start it. It is enormous physical and mental work that you should be aware of before you pursue this career.
I was willing to go days after days without social life and many sleepless night in order to finish my projects with the highest level of quality that I can deliver in a project. I was willing to sacrifice a lot because I knew it will be hard.
If you have a true passion about art field, you shouldn't be scared but if you are going in this industry just because you "think" you are good at it, don't bother.
Many student left after the first year of University because they enrolled because they enjoy drawing clothes. But fashion is more than just drawing clothes it is physical and it is highly self-motivated field. You have to have the motivation to learn on your own and to be determine to achieve. Another think, you have to be good at is communications. Collaboration ad networking is a huge thing in Art fields.
But at the end of the day you should listen to your guts. There isn't an "easier" fields there is just fields that you will be willing to sacrifice because it is your passion and there will be fields that you will search for excuses to say how hard it is and you cannot cope.
But no matter what entering a field or switching fields from technical to creative you have to be ready to face different challenges.
You have to be aware of another thing "mental health", mental health in the fashion industry is a huge problem and I think one of the reasons is that a lot of people enroll in those courses related to fashion because they are unaware of how hard those courses are. I will give you an example: my final year for my graduation collection I was only able to go home for 1 week for Christmas because I had so much work to do, on Christmas Eve at the dinner table I was hand-sewing, It was that stressful I knew I was not able to have a single day that I sould be able to just relax, it didn't exist. I had to write my dissertation and work on my collection and meet deadlines at the same time. But no matter how hard it was I had the determination to do it and that was what differed me from the other students who are mentally drained from it because they were questioning themselves if this whole thing is worth it. Another thing, Fashion Design courses are pretty pricy, you gotta supply yourself by yourself. Fabrics are expensive and art supplies are expensive.
You are young changing courses shouldn't be something to worry about better change it instead of finishing a course and they realizing that it is not what you want to do. Don't look at other people either, if they graduate before you. The moment you get into university, you are on your own and you should follow your own interests. Trust me no one knows 100% what they might like after 5 years. Your goal should be to be happy with what you do, it sounds a cliché but it is the truth. Nothing is more disappointing than doing something that you don't truly like. But on decisions like this you have to listen to your own self and what makes you happy not what would make your parent happy or your friends or loved ones. It is a very personal journey and you have to be honest and realistic with yourself. Either field will be hard, you gotta choose what is better for you and in which one you are willing to sacrifice. And it is okay to fail it is okay to not be perfect it is okay to change your mind after a while it is in our nature to change our desires and what is important to us while we grow.
No 20 years old have their things figured out. Just be brave and open to new things. And take failure as learning lesson. Your own experience will teach you more than anything else.
I hope I helped you on your decision or other people who are wondering about what are some of the insight of that field.