3 answers
Hannah
Student
Lynn, Massachusetts
1
Question
Asked
742 views
How many people switch majors in college ?
Is it common to be incorrect about what major you think you will stick with? Also, when people do switch majors, is it usually to a similar field? Wondering for the future!
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3 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1601
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Hannah the earlier you decide to switch college majors, the easier it is to catch up on your coursework. Often you don’t even begin to take major-related courses until your junior year, so if you know you want to change your declared major during your sophomore year, you have plenty of time to make that decision. If you are choosing a new major that is similar to your old one, it’s also possible that some of your completed courses may actually be prerequisites or electives for your new degree.
MEET WITH YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISOR
Consider meeting with an academic advisor. They hold a wealth of knowledge about different majors and can provide you with an understanding of what to expect in the new major you're eyeing. They can also guide you on how the transition might affect your graduation timeline and what financial implications to anticipate. Investigate the job opportunities that come with the new major. A bit of research into potential career paths, job market demand, and estimated earnings can give you a clearer picture of what the future may hold. Are there ample job opportunities in the field? What kind of salary can you expect, especially in the first year out of college? It's also wise to consider how your GPA might be affected. Taking time to explore these aspects will arm you with the necessary information to make a decision that you won't regret down the line.
CONSIDER INTERNSHIPS
Also what can be very helpful is an internship may be a determining whether switching majors is for you. Internships are pre-work conditions and you can best assess your career in a major you’re pursuing based on your experience with an internship. When you put what you are learning into practice in the real world, how does it truly make you feel? How good are you at applying your skills to real life opportunities? Getting career experience in your field of study is the best way to assess whether or not what you were studying is the proper fit for you. After all, forcing yourself to work a job you do not want to work will decrease your productivity and make your career experience miserable.
MEET WITH YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISOR
Consider meeting with an academic advisor. They hold a wealth of knowledge about different majors and can provide you with an understanding of what to expect in the new major you're eyeing. They can also guide you on how the transition might affect your graduation timeline and what financial implications to anticipate. Investigate the job opportunities that come with the new major. A bit of research into potential career paths, job market demand, and estimated earnings can give you a clearer picture of what the future may hold. Are there ample job opportunities in the field? What kind of salary can you expect, especially in the first year out of college? It's also wise to consider how your GPA might be affected. Taking time to explore these aspects will arm you with the necessary information to make a decision that you won't regret down the line.
CONSIDER INTERNSHIPS
Also what can be very helpful is an internship may be a determining whether switching majors is for you. Internships are pre-work conditions and you can best assess your career in a major you’re pursuing based on your experience with an internship. When you put what you are learning into practice in the real world, how does it truly make you feel? How good are you at applying your skills to real life opportunities? Getting career experience in your field of study is the best way to assess whether or not what you were studying is the proper fit for you. After all, forcing yourself to work a job you do not want to work will decrease your productivity and make your career experience miserable.
Joseph Ford
172
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Loaded question and yes students do switch majors. Reason is they began taking the classes in there major then interest change. Its human and normal. I switch majors to avoid Chemistry but remained in Technology. Go where your interest takes you and if it causes you to switch majors then just do it.
Milli Abboud
Pharmacy Technician (MA)
2
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Milli’s Answer
Hi Hannah!
Believe it or not, a lot of people at the ages of college years don’t know exactly what they want to do in their life yet and that’s completely normal!
Changing your major is a part of being a college student, but it does come with a certain stopping point, it’s WAY easier to change a major your freshman/sophomore year. Your third year, however, should be the year you finally decide what path to be on, that way you’ll be comfortable taking you pathway classes your 3rd/4th year.
I emphasize making changes to your major your 1st/2nd year as everyone is still taking the same classes those year since they are pre-requisites and you won’t need to catch up on anything your third year!
Hope this helps! Good luck in college :)
Believe it or not, a lot of people at the ages of college years don’t know exactly what they want to do in their life yet and that’s completely normal!
Changing your major is a part of being a college student, but it does come with a certain stopping point, it’s WAY easier to change a major your freshman/sophomore year. Your third year, however, should be the year you finally decide what path to be on, that way you’ll be comfortable taking you pathway classes your 3rd/4th year.
I emphasize making changes to your major your 1st/2nd year as everyone is still taking the same classes those year since they are pre-requisites and you won’t need to catch up on anything your third year!
Hope this helps! Good luck in college :)