5 answers
Halani
Student
Modesto, California
3
Questions
Asked
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How do I change my major if im not interested in it anymore?
I heard alot of people change majors but how do i do it if i want my major changed?
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5 answers
Marcia Hanlon
5
Answers
Updated
Marcia’s Answer
Each college or university has its own procedures, so it's best to check the website of your college. You will need to meet with your Academic Advisor (they're not called "counselors" like they are in high school..."counselors" in college usually mean psychological counselors). Your Academic Advisor will know the procedures and can guide you through the paperwork.
If you're a freshman or sophomore, it shouldn't be a problem to switch because you are probably taking mostly General Education (Gen Ed) courses, which will apply to any major. If you ARE taking any major-specific classes and you change majors, the credits from those classes can count toward electives, so you won't be wasting any time or effort on those classes.
If you're a junior or senior, though, you need to be very careful about the changes you're making. As someone else in this thread mentioned, if you're that far along in one major and change to another, you may have to attend a couple of extra semesters in order to complete all the required courses for your new major. Staying in school extra semesters is NOT a problem, except that it can get expensive. It depends on your individual financial situation and the expectations around any financial aid you might be receiving.
Your Academic Advisor should go through your transcript very carefully to see what credits you already have, and to figure out how to plan your next semesters in order to complete the major course requirements. You may have to take some prerequisite courses in preparation for your major courses if you're making a BIG change, for example, going from an English major to a Data Analytics major. In this example, there would probably be several math and computer science prerequisites to take BEFORE you can start on the major courses.
Other options to consider, if you are into your junior or senior year, are to finish up and get your degree in your current major or see if your college has a program that will allow you to "self-design" a major. A major does NOT necessarily dictate a career path. You will find people in a variety of careers that had a Liberal Arts major -- English, Psychology, Sociology, Literature, Anthropology, etc. -- as undergrads. Many lawyers, bankers, or business professionals have Liberal Arts degrees. After college, then, they go to law school or maybe go for an MBA (Masters in Business Adminstration).
There are some professions in which you have to be "credentialed" or "licensed" by your state -- nursing, teaching, social work, etc. -- and therefore you have to have completed a specific major in order to have the knowledge to pass the test and do the job.
You have a lot of options. It requires research, asking for help on your campus, and planning for the next several semesters in order to get your coursework in.
Good luck!!
If you're a freshman or sophomore, it shouldn't be a problem to switch because you are probably taking mostly General Education (Gen Ed) courses, which will apply to any major. If you ARE taking any major-specific classes and you change majors, the credits from those classes can count toward electives, so you won't be wasting any time or effort on those classes.
If you're a junior or senior, though, you need to be very careful about the changes you're making. As someone else in this thread mentioned, if you're that far along in one major and change to another, you may have to attend a couple of extra semesters in order to complete all the required courses for your new major. Staying in school extra semesters is NOT a problem, except that it can get expensive. It depends on your individual financial situation and the expectations around any financial aid you might be receiving.
Your Academic Advisor should go through your transcript very carefully to see what credits you already have, and to figure out how to plan your next semesters in order to complete the major course requirements. You may have to take some prerequisite courses in preparation for your major courses if you're making a BIG change, for example, going from an English major to a Data Analytics major. In this example, there would probably be several math and computer science prerequisites to take BEFORE you can start on the major courses.
Other options to consider, if you are into your junior or senior year, are to finish up and get your degree in your current major or see if your college has a program that will allow you to "self-design" a major. A major does NOT necessarily dictate a career path. You will find people in a variety of careers that had a Liberal Arts major -- English, Psychology, Sociology, Literature, Anthropology, etc. -- as undergrads. Many lawyers, bankers, or business professionals have Liberal Arts degrees. After college, then, they go to law school or maybe go for an MBA (Masters in Business Adminstration).
There are some professions in which you have to be "credentialed" or "licensed" by your state -- nursing, teaching, social work, etc. -- and therefore you have to have completed a specific major in order to have the knowledge to pass the test and do the job.
You have a lot of options. It requires research, asking for help on your campus, and planning for the next several semesters in order to get your coursework in.
Good luck!!
Karissa Helton
Teacher
153
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
The counseling office will have a form. You probably will not even have to meet with a Counselor. You may have to take a 5th year if you change majors during your junior or senior year.
Bonnie Garza
Revenue Sales Operations VP
58
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Bonnie’s Answer
Hey Halani, don't worry, this happens quite often. Ideally, you're not too deep into the specific courses for your current major. If you're still working on general education classes, switching majors is a breeze. Just make a quick visit to the business office or meet with your advisors or counselors to update your major. Remember to sign up for the necessary classes for your new major. You've got this, best of luck!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1622
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Firstly, you have to think about what careers you have interest. Then, the relevant subjects is the major you can consider.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects are the major and minor you can consider
5. Explore the process to change to these subjects
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects are the major and minor you can consider
5. Explore the process to change to these subjects
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Laurie Pritchard, Ed. S., M.A.T.
Executive Trainer, Rocket Mortgage
67
Answers
Wilmington, North Carolina
Updated
Laurie’s Answer
Halani,
The insights provided above are all filled with valuable guidance for you! I'd like to emphasize that it's completely fine to switch majors. This is a common occurrence! Your college years are a golden period for self-discovery, understanding your passions, and acknowledging that we, as humans, evolve and transform over time.
If you're sensing that your present major doesn't align with your future career aspirations, now might be the perfect opportunity to consider a change.
As mentioned in the other comments, this is a significant decision, and it would be beneficial to consult with family members or other trusted adults who can assist you in making the best choice for your circumstances. Wishing you all the best!
The insights provided above are all filled with valuable guidance for you! I'd like to emphasize that it's completely fine to switch majors. This is a common occurrence! Your college years are a golden period for self-discovery, understanding your passions, and acknowledging that we, as humans, evolve and transform over time.
If you're sensing that your present major doesn't align with your future career aspirations, now might be the perfect opportunity to consider a change.
As mentioned in the other comments, this is a significant decision, and it would be beneficial to consult with family members or other trusted adults who can assist you in making the best choice for your circumstances. Wishing you all the best!