Maybe even the field of study we pursue.
But can you switch majors in college if your coursework becomes difficult to keep up with or boring?
Yes, you can.
Be careful, though: the decision may postpone your graduation date or cost you more money.
But by consulting the appropriate resources and asking yourself relevant questions, you really can pivot into the right choice for your future.
Is Changing Your Major Worth It? Pros and Cons
Students often switch majors in college.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 30 percent of undergraduates in associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs change their field of study within three years of enrollment.
If you want to shift the direction of your coursework, here’s what you should consider.
Pros
- It aligns better with what you want post-graduation: After taking a few courses or completing an internship, you may find your original major does not correlate with your actual strengths and career goals. When a person’s job matches their interests, it leads to higher personal and professional satisfaction.
- There’s time to catch up: Most students don’t take courses related to their field of study until their junior year. Switching majors before then will likely keep your graduation date on track.
- You struggle in your field of study: Courses in college will be challenging, but if you consistently get poor grades on tests and assignments, consider changing your major to save your GPA and keep scholarships. Not liking a professor, or lacking friends in a course, does not mean you should switch.
Cons
- You could lose credits: Courses from your old major may not count toward the prerequisites or electives needed for your new one.
- It delays your graduation: Changing your field of study after sophomore year might add an extra semester (or two). Some majors, such as engineering, require students to take courses in a particular order. Certain courses may also be offered only once per year.
- Your tuition could increase: If you lose credits or extend your time in college, you will spend more money than anticipated on your education.
Other Questions to Ask
You change over time — and that growth often happens during college, which explains why so many students switch their majors.
You might also think about:
- What do you like about the new field of study?
- How will it apply to the industry you want to work in?
- Can you add a minor or pursue graduate school instead?
- Will changing my major look bad to employers?
- Can I find a job with a different degree after graduation?
- Do you need more personal or academic support?
As you decide which field of study to pursue — and figure yourself out — thoughtful reflection helps you create the perfect path.
How to Change Your Field of Study
The process to declare another major depends on your university, but generally involves:
- Conducting a thorough self-assessment and researching alternative fields of study
List out the pros and cons of switching your major and ask yourself the questions laid out in this blog. - Meeting with your academic adviser
Talk with your academic adviser to learn about your college’s requirements for selecting a new field of study. Other university supports, like career services, help you understand the options available for your current or prospective new major. - Evaluating the numbers
Calculate how many more credits you will need to earn and how much that will cost. - Talking with current majors
Ask undergrads in the field of study you want to enter about courses, professors, and career paths from their perspective. You can also take a course in the prospective major. Portage Learning offers 32 online college courses, which help students affordably explore a variety of fields. Credits earned transfer to more than 2,800 institutions. - Making the switch
Apply to the new program, follow your college’s guidelines, and finish your degree!
The Final Thought on Switching Majors in College
The word used to define a field of study – major – highlights the significance of this choice for young adults.
It’s a decision that can shape the rest of your life.
However, if you originally declared biology as your field of study freshman year and now find yourself more interested in finance, that’s OK.
It happens frequently, and studies indicate those who switch graduate at higher rates.
Heck, you can even change careers later in life, but that’s a story for another day.
The point remains: sometimes a detour leads to the best destination.
Or, for a college student, the wrong major can result in the right choice for your future.
(Ready to change your path? Don’t let missing prerequisites hold you back from switching majors. Take self-directed courses through Portage Learning, an accredited institution. Register today and start tomorrow to get on track for your new career.)
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