Knowing When to Change Your Major

Happy New Year!
New Year's Resolutions are made every year, and you likely have one have one of your own. Whether it be to improve your fitness, finances or mental health, all resolutions can be condensed down to one main objective:

Change for the better.

If your change this year is academic, then you may be considering changing your major! Don't stress, fret, or worry. We are here to help.

It may come as no surprise that one in five entering college freshmen intends to major in biological sciences or some sort of pre-med track. By the time they reach graduation, only one in twenty actually finished with the prerequisites needed for medical school. One of the ironies of college is that it encourages students to explore their interests and passions in a journey of self-exploration over several years, yet it also requires that they declare a major in the first year.

This is long before they have had the opportunity to experience or explore any particular subject area in depth. As you might expect, the exploration of various subjects often leads to a shift in career and educational goals.

Whether it’s computer science, psychology, or geology that you’ve declared as your major, there will likely come a day that you question your decision. Would it have been better to major in Early Childhood Education like my friend? Or perhaps you’ve discovered that the new field of Cybersecurity holds both promise and interest for you. Maybe you spend your nights playing the guitar instead of studying math.

Depending on where you are in your college career, you might have several semesters under your belt. Consequently, you may feel that it is too late to turn back. While that may be the case if you’re within hours of graduating, there are instances when a change of major may be best. If you are close to graduation, you may consider graduate degrees, certifications, or even a second bachelor’s degree.
Here are some questions to ask yourself before deciding whether or not to make the change:

1. Is the content of the program dramatically different than you anticipated? While you are likely to have some classes in your major that you don’t particularly love, the overall curriculum should cover topics that connect in some way to your interests. In some cases, you may be in the right major but not at the best institution for you. The curriculum and content of a degree program can vary quite a bit from one institution to another.

2. Is the program far more difficult than you expected? If you are continually struggling in a subject area, that may be a sign that it’s not the right program for you. However, before deciding to switch gears, consider other underlying issues that may be hindering your success.Or it may be that the policies of a particular program are too rigid for you. Some students may struggle simply because they are not getting the accommodations that they need – if you have disabilities, don’t be afraid to report them to your institution’s office of disabilities. In summary, the reasons why the program is difficult for you can help guide you to the next best steps.

3. Are you sticking with a major because of pride? Changing your major can be stressful. Some may feel embarrassed to tell friends or family that they’ve decided on a different path, or feel a sense of failure for not following through on their original plan. Instead of dwelling on the plan that didn’t work out, take pride in the decision you’ve made for yourself and the pursuit of a promising and rewarding degree. But at least one in three college students do change their majors, sometimes multiple times. It’s normal to feel differently about your aspirations at age 20 than you did at age 17.

4. Is adding a second major an option? Changing majors entirely is not your only option. If you already have a couple of semesters of courses completed within your first major but find another area that peaks your interest, you might consider using it as a minor. Be certain to consider the additional time and tuition a double-major will likely add. If neither of these is an option, you should explore programs where your coursework or experiences might be helpful as an add-on to your existing major.

Finding it hard to fit all of your interests into one major? You’re not alone! In fact, many colleges have started offering “interdisciplinary” degrees that allow students to study a variety of areas, such as the Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership eMajor degree. This versatile program allows for multiple electives (with advisor approval) as well as opportunities to earn credit for prior learning. 

The BS in Organizational Leadership eMajor degree is supported by USG eCampus and offered fully online through multiple University System of Georgia institutions including: Albany State University, Atlanta Metropolitan State College, Dalton State College, East Georgia State College (Spring 2024 Launch), Fort Valley State University, Gordon State College (Summer 2024 Launch), Georgia Highlands College (Fall 2024 Launch) and University of West Georgia. Our eCampus Enrollment Navigators are standing by to help you choose the right program and institution. Contact us today for a free unofficial transcript evaluation.

USG eCampus is a service unit of the University System of Georgia that assists SACSCOC-accredited USG institutions in administering quality, affordable, high-demand, post-secondary online degrees and credentials that address the workplace needs of Georgia and beyond.
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By Austen Clay, anclay@ecampus.usg.edu
Media Contact: Katie Black, kblack@ecampus.usg.edu