How to Change Your Major

Deciding your course in life is not an easy task, but college can be the first step toward figuring out what you want to do. If you realize that you haven't chosen the path that's right for you, however, you may have to change your major.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Academic Counselings
• Career Counseling
• Notebooks

1. Research your potential choice first. Test the curriculum in your major of choice by taking a few classes to see if you will really like the field.
2. Look for a field related to your current major with a slightly different twist; for example, if you are majoring in journalism and decide being a newspaper reporter is not for you, change your major to communications with a concentration in radio, television or film.
3. Keep in mind that choosing a related field will allow you to apply most of your current credits toward your new major.
4. Take a look at the labor market in the field you are considering. Even if you love the field, if you can't get a job upon graduation, it may not be the best course to follow.
5. Talk to professionals in the field you're considering. Among other tips, they can give you the real facts about a career in the field, explain the day-to-day activities of the job and let you in on the ups and downs involved.
6. Take advantage of academic and career counseling services available at your college or university. These people have seen it all before and may be able to help you distinguish between a momentary bout of uncertainty and the need to make a change in your major.
7. Go to your college or university registrar's office and pick up an application for a change in your major. Make certain you have all the pertinent information, including your advisor's name, current major and intended major.
8. Get all the appropriate signatures on the form and turn it in at the registrar's office for processing.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to your academic advisor first. Just because you have made the decision to change your major doesn't mean it will happen; if your test scores or grades don't meet current standards, you could be turned down.
• Declare yourself undeclared for your first year or so of college. This way you have not committed yourself to a course that cannot be undone. You can declare a major at any time in your first two years at most colleges.
• Don't jump into things. One bad class is no reason to change your major. Take your time and make this decision after you have done the proper research and planning.
• Don't choose your major based solely on income potential. These decisions make for some of the most unhappy people around.

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