How to Switch Majors

Choosing a major in college can be a stressful task. Many people think their major is set in stone. When they choose a major, that's it. There is no turning back. The truth is, if you choose the wrong course of study, you can simply switch your major. Although it is always best to pick the best major right off the bat, it is never too late to change. In college, there are always options available for students, and people are always willing to help. If you feel like you have nowhere to turn, however, read further. This guide will help you take the correct steps to switch majors.

Instructions

1. Participate in a variety of activities. As soon as you realize your current major is wrong for you, explore other options. You probably won't have enough time to waste another semester taking needless classes, so explore other avenues. Join clubs and organizations, or take a short community class centered around other areas of study. This will help you decide what you enjoy and what you don't.

2. Talk to your adviser to discuss your options. In college, you are assigned an adviser. No matter what course of study you take, this adviser is trained to guide you along the way. She can give you examples of other majors that you may not have thought of before. Perhaps she can even come up with a major similar to your current major that changes the focus slightly.

3. Talk to the adviser of your new desired major to see if there are any requirements you find displeasing. You don't want to jump into a brand-new major and quickly change it once again. Some courses of study require traveling abroad or student teaching. If this isn't for you, don't join the major.

4. Wait until the beginning of the next semester and visit the enrollment office. This is where you declare your new major. Believe it or not, most colleges and universities insist on having your major on record by the second year of study. This helps you get into certain classes that you may not have access to otherwise.

5. Take classes that give you a real taste for your new major immediately. Don't beat around the bush with your new major. Jump in with both feet. If you still have general education courses to complete, those can wait. You need to complete some of your major classes first to make sure you have made the right decision.

Tips & Warnings

• Check and see if you have accumulated enough credits to have a minor in your original major course of study.

• Changing your major too many times will cause to you spend more money and time in college. The more time you take to thoughtfully choose your major, the better off you will be in the long run.