How to Change Your College Major

There are so many pieces of advice out there on how to choose a major. You're encouraged to go through the self assessment process, read the course catalog, and talk to professors and students in your program. However, what if one day you realize the choice you thought you were certain of is no longer what you want? Is it time for you to change your major?

Before you grab the necessary paperwork, though, here are some things to keep in mind.

You should only change if:

You are not doing well in your major classes, even though you have tried to ask for help.

You have lost interest in what you're doing; you attend classes in your field, but are still bored or unfulfilled.

You have figured out if your graduation date will be pushed back and by how long. If you have not taken the necessary prerequisites for upper level courses or entrance to the major, you may find yourself trying to gather an extra semester or more worth of tuition. Make sure you investigate the requirements and your personal situation before you switch.

Once you have taken care of these things, you can move on to the next step.

In some cases, you need to apply to transfer to another major. Check with your department. The application may include writing an essay about why you are switching and your academic and personal goals. You may also have to interview with the chairperson or other faculty members once your essay is approved.

In other cases, you can simply go to the registrar or academic advisement office and change your major. Before you go in though, make sure you are absolutely sure of your decision. Although the average student changes his or her major two or three times, you don't want to be flipping back and forth all the time. If you don't need to apply for admission, you will simply need a form signed by you and the department chairperson.

After you have changed over:

You will be assigned to an advisor in your new major. Set up a meeting with him or her as soon as possible to introduce yourself and discuss the earliest you can take any necessary requirements.

Don't waste time trying to get into your classes. If a class is full and you need to take it right away, talk to your advisor or the professor for the class. He or she will be able to pink slip (add) you into the class or use an override feature in the computer to put you in.

Try to make friends in the program; particularly upperclassmen who have been there awhile. They will know the best professors and will help you with which ones to take and who to avoid if you can. Of course, don't forget about your friends from your previous major.

Changing majors is a decision that should be made carefully. Don't rush into anything just because you struggle in one class and make sure you won't cost yourself too much extra tuition. Don't worry about what others will think of your choice because in the end, it is your education and career that you have to enjoy.