Key Takeaways
- Students can switch their majors in college.
- However, there are hurdles to changing areas of study, including increased costs, delayed graduation dates, and limited availability of certain majors.
- Students shouldn’t change their majors simply on a whim or because of outside pressure, as this can lead to burnout and other problems.
- Those looking to make the switch should talk to their advisors and their college’s Career Center to create a game plan.
Picking a major is, well, a major part of the college process. A lot of effort can go into searching for schools that have a reputable program for your desired major. College majors can be broad or niche, common or unique. And since majors largely determine what sort of classes you’ll take or what you will specialize in, they can have a major impact on your future career.
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So, should you switch your college major? For some students, changing college majors makes sense for quite a few reasons. Maybe it’s better for your future career, or you’re just really unhappy with your current studies. Either way, changing your college major isn’t something to be ashamed of, but there are some things you should know. This blog will explore what changing your major looks like, the considerations you should take, and the reasons why you shouldn’t change it.
Can You Switch Majors in College?
The answer is, “Of course!” Students can always change their major in college. In fact, a study that followed students entering college in 2017 showed that 47% changed their primary major at least once as of 2024. Some switches may come with more hurdles than others, but students always have the option to change up their area of study, even in the months leading up to college graduation. However, it may not be the best route for every student, and those looking to switch majors should consider it from all angles.
Reasons You Should Change Majors in College
Now, should you change your major? That’s a different question entirely. Let’s run through some considerations you should keep in mind before changing up your area of study. Here are three reasons why students often decide to change their major:
1. You’re Unhappy With Your Current Area of Study
Sometimes you start off thinking that your area of study is the one—until it’s not what you expected. Maybe you get bored with it, or you find something else that is more exciting. Whatever the reason, forcing yourself to stick with something you don’t enjoy isn’t worth it. If the coursework doesn’t engage you now, it’s unlikely that the career path it leads to will, either. It’s better to make the switch now than regret it down the road. Pivot while you have the flexibility early on.
2. It Doesn’t Align With Your Career Goals
It’s not uncommon for students to discover that their major doesn’t actually align with their career goals. While there can be some overlap, not all related majors are the best option for careers. For example, let’s say you chose biology because you love animals and thought it would help you work at a zoo. But after taking some classes and doing more research, you soon learn that zoology could be a better choice in the long run.
Or maybe your career goals changed drastically—although you wanted to work in a zoo before, now you want to be a writer. This would require you to switch majors, however, you don’t have to start over. For instance, you could switch to English and still use some of your old classes by making biology your minor.
3. You Find It Doesn’t Match Your Skill Set
Maybe you love a subject, but once you start taking college-level courses, you immediately find you’re overwhelmed. College courses, especially advanced classes, can be extremely difficult, and no amount of studying and tutoring can make a difference for some. If you find yourself in this boat, you could be putting your GPA or even placement at the school in jeopardy.
It’s okay to find you’re not skilled in a specific area or subject. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s okay to admit that this major is just not right for your skill set. That doesn’t mean you can’t find something related that aligns better with your interests and your strengths!
Reasons You Shouldn’t Change Your Major in College
Not every student will face the same hurdles when looking to change their major in college, but there are some valid reasons why it might not be the right decision to switch:
1. Your Parents Told You To
Parents usually want what is best for their child, but those desires can sometimes be detrimental to the student—especially when it comes to education. Your area of study should be up to you—not your parents, not your family members, not your friends.
Students who have their tuition paid for by their parents could find it difficult to avoid their recommendations, especially if the parent is making the payment conditional, but it’s important to think about your own wants, needs, and goals. If your parents want you to major in biology, but you prefer English, you could be setting yourself up for burnout, less-than-ideal grades, and a career that isn’t aligned with your personal goals.
2. All of Your Classes Are at 8am
We get it. Waking up before 8am is tough. And if your major has an abundance of courses that have an 8am start time, it can be easy to say, “This isn’t the major for me.” However, this really shouldn’t be a reason you switch your major in college. You can and will get through this, and the early morning habits you learn now will pay off big time in the future.
If you really are struggling classes that are not ideal for you, consider online courses that allow you to attend on your schedule, if possible.
3. You’re Making the Change on a Whim
Have you had a sudden epiphany that English isn’t for you and Biology would be much more your jam? That spark of inspiration can feel like a sudden wake-up call, but is it truly what you want in the long run? Stress from college and other responsibilities and factors can cause us to have reactive responses that are detrimental to our goals.
If you’re thinking about changing your major in college, this is not a decision that should be made overnight. Instead, consider the pros and cons of making the switch before you make it official. While you can always change back if you decide you made a mistake, you don’t want to waste time and money taking new major-related classes on a whim.
Important Considerations Before Changing Your Major
Switching college majors comes with some pros and cons. Of course, while you can always change your major in college, it may not always be the best option for your goals. Make sure you take in these considerations.
1. Your Current School May Not Have an Ideal Program for Your New Major
Not all colleges and universities offer the same programs. And many of these programs are not created equal. While one school may have a standout English program, its graphic design program could be lacking. And some schools might not even have your major!
If this is the case, you may need to transfer colleges to get into your preferred program. If you are looking to switch your major, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of making this leap and also identify the best schools for your new major.
Keep in mind that some majors will require a separate application, and it’s not as easy as submitting paperwork. Engineering, for example, is usually a competitive major. If you’re looking to change from English to Engineering, you could find the change quite difficult, if not impossible, without transferring.
2. Switching Your Major Can Result in a Later Graduation Date
One of the biggest downsides that prevents students from changing their major in college is the fact that it can often push back their graduation date. Changing your major can affect your graduation timeline—but if you make the switch early, such as in your sophomore year or the first half of your junior year, it may have little to no impact. And if you’re moving to a related major, it may not affect your trajectory either.
However, if you change your major in your senior year or the second half of your junior year, or your new area of study is drastically different from your old selection, you could be looking at another two to three years of school. You may also be required to take introductory courses you were not required to take previously. For example, if you dropped out of taking a math class as an English major, but are changing to Biology, you may have to take those math classes after all.
Taking summer and J-term classes, forgoing a minor, and adding more coursework during Spring and Fall semesters can help offset a graduation date delay, but additional semesters may be unavoidable if you want to change your major in college.
3. It Can Cost More
Of course, if you’re taking additional classes to meet your new major’s requirements, it’s going to cost more money. This can be a big reason students don’t change their majors in college. Tuition is already expensive, and this extra cost can be staggering.
Note that scholarships and grants may also be affected. Those that are renewable every year don’t usually go beyond four years of availability, and others may be contingent on you pursuing a particular major. Because some grants are major-dependent, students can find themselves on the hook for paying back that cash if they change their major.
How to Switch Your Major?
So after considering all of these different factors, is it time to switch your major? These steps can help you make the best decision for your studies as well as your career.
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1. Take a Class in the Subject
You should always take a class (or a few) in the subject area of the major you’re considering before making the switch, especially if it’s a drastic change. This will help you feel out the area of study, see if it matches your strengths, and help you discover if the courses are what you expected. Sometimes our perceptions of a major don’t align with reality, so taking a few classes in the subject will help you make the best decision for your education.
2. Explore Career Options
You should also ensure that your new major is aligned with your career goals. A trip to the college’s Career Center would not go amiss here. They are there to help you identify the best courses and majors for your individual goals. You might even discover the job you want has a different recommended major than you expected.
3. Talk to Your Advisor
If you are looking to switch college majors, you should schedule a meeting as soon as possible with your advisor. They can help you through the transition. If you’re making a drastic change in your area of study, however, your advisor may change. In this case, you should first meet with your current advisor and then with the advisor for your new major to make sure the change goes as smoothly as possible.
4. Consider Transferring
If your current college’s available programs don’t fit your needs and wants, you should consider transferring to a college that does have what you need. This is a big leap, so research is necessary. You should approach this as you did during their high school years and ensure you’re finding a college that matches your interests and your new major. However, know that not all students will have to transfer to change their major in college.
5. Make the Change!
After you meet with your advisors and the Career Center, you’re ready to change your major! Your advisor should walk you through the process and necessary paperwork, so make sure to get that completed as quickly as possible and sign up for your new classes.
When Is It Too Late To Switch Majors in College?
While you can technically switch college majors any time you want, the longer you wait, the trickier it can get. Early on in college, like freshman or sophomore year, changing majors is generally straightforward and typically won’t change your graduation date. However, if you’re a junior or senior, changing college majors and dealing with credit transfer could mean extending graduation and costing you more time and money. As soon as you know your college major isn’t right for you, it is best to start taking action.
Changing your major in college isn’t an easy decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly. You should consider all angles—how it might affect your graduation timeline, finances, and future goals—before making the switch. Just remember: if you’re unhappy in your current area of study, you don’t have to stay. Staying can actually do more harm than good. Sometimes you have to make bold choices and put yourself on a path that feels aligned to you.
If you’re thinking about changing your major and your current school no longer matches your needs, wants, and goals, you might just have to look for a new college. College Raptor’s College Match tool can help you find the perfect school for your new area of study.
