Pros and cons of switching majors

Key takeaways

• A student may decide to switch majors if their current field no longer suits them, the job options aren’t what they expected, or they’ve discovered a new passion.
• Switching majors has both benefits and challenges. While it can help you feel more confident and aligned with your goals, it may also take extra time, money, and adjustment.
• If you decide you want to change majors, you should seek guidance from your academic advisor, a career advisor, professors, or even join a student organization related to your major.

Flickr user Mays Business School at Texas A&M University

Before starting college, many students choose a major because they feel confident about what they want to do after graduation. Others pick a major because it sounds interesting or they think it’s the “right” choice. But what happens if you realize your major isn’t what you expected?

If you’re thinking about switching majors, you’re not alone. It’s okay to change your mind. However, there are pros and cons to making this change, and understanding them can help you make an informed decision. Check out the pros and cons of switching majors so you can decide what’s best for you.

Why switch majors?

While many students start college with an undecided major, others declare their major right away. While it may feel clear and exciting at first, sometimes students soon realize their major isn’t what they thought it would be. Here are some common reasons why students switch majors:

• The field no longer suits them: After taking a few core classes, some students may come to find their major boring, stressful, or no longer enjoyable.
• The job options aren’t what they expected: They might not be able to see themselves in a specific career long-term.
• Their interests and goals change: Some students may find a new passion that they enjoy more.

The pros and cons of switching majors

Before switching majors over one hard class or a rough semester, it’s smart to think about the pros and cons so that you make the best choice for you:

Pros

Pro: It’s more aligned with what you want

As you begin to take classes and gain experiences, you might realize your goals and interests have changed. This may give you pause and make you wonder if the major is really for you. If this is the case, it is sometimes in your best interest to change your major as soon as possible. Staying in a major that makes you unhappy can lead to burnout. Even if it feels scary at first, changing majors can lead you to something more fulfilling and motivating.

“I changed my major right after my junior year of college. I felt burnt out as a biomedical science major and knew that I didn’t want to go to graduate school anymore. Changing my major that late in my college career was so nerve-wracking I canceled my advisor appointment twice to avoid doing it. I eventually switched it to something that was more aligned with what I wanted to do after graduation, and I’m so happy I did!”

-Marissa T. (The University of South Florida)

Pro: You may not be as far behind as you think

Some students are scared to switch majors because they are afraid they won’t graduate on time. While this may be true in some cases, many students actually still have plenty of time to finish their degree after switching. Many students don’t even begin to take major-related courses until their junior year, so if you know you want to change your declared major during your freshman or sophomore year, you have plenty of time to make that decision.

If you are choosing a new major that is similar to your old one, it’s also possible that some of your completed courses may actually be prerequisites or electives for your new degree. This can make the change easier and keep you on track for graduation.

Pro: Switching majors can help you avoid what-ifs

Exploring classes for a different major allows you to learn more about your options and helps you figure out what you like and don’t like. This can help you avoid graduating in a major you don’t enjoy and wishing you had made a change earlier.

Pro: You’ll feel more confident in your academic and career choices

If you are in the wrong major, you may find yourself in constant doubt and feel unnecessary stress about the future. When you know you are in the right major, you’re more confident about the classes you are taking and the career options that await you after graduation.

Cons

Con: You may not graduate on time

If you discover you want to change your major late in your sophomore or junior year, you might end up having to take an extra semester or two to graduate. To increase your odds of graduating in four years, you may want to consider taking summer courses or extra classes during spring or fall semesters.

However, a later graduation date isn’t the end of the world—many students fall behind on their original graduation plans. In fact, one study showed that only 41% of students graduate with a bachelor’s degree in four years, so don’t be too discouraged if you have to stay in school a little longer if it’s for the right major.

Con: It may cost more in tuition to switch

In some cases, it may cost you more in tuition to switch your major. You will have to pay for the extra semesters, courses, and possibly some summer classes. It may also be a bigger financial burden if you had college scholarships that only lasted for four years or were specific to your original major.

Con: It may not be what you truly wanted

After your first semester with your new course load, you may find that switching your major isn’t what you wanted. After everything you did to change your major and prepare for your new path, it can be discouraging to know that you’re still unhappy with your choice of major.

Con: Adjusting to a new major can take time

If your new major is vastly different from your first, you may need extra time to get used to the different types of assignments, exams, and workloads. You may also need to learn new skills or study habits. This doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice, it just means the change takes time—and that’s okay.

How to start the process of switching majors

If you are ready to switch majors, you should meet with your academic advisor as soon as possible. They will be able to help you understand the requirements and how credits will or will not transfer between departments. They can even help you talk through why you are unsatisfied with your current major. A few other helpful things you can do during the process of switching majors are:

• Talk to a career advisor on your campus: They might be able to point out valuable resources and talk about career options.
• Meet with professors: Talk to professors in the major you’re considering to get a better idea of what classes and coursework might look like.
• Join a student organization: Look for a student organization that is related to your new major, where you can meet peers and gain experience in the field before you make the switch official.

Is switching majors the right choice for you?

Switching majors isn’t for everyone, but for some, it can make all the difference. Before making a decision, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons, consider your passions and strengths, and reflect on your career goals. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I enjoy the classes in my current major?
• Have I researched other majors and the careers connected to them?
• Do I have the strengths that this major requires?
• Would another major match my interests and what I’m good at?
• Could I see myself working in a job that’s tied to this major?
• Have I talked to my advisor about the options available to me?

Final considerations of switching majors

If you’re considering switching majors, it’s important to consider all aspects surrounding the change. It’s a big decision and one that should not be taken lightly. While changing your major can seem scary or daunting, take a deep breath. There are pros and cons to consider when making this change, but there are also a lot of people and resources to help you. If something about your current major isn’t sitting right with you, it’s worth looking into one that feels best for you.

Being in the right major is important, but being at the right college is just as important. Use College Raptor’s College Match tool and discover a school that fits your goals, budget, and interests—for FREE.