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A study conducted by the International Journal of Humanities & Social Science to understand why students change majors found three main categories that influence their decision:
- Personal and course preferences
- Influential issues
- Job issues
Undergraduate students choose majors for various reasons. Eventually, they may also change their mind and shift to a different degree. Students often change majors in their second semester of study as they develop new tastes, preferences, and abilities.
Other experts believe that students may change majors along the way to increase their earning potential, which is something that their previous major may not provide.
Top Reasons College Students Shift Majors
Changing majors has become a regular aspect of the college experience.
Here are some of the things that prove the frequency and normalcy of changing majors in higher education:
Personal growth
College is a time of immense self-discovery and personal growth. Young adults engage with various academic disciplines and extracurricular activities, helping them gain a deeper understanding of their interests, strengths, and passions.
As they evolve, they begin to reconsider their choices in pursuit of something that is more aligned with their academic and professional goals.
Clarity and direction
Many students enter college with one major in mind. However, as time passes by, they realize that their chosen major doesn’t align with their goals. By changing majors, students will be able to gain clarity and direction, helping them align their future aspirations with academic pursuits. This allows them to make more informed decisions.
Academic challenges
Some majors may present overwhelming challenges for students. While these may be daunting, they can also be the perfect opportunity for growth, especially if students change majors to find something that best fits their academic pursuits.
Changing interests
Interests can change over time, too, especially since college is a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment. As students engage with coursework, internships, and various industries, their interests may shift, too.
Career opportunities
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree is a time to prepare for one’s career. Enhancing one’s career opportunities is one of the major reasons undergraduates may shift to a different major. This is because their new major can open doors to more networking, internship, and skill-building opportunities that align with their professional goals.
Holistic education
Changing majors can be a great way to diversify one’s academic experience and gain a holistic education. It allows students to explore multiple disciplines that allow them to think more critically and resolve more complex problems.
10 Signs It’s Time to Change Majors
For a lot of students, they enter college with a single goal in mind – to graduate and earn a decent income. However, many factors can make them think twice about their current majors. In fact, according to Arizona State University, over 70% of its students switch majors at least once before completing a degree.
Here are the top 10 signs it’s time to switch to another major:
You’re no longer interested in pursuing a career with your current major.
Your future career options and earning potential are two major factors that you need to consider when choosing a major.
You may have wanted to become a nurse when you first came to college but later realized you wanted to become something else because of the career opportunities and future earnings. Continuing something that you’re no longer interested in can be quite stressful. This is why you should take this as a sign that you need to switch majors now.
You found something much more enjoyable to do.
After being exposed to various disciplines, professors, and the overall college experience, you realize you don’t want to continue with the major you have chosen when you first entered college.
You realize that you found something better after just one or two semesters. You want to transition so badly, and you can’t stop thinking about it. Although shifting can never guarantee that you’ll stick to your second choice until graduation, it’s best to switch to know whether it is something you want to do for the rest of your college life.
You have a clearer picture of your future.
After spending one or two semesters in college, you might realize that your future lies in an entirely different major. You might find out that a different major can lead you better toward the life you have always envisioned and the person you want to be.
You’re not doing well in your major.
Not performing well in your major class is another telltale sign that you need to make that switch ASAP. While some classes may be more difficult than others, getting low grades in major classes is already a glaring sign that you need to change majors.
You can talk to an advisor or professor to help you assess your situation and make an informed decision.
It’s affecting your mental health and relationships.
When you don’t like your major anymore, forcing yourself to take care of the coursework can take a huge toll on your social life and mental health.
If that is the case, it’s time you consult a student advisor to help you weigh things out. Once you have a clearer picture of what you want to accomplish, you’ll be able to take the next necessary step to get you out of the situation that’s causing you stress.
Your academic advisor has recommended a path that’s better suited for your skills and interests.
When you’re in doubt about the major you have previously chosen, it’s best to talk to an academic advisor right away. They view things from an outsider’s perspective, helping them see the bigger picture. As a result, they will be able to recommend a major that’s more aligned with your skills and interests.
You had an internship opportunity that you didn’t like.
Internships let you delve deeper into your chosen area of study. They offer hands-on experiences and allow you to learn and work at the same in a real-world work environment.
However, internships can also open your eyes to other possibilities. They can help you decide whether it is something you want to do for the rest of your working life.
You like your electives more than your major classes.
Electives often come with less strenuous coursework, which is why a lot of students love them more than their majors.
However, if you’re more interested in studying electives, especially in employment-generating fields, then perhaps you’re better off choosing a major that’s related to the elective courses that you like.
You didn’t take the time to choose your major carefully.
A lot of students find themselves gravitating toward a new major because of lack of time. This is especially true for those who have chosen a major because of peer pressure. If this is how you ended up choosing your major, then you need to change majors right away.
Your major highlights your weaknesses, not your strengths.
This is usually what happens when you have chosen a major because it’s what most people you know have chosen. One or two semesters in, you’ll realize that you’re completely disengaged and barely getting by. Because of this, you need to choose a major that will help you excel and showcase your skills.
Summary Points
- Shifting majors is normal and happens a lot of time in college!
- Personal growth, clarity and direction, and interests are just three of the major reasons students switch majors.
- Choosing a major hastily, finding something better, and doing an internship you don’t like are some of the telltale signs that you need to make that switch now.
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