Asking the “Why” Behind Changing Your Major
If you are thinking about changing your major, you are not alone! According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 33 percent of undergraduates in bachelor's degree programs had changed their major within three years of initial enrollment. I am proof of that statistic: In the summer between my freshman and sophomore year, I changed my major from biology to English literature. Changing majors can seem impossible, but the outcome is worth it when you finally find the field of study where you can use your passions and interests.
As Foresters, we remain curious. So, in remaining curious and asking questions, I suggest that you ask yourself the “why” behind your desire to change your major. Your goals and interests may have changed, you may be struggling in your current major, or you may not see a clear career path that intrigues you with your current major. Understanding the “why” behind your decision will enable you to access the various areas of support that Huntington University offers.
If your goals and interests have changed...
That’s okay! I began my college career at HU as a biology major because I enjoyed science classes in high school. However, after taking a few core curriculum English courses at HU, I fell in love with reading, writing, and researching. As Foresters, we are lifelong learners, and as you grow and encounter new experiences at HU, you may find a new field of study that suits your intellectual gifts best. If you want to explore your new interests and skills and how those may fit into another major, check out a detailed list of HU’s undergraduate degrees.
If you are struggling in your major courses...
College is meant to push you intellectually, and this academic pushback may be what you are experiencing. I suggest turning to the Academic Center for Excellence. When I was wrestling with whether or not to change my major, I was struggling through a chemistry course. However, ACE provided academic resources for me to excel. ACE offers free individual and group tutoring sessions, writing help, and improvements to test taking and time management skills. Before changing your major because of one difficult course, use all of the academic support HU offers.
If you aren’t sure if you will be able to have a successful career after college...
The job market can seem incredibly daunting, especially if you are worried your current major will not provide you with a stable career. However, HU has excellent job placement rates and can help you pursue a career related to your major. Martha Smith, HU’s dean of student services and director of career development and counseling services, conducted a study on the placement rates for the Class of 2019. Within her study, she found that 88% of the graduates from the Class of 2019 were in full- or part-time employment and 10% were in graduate school within a year of graduation. If you are nervous about finding a successful career in your major, consider stopping by the Office of Career Services for career counseling, assessment tools, job search techniques, and graduate school information.
Ultimately, the faculty and staff at HU want to help you glorify Christ through your scholarship and service, no matter which major you end up in. I hope that you can experience firsthand the immense academic support and care that HU devotes to its students. If you decide to change your major after asking your “why,” contact the Office of the Registrar for information on how to request a major change, how your credits will transfer to your new major, and details for your graduation plan.
