Should I Change My Major? How to Decide if it's Right for You

There is a lot of pressure put on students to decide what they want to study before they get to college, and once it starts, the pressure to declare a major is even stronger. Family, friends, and professional contacts make it seem like choosing a major is the most important thing in the world! Don’t get me wrong, it is important to choose a major sooner rather than later to avoid any delay in graduating, but it is okay to take your time and test the waters to make sure you’re deciding on something you really want to study.

But what if you’ve chosen a major but aren’t sure if it’s right for you? I’ve changed my major three times since I was a freshman. It doesn’t get easier, and at some point you just have to go with your gut and stick with it. To point you in the right direction, here are signs you should change your major.

You’re Dreading All of Your Classes

It’s rare that anyone gets excited for any class, but when you notice you are absolutely dreading all or most of your classes within your major, it’s time to think about changing directions. School isn’t supposed to be easy, but you also shouldn’t be dreading your classes so much that you want to drop them all or drop out of school.

You’re Bored

I don’t mean bored like you are in your least favorite subject, but genuinely bored with your major. Everyone hits a dry spot in their college career that leaves them second guessing their decision. It’s important to know the difference between being bored with just a class and being bored with a complete area of study.

You Have a Strong Interest in Something Else

This is why it’s a good idea to experiment with different classes to make it easier to choose a path. You find out what you like. However, if you have already made your major official and start strongly thinking that you might be happier doing something else, I would recommend doing more research on that new interest and see if there is anything that will tip you over the edge. You don’t want to jump the gun and change your major right away, but take some time to figure out what you want to do. Give it a few weeks to see if you still have strong feelings about changing directions.

It Just Doesn’t Feel Right

It’s always wise to follow your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, then it’s not.

You Constantly Question Your Decision

So, at the end of each day you wonder why you’re still majoring in your area of study. Don’t ignore this question when it arises, because it is vital. If you can’t answer it, it’s time to start thinking about choosing something else. There is a certain security in knowing the reasons you chose your major. Whether it be because of a specific job, the outlook, money, or a personal experience that drove you to your decision, if you know why and you are happy with that reason, just stay where you are.

No matter what degree you choose, make sure you’re confident in your decision. Deciding what to do for the rest of your life is very daunting, but necessary. Choosing a major doesn’t come easy to everyone and it is okay to change your mind when you feel it’s the right thing to do. Put your focus where your passion is and work towards that!