You asked:

My school requires me to pick a major before the end of this semester, but I’m afraid I won’t want to stick with the one I choose. What should I do?

There are many myths surrounding the topic of majors. These facts should clarify any misunderstandings you might have and address your concerns.

Myth: I can’t change my major.

Fact: As many as 80 percent of students change their major at least once, according to CollegeParents.org. The average student changes his or her major three times. It’s OK to be unsure of your major. You’ll figure it out as you take more courses. Be patient, and think critically about what parts of your coursework interest you most.

Myth: Most people know what they want to do during and after college.

Fact: About 30 percent of incoming students are completely undecided about what they want to major in or do for a career, according to Oakland University’s Advising Resource Center.  Taking time to check out different academic options allows you to make a more informed decision about what you might like to do.

Myth: If I change my major, I won’t graduate on time.

Fact: It really depends on when you decide to change majors and what requirements you might need. Many majors have overlapping requirements that will allow you to graduate without much extra work. As long as your parents -- or whoever’s forking up your tuition -- are on board, don’t be deterred from changing your major if it means it could add on a little more time to your college career. After all, this time is an investment in your future.

Myth: I will be charged if I change my major.

Fact: Schools in the United States do not charge students for a change in academic paths, unless it requires you to go beyond your school’s maximum number of allotted undergraduate credit hours, which could result in a tuition increase. You might, however, have to go through a new application process for a specific school at your college. Most business and nursing schools have prerequisites and an application process that you must complete before officially declaring your major in that department. Bottom line: Be sure to check with your school’s registrar and financial aid offices about payment for excess hours.

Myth: I’ll never find a major that fits my interests perfectly.

Fact: Chances are you will have at least a few required classes that you don’t love, but that doesn’t mean the major you’ve selected isn’t right for you. Reflect on all the courses you’ve taken for your major. Have you liked most of them? Can you identify how the classes you’ve liked lead to a career that excites you? If so, you’re on the right track.

Myth: I can’t study a lot of different things once I decide on my major.

Fact: Today, most schools require a liberal arts base. This means you could be required to take courses in English, fine arts, science, health, foreign language, social science, and possibly philosophy or religion, no matter what your major is. If a particular area interests you, continue to take classes in that field. You just might turn that interest into a second major or a minor!

Myth: I’ll ruin my future if I choose the wrong major.

Fact: Most majors build skills that are highly valued and useful in any job. These include reasoning, critical thinking, problem-solving, research techniques and communication skills. You can always narrow down your interests in grad school or gain more experience on the job.

Myth: I should choose my major based on the job market.

Fact: The demand for jobs changes every year. It’s difficult to predict what types of jobs will be needed in a few years. It is important to look at the likelihood for employment, but you stand a better chance of employment once you choose a course of study that most reflects your interests and strengths.

Myth: I have to major in a specific area for professional schools.

Fact: You’ll have to take some specific classes and exams in order to meet the professional school’s prerequisites. Most dentistry, medical, law and business schools require that you meet certain academic courses, not majors. In fact, students in liberal arts majors have recently had more success getting accepted to medical schools than biology majors.

Myth: Once I graduate, I’ll be stuck in the same job forever.

Fact: The average person changes jobs about eight times. Around half of each year’s graduates will change their career plans.

Name: Sarah Arsenoff
School: UNC Wilmington
Year: Senior
Major: Marine Biology
Her Deal: This is Sarah's third year as an R.A. for freshmen and international students. She writes for Periplus, a university newsletter for students who, like her, are in the honors scholars program.

TALK IT UP

Have a better answer? Share it here.