Dilemma about Major

Colleges and Universities A-Z Washington University in St. Louis
1

School is starting up again soon, and I’m going into my junior year. I’m having second thoughts about my major and am hoping for some advice. I’ve discussed this with my advisor, but I’m looking for some other perspectives.

Reasons to stick with my current major:
I’ll definitely be able to graduate on time if I stay with my major, but if I switch, I would likely need to take classes in the summer to stay on track to graduate on time.
I enjoy what I’m studying, and I’m gaining skills applicable to other fields such as critical thinking and analysis.
I have a good GPA and will have the opportunity to pursue an honors thesis.
I can study something something else in grad school.

Reasons to change:
I don’t want to do anything related to my major after I graduate.
Sometimes I feel like I chose it because I had the most number classes in that department.
My major is considered impractical.
I’ve recently discovered an interest a field of study that offers more opportunities for the future.
I could have somewhat of a fresh start with professors that don’t know me as well. (I’ve matured a lot since freshman year)

If I’m going to change to change to a different major, now would be the time before it becomes too late. I know the easy out would be to continue with my current major because of the time and effort (and tuition $$) I (and my parents) have already invested in my education, but I still have two years left so I want to fully flesh out my options. Thanks in advance!

2

There’s nothing wrong with changing your major. For some it takes longer to figure out what you’d like to do. Catching up over one summer isn’t too bad either. Definitely pick what you love. :). Good luck.

3

I agree. You’ve matured and now have the perspective that you don’t want to do anything related to your current major once you graduate. That is very important. This is the time to change your major, when you still have two full years left. Good luck.

4

I agree with @PAO2008 and @newjersey17 …change your major.

In my mind, going to summer school (and the costs associated with it) to graduate on time with a new major is a very small price to pay for the potential of graduating with a major you’re saying is impractical and doesn’t have anything related to what you want to do in the future. Certainly a school like WashU would continue to hone your creative reasoning and critical thinking skills regardless of your major.