i am unfortunately no longer passionate about my current major computer science i would rather major in psychology OR graphic design (probably graphic design) however i am really worried about telling my parents. My fear is so bad i cant bring myself to tell my parents i want to switch majors from a rich degree to a degree in which i may make less than 45,000 a year. I really need advice because i have been holding in my feelings for 3-4 months and its been bothering a lot. btw im 20
Do you think that you can live comfortably on whatever pay level you are likely to find after graduating with these majors? As long as you are making the change with realistic expectations and are ok with that, then why would your parents object? Of course, needing realistic expectations also applies to CS – you should note that the computer industry has its ups and downs, though the last big downturn in that industry was when you were in elementary school, and that those who are not that interested in the subject tend to have shorter careers in it.
I feel for you. Part of growing up is to know what you want and go after it. When you were young, you needed your parents’ approval to everything, you no longer need to do that, but you will need to own up to your decision. If maybe hard for your parents to transition, but now it is time to make that start. Your parents maybe disappointed, angry initially, but they may surprise you by being accepting and supportive.
As a parent, I’ve had to come to accept many of my adult kids’ decisions. At the end of day, I ask myself what’s more important, my love for them or difference of opinion. I also rather have my kids be honest with me than hiding news I don’t want to hear. I think most parents feel this way.
I cannot imagine having difficulty with one of my kids changing majors. In fact, I felt that my son’s major in CS limited him in some ways. If your parents are truly likely to have a problem with this change, perhaps you could talk with someone ( a counselor?) who could give you a feeling of background support and even mediate if needed.
College doesn’t have to be vocational in the sense your parents seem to want. It really has not traditionally been job training though things are moving in that direction unfortunately, because the costs of college and loans demands a return on investment. However, using college years to pursue genuine interests will most likely yield a better result both personally and professionally over the long term.
Try not to emphasize the average career outcome to your parents. Aim higher.
Two of my former clients were graphics design majors who retired very well off financially. They were talented designers in major markets that started their own firms, one of whom sold his for several million dollars. Both came as immigrants, one still has bad english.
Also don’t look at a 4 year career outlook after graduation, look at a 7 year plan and work towards your goal.
If you don’t limit your self, do what you love so you’ll have the staying power to be successful. Just make sure you refuse to be anything less than the BEST and stay FOCUSED !!
To be frank, it doesn’t help your case that your two options are consistently among the top ten worse college majors lists year after year. I don’t mean to be a Debbie-Downer but here’s a chilling thing my art college professor brother told me he tells his class: “When you go out trying to get that job or free-lance gig? I could be in the waiting room with my portfolio too”
Under $45K? How about WAY under $45K – more like $28K (~fast food mgr salary) with stiff upside potential. The labor market for those degrees is very fat.
Please have a realistic review of your job/career/salary options – make an appt with your career counseling ofc. I’m not saying proceed down a path in a major you abhor – but what I’ve just shared with you is something you’re going to have an answer to when or if your parents question your decision.
What do you want to do after graduating?
Answer that and the question of whether to shift or not will become clear.
Another path is to take your computer science degree but specialize in those areas that interest you.
If you have some interest in computer science and also are interested in psychology, why not check out Artificial Intelligence or Cognitive Psychology? That is where those two disciplines meet.
or where design and computers meet…like the software that is used for 3-d rendering or some such.
Some colleges have interdisciplinary majors where you can combine CS with psych, or pick up a minor in CS while majoring in graphic design. Or vice versa, continue in CS but load up on graphic design classes. I did an interdisciplinary degree which was focused on CS with a ton of classes on cognitive psych and AI. If you’re just burned out on programming, there’s a ton of jobs for people with a technical background that don’t involve coding. I got totally burned out on coding senior year and decided not to interview for any programming jobs and things worked out just fine.
BTW - the fact that you’re 20 kinda is the point. It’s your life and your decision.
Are you doing POORLY in CS? Could you still graduate with CS and maybe do a minor or take some graphic design classes as well?
If your parents are paying and they have an expectation that this expensive education will likely lead to a “good job” then I can understand your concern. There are even families that spend all their money for a child’s high-tech education with the belief or understanding that the graduate will help them out in their “older years”.
can you tell us more?
Are you a soph or junior?
What grades have you been getting in CS?
Can you add some graphics design classes in (or take some locally at a CC in summer)
how much are your parents paying for your current school?
<<<
3.5 GPA
1710 SAT Score
560 CR
590 Math
560 Writing
unfortunatley, No AP’s
<<<
Did you just finish your freshman year? Are you at CSULB?
If your feeling overwhelmed with CS, it could be because your stats are low for that major. That is a math-heavy major, and usually a student should have at least a 650 math to take on that major.
My daughter changed her major in college and when she told me I freaked. However, she did her homework. My advise to you is to (1) take a course in your new major and see if it what you really want; (2) speak with your advisor and see if any courses you have already taken can be applied to this new major; (3) check to see if changing your major will delay your graduation timeframe (if so, she how that will effect you financially.); (4) give them your reason why you want to change because they will ask; and (5) they may also ask about employment opportunities in this new major after graduation (you can do a little research online or even speak with your school’s career services for this answer). Ultimately, do your homework, be confident in your decision, and speak with them. I was able to accept my daughter’s change and she is very happy now. Your parents want you to be happy. After speaking with them, give them a little time to digest it but stick to your position. They will come around.
i am at CSUF i did not do too well in CS but that was only one class. Also, i did take a computer graphics class in HS. As for psychology, i took it in both HS and College i got a B in HS and an A in college. So thats why im deciding between the two
@bostonforever95, you have taken only one CS class in college? Have you taken any computer graphics classes in college? How many psych classes have you taken?
What year are you? What are you doing this summer? Have you had any jobs or internships related to any of your majors or potential fields?
I think you need to think about potential fields of employment that would include the things you like to do and enjoy thinking and learning about, then figure out what academic preparation would give you the background that would work. There are jobs out there that combine design sense/psychology/computer skills of various types: marketing jobs, for example.
I would suggest visiting Career Services and doing some work with them before you make decisions hastily.
- I am a student at CSUF I just finished my freshman year
- I have taken a GD class but it was in senior year HS
- I have taken a psych class in CSUF and HS and did well in both -I am aware of jobs that combine CS/PSYCH and CS/GD but unaware of anything that combines GD and PSYCH
- I will reaserch and post again
Our oldest changed majors after fall semester last year. Our response, as parents, was “Yeah, that is probably a better match for you.” He was horribly afraid to tell us he was switching out of engineering.
Your parents may be more receptive than you imagine. You might as well get it over with.
Take double major. CS and graphic design work well together.
BTW, your passion may change later in life. It is good to have a solid education.
My daughter was relieved when I told her she could change majors. The reason she was hesitant is that she has a talent scholarship and she’ll lose that if she changes majors, and this isn’t a good thing for us financially right now. However, better to switch now than have to go a year longer. The old major (and scholarship) required her to take a lot of courses in that major and she couldn’t work on the new major easily as there are too many timing conflicts with the courses.
Pull the Band-Aid off quickly. Tell them, but have a plan ready too. How to pay for it, when classes will be, how long it will take.
Do you have a Cal Grant?
How much are your parents paying each year for your college costs?
How did you do in your Calculus classes?
i only took math 125 (twice) my parents are paying for it.