Changing Your Major

A survey of colleges and universities nationwide reveals that sixty percent of undergraduate students change their major at least one time before graduating. If you are contemplating this decision, you are not alone! Review the following checklists below to help you decide whether it is time for you to make a switch. Also, talk with an academic advisor to discuss your thoughts and to help guide you in the decision making process, including charting a plan of study to aim to Finish in 4 years, despite a possible major change.

Five Signs You Should Change Your Major*

  1. Are you uninterested in your current major courses?
  2. Are you doing poorly in your current major courses?
  3. Did you choose your current major without much thought?
  4. Do you keep reading and asking about other majors?
  5. Can you not let the idea go of changing your major?

If you identify with three or more of these questions, then it is probably time for you to make a change. Even if you identified with only one or two of these statements, a change may be needed.

*Five Signs You Should Change Your Major, by Peter Vogt

Determining Fit

  1. How did your interest in this major begin?
  2. What experience/exploration have you completed?
  3. Can you see yourself doing this work? Is it a romanticized notion?
  4. Where did this idea come from? Was it a suggestion from family or friends? Social/cultural influences? Recommendation of a teacher or mentor? Desire for money, power, prestige or success?
  5. Is it a good fit for your academic ability and strengths? Is it a good fit for your personality?

Alternative Major Options for Professional School Students

Are you struggling in your professional school major? If so, now is the time to research other programs of study that complement your academic strengths, personal interests and career goals. The qualities that first attracted you to your professional school curriculum can be found in many other majors and minors at UB. The information provided here outlines options for you to explore and consider, so you can make an informed decision about what is the best academic program for you to pursue.

Supporting the Change

UB offers numerous resources to assist you with the changing a major process, whether you are undecided about what new major to pursue, you need to explore an alternative major to the program you were originally pursuing, or you have been dismissed from your first major of choice.

Student Advising Services (SAS) is the starting point for students to explore the many academic options available at UB. The Center assists students with planning their schedules as they explore, while also aiming to help students Finish in 4 years. In addition to providing a variety of Choosing a Major resources, SAS additionally sponsors a multitude of programs throughout the academic year, including choosing a major workshops, the UB Majors & Careers Night (each fall), and a weblog (online newsletter).

Career Services assists students with the various stages of career development, including self-assessment, career exploration, narrowing choices, and helping students to gain experience through volunteering, internships, and job shadowing.

Additional resources also include utilizing the services of advisors in the College of Arts and Sciences as well as UB's various professional school programs, UB's Counseling Services, and various web resources such as the Undergraduate Catalog.

How to Change Your Major

If you have decided to make a major change, remember to talk with an academic advisor to guide you through this decision making process, including charting a plan of study to aim to Finish in 4 years despite the major switch. Additionally, ensure that you remember to also do the following:

If you were previously approved as a major in another department

  • You must notify your previous major department that you no longer wish to pursue the program and that you would like to be removed from the major. Note: if you were dismissed from the major, this will be done for you. Do not skip this step as it is very important that your former major department be notified.
  • Once your former department has changed your status, you need to update your new intended major by visiting the department and requesting that your HUB Student Center be listed with your new intended major.
  • Upon successful completion of the admission criteria for your new major, obtain a copy of your Academic Advisement Report through your MyUB HUB Student Center and bring it to your department to apply. If you are accepted into your major, staff in the department will update your HUB Student Center to relect that you are an accepted major ("Approved Major"). Remember that while some departments have rolling admission, others have specific application deadline dates.

If you were not previously approved as a major in a department

  • Once you have decided upon a new major, update your new intended major by visiting the department and requesting that your HUB Student Center be listed with your new intended major.
  • Upon successful completion of the admission criteria for your new major, obtain a copy of your Academic Advisement Report through your MyUB HUB Student Center and bring it to your department to apply. If you are accepted into your major, staff in the department will update your HUB Student Center to relect that you are an accepted major ("Approved Major"). Remember that while some departments have rolling admission, others have specific application deadline dates.

Last updated: April 23, 2013 10:17 am EST