According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, 80% of students have changed their major at least once.
Student Ke’Amber Jones has changed her major a total of three times, being enrolled at first in radiology and then changing to nursing and finally ending on LPN.
Thinking radiology would be too hard, Jones decided to change it to the nursing program. However, she decided that not all the classes she was currently taking were needed, so she switched to the LPN program and says that she is happy with the changes.
“Changing your major doesn’t define you or your career,” said Jones. “It just shows the growing process of life.”
There are several reasons a student may change their original major. It may not align with their original expectations. Many times, students have an idea of what a class may be like and then the actual class is the exact opposite of what was thought.
Sometimes it’s less of a change in expectations, but a change in interests. As students go through their time in college, it’s typical for them to learn more about what they want to do and what they enjoy.
Other times it’s more career based. The original major may not have a fantastic outlook in the future, so students will change it to one that better fits the future economy.
Another reason is that the classes are more difficult than the student had thought they would be.
The top five changed majors, according to the NCES, are math with 52% switching, engineering with 50%, natural sciences with 40%, education majors with 37% and humanities with 36%.
Alternatively, some students find a major from the start that they decide is the one for them.
One such student is Noah Clark, who has stayed with his construction major so far, saying he’s enjoyed it during his time at Jones.
Clark decided to go with his major because his father had wanted him to go into a trade.
“It seemed promising and something I wanted to do,” Clark said. On the topic of choosing majors Clark says to go with one’s gut.
“Don’t turn it into a career, turn it into something you enjoy.”
by Malachi Davis
