By: Gretchen Cobble
It is not rare for a college student to ask themselves the soul-searching question, “Is this really what I want to do with my life?”
The chances of an undergraduate student changing majors at least once are high. However, do not feel bad if this happens to you. There are many people able and willing to walk through this process with you.
According to Tammi Outlaw, transcript/catalog/curriculum specialist, a student will need to go to the Registrar’s Office (Sandefer Memorial 109) and pick up an application for declaring a degree or changing a degree/major/minor form. The student will then need to make an appointment with their new advisor and they will assist the student in filling out the form. The form will then need to be returned to the Registrar’s Office either by the student or their advisor.
Plenty of the faculty here at Hardin-Simmons are trained to handle this sort of thing and are ready to assist you in this endeavor. “The overall process of changing your major is pretty simple. You just go to the registrar’s office, fill out a form, and have your new advisor sign it,” said Alize Dragoo, a junior communication major from Graham.
But when is the best time? What do I change it to? What if I don’t like my new major? All of these questions are valid and common. According to Alize, the best time to change your major is right before academic advising starts for the current semester. This ensures a smoother transition into your new classes and getting a feel for your new major.
“My experience with changing majors has been a crazy ride. I have changed my major three times and each time I had no idea what I wanted to do,” Alize said. “I started out my freshman year as an art education major and then changed my sophomore year to social work. I spent an entire semester feeling unhappy with my choice and feeling like it was my only option, like I was stuck with it if I wanted to graduate on time. Even though I was scared to change my major again, I did and ever since spring semester of my sophomore year I have been a strategic communication major.”
For those considering changing majors, Alize advises three things: pray, relax and research.
“It’s the only way I made it through. God knows the plans He has for you; you just have to be willing to go with the flow and rely on Him. God is always there to listen,” Alize said. It is also important to stay relaxed and research a little as we know changing your major can be stressful. “Look into a major before changing to it,” Alize said. “Look at the types of jobs you could see yourself at if the major as a whole is what you want. Make sure it is something you are interested in and may have a passion for.”
It may be beneficial to research the major’s course requirements under the Academics tab on HSU’s website as well. See if any of your current credits transfer. Talk to your advisor or professors.
Pray about it, stay relaxed and do some research. Life is about being flexible. Things change as well as people. We grow from experiences,” Alize said. “Changing your major can be a good thing and lead you down the right career path God has in store for you. Be bold and take a chance. I love my major now and would not want to change it again. I have grown as a person with my major and throughout this whole process my faith has grown as well.”
Alize offered up one last piece of encouragement on the topic: “Best of luck to those wanting to change your major… you got this.”
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