Changing majors not only changes curriculums, it also results in more money being spent and a later graduation date.
According to http://green ville.edu/academics/strengthsfinder/article3.shtmlhen, a college student will change their major five or six times and end up in a career that has little or nothing to do with their degree.
Christopher Johnston, 23, a senior English student from San Antonio is currently in his fifth year at FAMU because of changing his major. Johnston said that he switched majors because he felt he could make a better living for himself.
“In my third year, I switched my major from psychology to English which required me to stay an extra year. Now instead of graduating in the spring of 2007, I must wait until the spring of 2008.” Johnston said. “Yes, I wish I could have graduated last spring, but at the same time, I would have been upset to have graduated with a degree I did not really want.”
Johnston is a prime example of students who fail to graduate on time, due to similar circumstances. Sociologist professor at FAMU, Narayan Persaud, said students who do not graduate on time could be faced with extra classes that are not needed for their major.
“If you want to change your major it is important to do it early,” Persaud said. ” I have noticed that when students change their major too late, they end up having to accept added semesters.”
Similar to what Persaud said, some students are taking the early approach when changing their majors.
Lauren Robinson, 18, a freshman criminal justice student from Tampa, is in the process of changing her major.
“I thought criminal justice was going to be right for me, until I learned more about it.” Robinson said. “Now in my second semester I plan to switch my major from criminal justice to chemistry,”
Robinson, who one day would like to become a forensic scientist, regrets not learning more about her current major. Since Robinson has decided to switch her major during her freshman year, this process should be an inexpensive and smooth transition because she is taking her basic classes now.
Anrina Payne, 18, a freshman business administration student from Coon Rapids, Minn. Had similar views. Payne said that if a student changes their major after freshman year it wastes a lot of time and money.
“If I were interested in changing my major I’ll do it as a freshman or sophomore,” Payne said. “As an upperclassman, it probably would be wise to stay on the path you started on.”
Persaud said that it is of vital importance that students thoroughly research their current, or even intended majors.
“Work in close collaboration with your advisor, and do not listen to your friends,” Persaud said. “Choosing your major is imperative, so take it seriously and be aware of the various outcomes your decision making may bring.”