The University of Findlay - Thinking about changing your major

There are many reasons for changing your major.

You may have discovered a new interest and career field you did not know about before
Your grades may not be what you want them to be or are required in your current major
The classes you’re required to take are different from what you expected, maybe they’re not your best subjects or not your strongest interest areas
Your career goals may be changing as you decide about the kind of personal and professional life you’d like to have

Many students change their majors. It’s important to know your reasons for wanting to change and then choosing the right new major. Whatever your reasons for thinking about switching majors, these steps will help you make the right choice.

Visit the Office of Career Planning & Undeclared Major Advising in Career Services, UF Village, 424 Frazer Street
We can help you identify the major that best fits your interests, abilities, and life goals. You can also get information about the types of careers for which Findlay’s majors prepare you.

Learn everything you can about the new major/s you’re considering.
Visit the webpage for the major. Review the course requirements and talk with one or two faculty members in those areas before you switch.

Talk to friends in the major or majors that interest you.
Find out what your friends like about the major. Ask them which requirements for it are the most challenging. Ask them about field placements, summer jobs, or internships they have had in the field. Look at their textbooks and notes.

Visit the Professional Experience Program and Career Placement in Career Services, 424 Frazer Street
Learn about the types of internships, CO-OPS, and full-time jobs available for people in the major/s you’re exploring. You will also make a better choice about your major if you experience the field.

Choose your new Academic Advisor
Ask your friends for the names of their advisors. Ask the academic department offices for advisor names. If you want to change your major but are not ready to make a final decision about the new one, you may have your advising done for one semester in Career Planning & Undeclared Major Advising.

When you’re ready to change your major

Stop by the Registrar’s Office (Old Main, ground floor) to pick-up a Change of Major/Advisor Form.
Meet with your new advisor and complete the Change of Major/Advisor Form.
Return the signed form to the Registrar’s Office.

Other things to consider before you switch

Understand the requirements for your current major. Be sure you’re not switching because of incorrect or incomplete information about course requirements, program standards, etc.
Discuss your concerns with your advisor or a professor in that area.
Understand the requirements for your new major, both the course requirements and the length of time required to complete the program if you switch now.
Know the best time to switch. If you’re going to change your major before you register for the next semester, make the change at least one week before your registration date. A week is needed to transfer your folder and to give your new advisor time to schedule you for an advising appointment.
Check with the Office of Financial Aid (Morey Hall) If you are receiving any type of scholarship related to your major, check to see how a change in major might affect your financial aid package.

Sometimes there are other issues preventing us from succeeding in a major.

If your study skills are weak, see Mrs. Donna Smith in the Academic Support Center (ground floor of Old Main). 419-434-4697 or ext 4697 Help is available on test taking, test anxiety, note taking tips, time management, and much more. Tutors are also available.
If personal concerns keep you from focusing on school, see Karyn Westrick at the Counseling Center (307 Frazer St) 419- 434-4758 or ext 4758. Help is available for depression, loneliness, relationship problems, homesickness, eating disorders, roommate conflicts, and other concerns.