Dec. 6, 2021

Student resources: What if I hate my major?

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A. Glenn Hill Center photo
Students who want to change their major at NDSU have many resources available to help them navigate the transition.

There are more than 100 majors to choose from at NDSU. Choosing what to study is a big decision, but don’t worry if your interests change. NDSU has several resources to help you discover your passion.

Finance sophomore Brody Mcguire went through the process of changing majors twice. Mcguire realized after several courses that his first declared majors weren’t the right fit. He talked with friends, joined new study groups and met with both academic advisers and professors to develop a plan that was more aligned with his interests.

“The NDSU community has supported me in many ways and made it very easy for me to change my major,” Mcguire said.

Natural resource management sophomore Molly Harper also went through the process of changing majors. One of the biggest resources she utilized was the Career and Advising Center.

NDSU’s Career and Advising Center helps students:

· Answer basic questions about general education requirements.

· Understand academic policies at NDSU.

· Receive guidance on academic majors, including how to add or change a major or minor.

· Get referrals to academic resources on campus.

It’s a good idea to set up an appointment with your adviser to ask questions. Advisers can provide information about a variety of academic opportunities.

“NDSU has amazing faculty and staff who encouraged me to try new things, to take risks and offered amazing advice that led me to my current major,” Harper said.

Mcguire also recommends connecting with alumni and working professionals before switching majors, so you can get a better idea of what the program and field are like and if they align with your interests.

Although it seemed overwhelming at first, Mcguire said changing his major was worth it. He’s developed new connections on campus, learned more about himself and has had many hands-on experiences, including his selection as director of finance for his fraternity.

“College is full of time to explore and find yourself. It’s okay if you want to take a semester to explore everything NDSU has to offer,” Harper said.

Apply now or learn about our 148 undergraduate degree programs.

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