University of New England

Change of Major

How does a student begin to strategically investigate, think and reason about such a decision?
I have made up my mind. How do I make the change?
I am overloaded with information and conflicted about what to do.
What about minors and double majors?

During the course of an undergraduate baccalaureate experience, it is more common than not that students in American colleges and universities will contemplate changing majors, and in fact, change their major.  Some individuals may change majors more than once.  Thoughts of major change can bring about feelings of anxiety, worry or perhaps even shame and fear of disappointing family members back home.

Students contemplating a change of major should know first that their thoughts and feelings are quite normal and that in most cases, family and friends will support and accept such decisions once they are informed of the investigation, thinking and reasoning processes that lead to a decision to change. 

It is hard to predict exactly how parents will respond to a student mentioning a change of major, but it is highly probable that they will initially express concern if they feel the decision is impulsive, uninformed, or if it has major future career implications.

How does a student begin to strategically investigate, think and reason about such a decision? 
In the initial stages, try discussing it with your advisor.  UNE faculty are concerned most about student fit and success in our academic environment.  Your advisor should not hold it against you if you openly bring your thoughts and concerns about switching majors to him or her.

If a particular professor got you interested in a major because of a course you took with her or him, discuss your thoughts with that professor.  She or he will be complimented by your interest and will be an excellent source of information.

RA's and other student leaders can perhaps link you to other students who have changed majors.  Peer advice and support can be comforting, but be sure to follow the other steps suggested on this page so you can have professional perspectives as well.

Visit the Career Counseling and Guidance Center.  The professional staff there are experts in helping students decide on the "best fit" in academic environments and in helping you understand the many career possibilities that can result from majors in the liberal arts, sciences or professional programs.

If you have a good idea of the major you want, get a copy of your unofficial transcript from the Registrar and visit the department chair, or advising liaison of that major.  Tell him or her of your interest. Ask for an evaluation of your present standing and a written plan for the courses you would have to take to complete their major.  DO NOT BE SHY, or afraid to do this.  Departments and faculty welcome students interested in their field.  New majors come from inside the university as well as from outside applicants.  You should know the reality of future course loads before you change.

I have made up my mind.  How do I make the change?
To officially change your major you will need to fill out a Change of Major form that is available on-line or in the UNE Registrar's Office. 

I am overloaded with information and conflicted about what to do.
If this is the case and talking to one more person might help, feel free to make an appointment to see the Director of CAS Advising, Associate Dean John Tumiel.  He has extensive experience helping students in this situation and can also be a discussion resource for your parents if you provide written permission for him to speak with them.

Minors and Double Majors

Through studies in the core curriculum many students find that they have interest in academic disciplines other than their major.  In such cases, students may elect to obtain a minor (/registrar/catalog/0506/services5.html) in a different discipline. 

Students may also negotiate with departments to obtain double majors which requires them to satisfy the complete curriculum requirements for each major they select.

In both the case of the minor and double major, it is important that students understand that they must satisfy the curriculum requirements for their major and for their minor/double major to be eligible to participate in a graduation ceremony and to receive a diploma.