Tips For Switching Majors

At this point in the semester, many students have doubts about whether or not the major that they are studying is right for them. This is the time when students look at their progress thus far and may want to change within their college or to a completely new one. 

I had that feeling and so I went through the process of switching my major. Many campus resources allowed me to not only switch my major but thrive in my new path and eventually add on minors as well. 

Whether students are transferring to another major within their college or out of their current college, my biggest advice is to talk to their Academic Advisor. My advisor was able to sit down with me and hear how I was feeling about my current path, then gave me plentiful resources to help me with my next decision. In the process of transferring out of my current college and into another one, she referred me to the Inter-College Transfer (ICT) Program. 
The Inter-College Transfer Program allows students to explore other options outside of their current college without having to submit and have an accepted Change of Degree Application (CODA). After filling out questionnaires and consulting with my assigned ICT advisor, I discovered what career I wanted and my advisor showed me all of the majors at NC State that would help me get there. 

Students can be enrolled in the program for 2 years, as it is only a stepping stone to help students become the best candidates for the CODA process. Change of Degree Applications (CODA) are available in cycles depending on the college. In between the application cycles, students are allowed to improve as a candidates and can apply again in the next cycle. The ability to reapply again was very reassuring to me during this time.

Once I received the email that my application was approved, I was very excited to see where my new major and college would take me. Since then I have also been introduced to so many career paths that I had not considered previously.

During the end of a semester or even through a break from school it is very common for students to lose interest in their current path and want to explore. My mom was and still is very supportive of my choice, and her support gives me the strength to continue to push myself every day.

 It is normal for many students to change their major. If your student decides to switch their major, offer guidance and be as supportive as you can.

Alina Jackson

Parent Ally

GO PACK!