How Changing Majors Transformed My College Experience

Why I Decided to Declare a New Major   

I came to St. John’s University as a criminal justice major because the field has always intrigued me. I loved the idea of understanding the justice system. However, as I started my courses, I realized the reality of the field didn’t align with my interests or what I envisioned for my future.  

Before deciding to switch majors, I spent time reflecting on what I truly enjoy and where I see myself thriving. I’ve always been a creative person who loves expressing ideas, so I began exploring fields that would allow me to use these strengths.  

That’s when I discovered public relations (PR). I was drawn to how versatile and dynamic it is, offering opportunities to connect with people, think strategically, and make an impact in many industries.

The Challenges and Lessons I Learned Along the Way

Switching majors isn’t without its challenges; for me, one of the biggest hurdles was realizing I couldn’t declare a minor. With my credits reallocated to fit the new major, pursuing a major and a minor while graduating on time wasn’t realistic. 

Initially, I was disappointed, but I decided to prioritize graduating on schedule. This taught me an important lesson about flexibility—sometimes, you must make tough choices to stay on track with your goals. 

St. John’s Student Support Resources That Kept Me on Track 

Switching majors can feel overwhelming, but the resources at St. John’s made my transition much smoother: 

University Career Services was an invaluable resource during my transition. Advisers not only assisted me in adjusting to my new major, but also helped me prepare for my future career. They revised my résumé to align with my new focus in public relations and provided me with tools and advice for finding internships in my field. This guidance gave me a clearer understanding of the career opportunities I could pursue with my new major.

The Center for Student Successwas another invaluable resource that kept me on track. Their academic and career advisement team provided personalized guidance throughout my journey. My adviser helped me reorganize my schedule after switching majors, ensuring I took the correct classes to stay on track for graduation. Beyond academics, they offered ongoing support, providing me with a reliable point of contact whenever I had questions or concerns about navigating my new path.

Step-by-Step: How to Seamlessly Transition Your Major

Switching your major doesn’t have to be stressful. By taking the right steps and staying organized, you can make the process smooth and stress-free. Here’s how I successfully transitioned to my new major: 

Step 1: Speak to an Academic Adviser.

When I decided to switch majors, my first step was booking an appointment with my academic adviser. I didn’t know where to begin, but my adviser provided invaluable guidance and resources. She walked me through the process, explained how the change would impact my credits, and ensured I stayed on track for graduation. If you’re unsure where to start, your adviser is the best resource for personalized advice.

Step 2: Research Courses.

Before committing to public relations, I spent time researching the field to ensure it aligned with my interests and career goals. I explored how PR fits into industries like social media, editorial work, and corporate communications. I also checked if my university offered clubs, activities, or networking events related to PR. Starting this research early gave me confidence that I was making the right decision.

Step 3: File the Necessary Paperwork.

To complete the process of switching your major, make sure to fill out all necessary paperwork and submit it on time. Some forms may have specific deadlines or require in-person meetings. To stay organized and on track, keep all your documents together and note important dates in a planner. You don’t want to miss a deadline and jeopardize your degree!

Step 4: Adjust Your Schedule.

Switching majors may result in some credits not transferring, which could mean taking extra courses to graduate on time. To avoid surprises, I reviewed my new course plan with my adviser and adjusted my schedule to meet all requirements. Regular check-ins helped me stay on track for graduation while balancing my workload. 

Advice for Students Considering a Major Change

Throughout this process, it is important to stay proactive—whether that means submitting all required forms quickly or meeting with your adviser early on to begin the process. Also, remember to take advantage of all the campus resources available. These will provide valuable insight to navigate this process, or anything else within your college journey.

If you’re considering switching your major, ask yourself: 

• What topics do you love learning about? 
• What skills come naturally to you? 
• Where do you see yourself in the future? 

Asking these questions helped me realize that public relations was a better fit for me—it’s dynamic, creative, and full of possibilities.

The Bright Side: Why Finding the Right Major Matters

Reflecting on my experience, changing my major was one of the best decisions I ever made. After I declared my major in public relations, I discovered campus groups like the Red House Fashion Club and explored work-study roles related to my field of interest. This experience taught me that it's crucial to choose a major that aligns with your skills, goals, and interests. It's perfectly acceptable to explore new areas; if you're considering changing your degree path, don't hesitate—it's a wise choice! It’s far better to make a change than to stay in a major that doesn’t feel right for you.

Remember, challenges like adjusting your credits or redefining your plans might initially feel overwhelming, but the rewards of finding the right major far outweigh the obstacles. Trust yourself, and don’t be afraid to take the leap toward a degree that truly resonates with you.