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Why do I need to pick a major in my second year of college?
why does my school need this #student
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Michel’s Answer
The big thing is the first year is a lot of classes that make you a rounded individual. Once you get into the second through fourth year of college you are going to start pivoting towards classes that are degree specific. A lot of degrees still have overlap. If you go into Biology and you do a semester and hate it if you stay within science realm most likely you wont fall behind. The flip side is if you pick Biology and hate it those science classes wont translate well over to music theater or something like that.
In summary first year is mostly filler classes to get in practice and to learn theories schools believe you should know for a degree. Then second year you are going to start moving towards a goal.
In summary first year is mostly filler classes to get in practice and to learn theories schools believe you should know for a degree. Then second year you are going to start moving towards a goal.
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DaSabria’s Answer
Depending on your college, you might need to select your major. Generally, most institutions ask students to decide on a major by the completion of their second year. But remember, it's always possible to switch your major later on. Just bear in mind that this could mean investing additional time and money to fulfill the requirements of the new major. So, to save both time and resources, it's beneficial to identify a major that genuinely interests you and aligns with your future career aspirations.
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Nicolas’s Answer
I believe it's at the end of your second year when you will need to choose. You are required to choose so you can start taking the classes that will prepare you for a career. When you think of what you want to do it's going to take you two more complete years to master the skills. As you take more courses and master more skills believe that what you chose is well thought out, and that everything you will be doing after senior year will revolve around your work. Please don't make the mistake of switching majors or double majoring as it is only a waste of money, time, and resources. Yes, you will need to choose, and I believe you can make a well thought out, informed, and wise decision.
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Jerome’s Answer
The goal of attending college is to work towards your degree. At the three year mark, you can potentially satisfy all of your general Ed, but if you don’t begin taking degree specific classes, it will impact your graduation date. Hope that answers the question.
Alan Weber
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Alan’s Answer
Hi, Ed. I'm not sure that every college does have such a requirement. I would think that a student could choose to remain in some version of Liberal Arts or General Studies until he/she has found more clarity. The problem, though, is that classes that will not count toward an eventual major may start accumulating, and prerequisite classes that are needed before continuing toward a particular degree are being delayed. If students don't know, they have the option of either taking their time (if they are able) or making their best educated guess. Taking a couple of elective classes that pertain to their most likely majors can be very helpful in making that educated guess. And majors can be changed, hopefully with as little extra time and money lost as possible. But it's your life and future. I doubt that most students in their second year are fully sure of their life path. Speak with advisors in areas you are interested in, and maybe take some surveys like those on MyPlan.com to help you narrow down careers based on your interests, skills and values.