‘Major’ changes common in college

By Sam Hunter, For The Miami Student

When Alexa Ekberg applied to Miami University, she declared a biochemistry major. A year later, however, she is a double major in media and culture and comparative religion.

Many people might wonder what happened to spark such a change.

"I always wanted to be a doctor," Ekberg said.

However, she was intimidated by the amount of time she would spend in school. After thinking it over, she changed her major to media and culture.

Of course, the decision wasn't easy. She wondered if she would be able to find a job, or if she was even picking the right major for her.

"I was terrified," she said. "It's a tough decision, because you're trying to make this decision based on no information, trying to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life. I didn't know, and I still don't know."

For many, choosing a major is one of the most stressful parts of their college experience. Some students declare a major before arriving on campus, while others wait until after they've taken several classes at Miami.

However, many sources stress that if a student discovers they don't like their selected major, it's okay to seek change.

The National Center for Education Statistics and a Penn State study, among others, estimates 60 to 80 percent of students change their majors at least once. In addition, it's reported the average college student will change his or her major three times.

Richard Campbell, Chair of the Department of Media, Journalism and Film, said students often change their major because they were unhappy in their previous major.

"They may have come in with an idea and that idea changed because they took other courses that seemed interesting," he said. "Or maybe they decided they'd come in and major in what their parents wanted them to major in and it wasn't working out."

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Another option for students, aside from changing their major, is to take a second major. Campbell is a big proponent of double majoring, and requires it for all students in his department.

"There's actually data that shows that if you double-major, you're a more dynamic and creative thinker," he said. "So we think it adds a lot of value to a degree."

First-year Zach Fields said he agreed with Campbell's argument. He came into Miami majoring in biology with a pre-med emphasis, and is now in the process of adding a second major in finance.

"The biology background will help me on the MCAT," Fields said about his decision to take two majors in two different schools. "And finance interests me. A good finance background is essential to everyone, especially if I don't get into med school."

Although it took her some time to find where she belonged, Ekberg said she doesn't regret her decision to change her major and is optimistic for her future.

"Engineering and the sciences, there's a lot less risk," she said. "People don't look at you weird. But I don't regret it, because I knew I had to make a decision. You have to do what you love. I'm sure I would be happy as a doctor, but I knew I had to go with my gut."