2008 Woodie Awards
Deciding on a major
Amanda Kauppila
Issue date: 3/7/07 Section: News
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Changing majors is not a sign of defeat, but rather a common occurrence.
Fritz H. Grupe, founder of Mymajors.com, said that 50 percent of college students will change their majors, and they may change two to three times.
Changing majors may also add time to a student's education.
The College Board has reported that students in their fifth and
sixth years are not uncommon.
A recent report from MSNBC showed that 40 percent of students who do not start a four-year program have not finished in six years, and this can add quite a bit to college expenses.
About 30 percent of Wright State University first-year students are "undecided" about their major.
University College provides academic advising and support for incoming freshmen, transfer students, and adult students.
The Career Services Center, located in E334 of the Student Union, can help students with career exploration if committing to one major becomes difficult.
"I've changed three times. I was in education, business, back to education, and now I am in criminal justice. It set my graduation back about two quarters," said Julie Kendall, a senior.
"Everyone was really helpful. If you're not sure what you're passionate about, take your [general education requirements] first so you can decide what you want to do," she added.
"I think if you venture out, and take classes outside the required classes, Wright State University offers a good selection to broaden your view," said Kendall.
DARS, the Degree Audit Reporting System found on WINGS, allows students to check the requirements for a change in majors on a computer, without the need for face to face advising.
This may be convenient, but it may hinder student-advisor relationships.
"DARS is a helpful tool for changing majors, but I have never been in close contact with my advisors," said Sean Graves, a senior majoring in political science.
"Steps are being taken [at Wright State] to make student-advisor relationships better and DARS shouldn't keep students from wanting to contact their advisors," said Graves.
Fritz H. Grupe, founder of Mymajors.com, said that 50 percent of college students will change their majors, and they may change two to three times.
Changing majors may also add time to a student's education.
The College Board has reported that students in their fifth and
sixth years are not uncommon.
A recent report from MSNBC showed that 40 percent of students who do not start a four-year program have not finished in six years, and this can add quite a bit to college expenses.
About 30 percent of Wright State University first-year students are "undecided" about their major.
University College provides academic advising and support for incoming freshmen, transfer students, and adult students.
The Career Services Center, located in E334 of the Student Union, can help students with career exploration if committing to one major becomes difficult.
"I've changed three times. I was in education, business, back to education, and now I am in criminal justice. It set my graduation back about two quarters," said Julie Kendall, a senior.
"Everyone was really helpful. If you're not sure what you're passionate about, take your [general education requirements] first so you can decide what you want to do," she added.
"I think if you venture out, and take classes outside the required classes, Wright State University offers a good selection to broaden your view," said Kendall.
DARS, the Degree Audit Reporting System found on WINGS, allows students to check the requirements for a change in majors on a computer, without the need for face to face advising.
This may be convenient, but it may hinder student-advisor relationships.
"DARS is a helpful tool for changing majors, but I have never been in close contact with my advisors," said Sean Graves, a senior majoring in political science.
"Steps are being taken [at Wright State] to make student-advisor relationships better and DARS shouldn't keep students from wanting to contact their advisors," said Graves.
