At some point in time, your student may determine that their current major is not the best fit. On average, college students change their major 3 or more times before graduation. Students may need to change their major due to loss of interest in their program, not meeting the minimum requirements for their desired program, or changing their future career goals. Navigating how to change your major can be tricky depending on your students’ academic standing, existing number of credits, and entrance requirements for degree programs. Below are different scenarios your student may find themselves in.
Newly Admitted Students
If your student has been newly admitted to the University of South Florida and has decided on a different major than the one they applied with, please have them contact the Office of Admissions.
Continuing Student with a New Major in Mind
If your student has identified a new major, they should meet with an Academic Advisor in that department as soon as possible to discuss degree requirements, required courses, or remove any holds. Contact information for college advising offices, can be found here.
Continuing Student with Unsure Major
Students may be required to declare a new major due to unmet requirements. We encourage students to meet with their current Academic Advisor to identify alternative majors. If your student needs additional support or resources, please encourage them to meet with a Career Consultant in USF Career Services. These individuals are trained with the expertise to help your student identify their passions and strengths.
If your student is experiencing significant barriers in their current major or with selecting a new major, they can request assistance from the Office of Academic Advocacy by emailing academicadvocacy@usf.edu or visiting their website.
