UCSD Major Change: Pros and Cons?

Hi there. I'm currently in a major that I'm not too crazy about at UCSD. I was just wondering, has anyone here changed their major at UCSD? What was your experience? I'm a bit unsure, so any insights would be helpful.

That's a great question - changing your major can be a big decision but it's not uncommon. In fact, it's reported that nearly a third of college students change their major at least once. However, let's break down some of the pros and cons for you.

Starting with the pros, changing your major can potentially lead you to a field of study you are more passionate about. This could then lead to more engagement, better grades, and eventually a more fulfilling career. Changing your major also provides another learning opportunity and can broaden your academic horizons. It helps you fill necessary prerequisites should you decide to pursue a graduate degree in your newly chosen field.

However, it does come with a few cons. Firstly, changing majors may increase your time to degree completion. This is especially true if you are moving into a completely different academic discipline and if your new major requires lots of prerequisites which you haven't yet taken. Also, changing your major could potentially nullify some of your completed coursework if it doesn't align with your new major's curriculum. Lastly, there could be financial implications such as additional tuition, if you need to stay longer to fulfill your new degree requirements.

In terms of the process of changing a major at UCSD, it might vary depending on the department. Typically, you would need to meet with an academic advisor from both your current and prospective department to discuss your reasons for wanting to change and the implications. Afterward, you would submit a major change form for approval.

Keep in mind that some majors at UCSD are capped, which makes them highly competitive and difficult to switch into. For instance, the Jacobs School of Engineering has capped majors which require students to meet specific criteria to apply, such as completing certain courses with specific grades.

Your decision should ultimately reflect your own academic interests and career goals. Remember to seek advice from academic advisors and faculty members before making a decision. Good luck!