From engineering to education, marine biology to psychology, business to nursing, choosing a major is a huge decision – one that takes time, exploration and guidance. While some students know from day one what major they’d like to pursue, many undergraduates come in undecided on the right path for them – and that’s totally normal. 30% of UNH students change their major at least once, and they are still set up to graduate on time.
The University Advising Center is here to help all undergraduate students discover what major(s) interest them, select the right courses to take and meet requirements for declaring or applying to that major.
Follow along as we share some of the highlights from our recent Instagram Q&A session, where Nathan Talbot, director of the University Advising Center, and Victoria Baxter, academic advisor, answered questions from Wildcats at different places in their major journey – from declaring to changing their minds.
Topic #1: Exploring and declaring majors
Q: Can I take classes in multiple majors if I’m undeclared?
A: Yes! You’ll be able to take classes across the university. There is absolutely no distinction between declared and undeclared majors within the classroom.
Q: How does declaring differ for each major?
A: Each major has a different set of declaration requirements. Your academic advisor will work with you to help you meet the requirements so you can apply to or declare into that major.
Q: Should I come in undeclared or declared?
A: If there’s only one major that interests you, declaring will help you connect with the faculty early on and have access to more courses in that specific program. If you have multiple interests, coming in undeclared will give you the flexibility to explore all your options and take a range of courses from different majors and programs.
Q: What does it mean if I am undeclared in COLA?
A: It simply means that you are not in a major yet. You have until the time you reach 58 credits to declare a major, which is typically by the end of your sophomore year.
Q: What is the Discovery Program and do its classes count toward my major?
A: As an undeclared student, it can be tempting to rush through your Discovery (general education) requirements. We always stress that courses to explore majors should be your first priority, as many of the Discovery requirements may end up being courses required for your major.
Topic #2: Competitive majors
Q: Are students successful at internally transferring to competitive majors?
A: Many students are. As a student in COLA, you will have access to many of the same courses that students in other colleges take their first year, so it might be possible to take some of the coursework for your desired major and, if you do well enough, transfer into that major if you meet the requirements.
Q: What advice do you have for students who might want to transfer to a competitive major?
A: Be sure to communicate frequently with your academic advisor. They will be able to help you enroll in the prerequisite courses, learn the requirements to apply to the major and point you to academic resources that will help you along the way!
Topic #3: Adding a major
Q: What do I do if I want to double major?
A: You can discuss your interests with an academic advisor at New Student Orientation! They can discuss major options with you, how a double major might fit with your current major and introductory courses to help you explore your interests.
Q: How do I add a dual major?
A: UNH has a number of dual majors that can only be added as a second major. You’ll have to be declared in the major first and have a GPA of 2.5 or above before you can declare a dual major.
Q: How do I declare a double major?
A: Every major at UNH has its own application or declaration requirements. You’ll need to meet the entrance requirements for whichever major you’d like to add. Your academic advisor can discuss the specifics with you, based on whichever major you are interested in.
Topic #4: Changing majors
Q: If I change my major, can I still graduate on time?
A: In most cases, you can! 30% of UNH students change their major at least once prior to graduating! It’ll be important to work with your advisor to come up with a course plan that will allow you to prioritize major and Discovery requirements.
Q: Is changing a major and getting into a different program a given – or is it competitive?
A: It depends on the major. Every major at UNH has its own application or declaration rules, ranging from “open” majors to majors that require an application.
Q: I applied as an undeclared business major, when can I change it?
A: If you are hoping to change your major, you can contact UNH Admissions, and they will be happy to discuss options with you.
Q: How much of a process is changing majors? Will I be heavily advised against it?
A: Every major has its own application or declaration process, so what it looks like for you will depend on which major you are pursuing. Major changes are common, and advisors want to help students navigate their goals and interests so they can choose the major that is the best for them.
Q: Who should I contact to change my major?
A: The Office of Undergraduate Admissions works with incoming students wishing to change their major. If you are hoping to make a change before the fall semester begins, reach out to Admissions so you can discuss your options!
