Switching majors or programs can be a terrifying concept, especially when you’re already in school, paying thousands of dollars for another program and studying to become something totally different. You’ll have to wait to switch into the right classes, meet new people all over again and get used to another kind of work load.
Hi, hello. I’ve been there. I’ve been you. So many other students have too.
Denial
In my first year at Ryerson I was studying journalism, a dream I’ve had since I was twelve years old. It felt perfect. Until it didn’t. My grades were suffering and I was so unhappy. I tried to ignore that nagging feeling in me that something wasn’t right, and tried to convince myself that it wasn’t a big deal.
I began pursuing a minor in politics to distract me from journalism and I fell in love with the subject. Journalism was so difficult, and here was politics (equally as difficult but something I just knew I could be more comfortable in), showing me that I had options.
I called my parents in tears and told them that I was thinking of switching majors, explaining that I felt extremely discouraged in the program. They encouraged me to finish the year and told me that if by the end I really didn’t like it, then politics would still be there. “Just keep going, Cassandra. Keep trying,” they said.
I ended up staying in the program, and although I felt apathetic about the whole thing by the time first-year finished, my second year has improved greatly. Journalism and I get along so much better. I’m exponentially happier. But I also will never forget that feeling. Being so unsure of what I wanted, like I was floating through life without any direction.
You aren’t alone
I spoke to two Ryerson students about their experience with switching programs – how they made the decision, how they were feeling at the time, and their advice to other students considering the switch.
“It was halfway through my second-year,” said Suzy Manukyan, a first-year business student. “I was actually taking a couple of business law courses which made me realize that’s what I actually want to do.”
“I was really scared. It was stressful thinking about the wasted time and money,” she said. “And I was also scared of switching and then not being happy with my choice.”
Maryam Zahid, a first-year early childhood studies student, said she was nervous to switch programs as well.
“I was really nervous because I felt like I had kind of…wasted my first year [in university] so I didn’t want to lose any more time,” said Zahid.
Zahid said students should be cautious before switching programs to a different type of program than the one they were originally enrolled in, such as when she made the switch from the business management program.
“I already knew I was comfortable in social science courses because of the ones I had taken in high school, and I have some experience working with children too,” she said.
“I’d say that for anyone doubting their current program, they should go for it,” Manukyan said. “If you aren’t happy with what you’re studying then I’d say it’s better to switch. You won’t really know what you’re passionate about until you’ve actually experienced it.”
You’ve decided – Now you have to commit
Every school’s process for switching majors is different and the qualifications necessary to switch into other programs are unique as well. But for a Ryerson student who is transferring to another program at Ryerson, the general process begins with consulting your advisor for the program you’re currently enrolled in. During this conversation your advisor will be able to help point you in the right direction for what your specific steps should be, based on your program and where you are transferring to.
Next, you are required to apply to the program that you wish to switch to, just as any other student who is first entering Ryerson would. The same requirements for admission apply to you as other students who are first applying to Ryerson. Usually, these requirements and documents include your academic record (high school and anything from university), and some programs may require a portfolio or admissions essay.
If the application you submitted to transfer programs is accepted, you won’t be required to apply for any transfer credits. You will, however, lose your spot in your previous program once you accept your offer to the new program.
Changing your major can also affect any OSAP funding you receive. You are required to report your transfer to the Student Financial Assistance Office.
It will be OK
Whatever you decide, it will be OK. If you choose to stay in your program and see what happens, you’ll figure it out. If you decide to go through the process to switch majors, it’s not the end of the world, even though it may feel that way. You’re choosing to put yourself first, and that’s always a positive! As long as you do what’s best for you, it will turn out fine. Take it one day at a time, and eventually that nagging feeling will disappear, one way or another.