changed majors

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "changed majors" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when a student decides to switch their field of study in an academic setting. Example: "After much consideration, I decided to change majors from biology to psychology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It was a huge success, and I changed majors.

The Guardian

Ms. Griffith's debt was worsened by the fact that she changed majors and took five years to graduate.

The New York Times

"Undecided" (Education Life, Aug. 3) describes the anxiety among some students who have not declared a major or who have changed majors that they are "wasting time," in the words of one student.

The New York Times

So, he changed majors and immersed himself in rocks and magma, mountains, and colliding continents.

Science Magazine

5. Do you know other women at Texas State that were pursuing a STEM field of study but then changed majors before completing?

International Journal of STEM Education

As a result, many of them will attend more than one college in the system either because they started at a community college and transferred to a senior college, or because they changed majors.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

We changed major water pipelines, not only in Malta but also in Gozo.

The Guardian

If you're neither, you're going to change majors.

The New York Times

I left the classroom thoroughly discouraged and determined to change majors, from English to history.

The New York Times

Wander off-track two semesters in a row, and a student may have to change majors.

The New York Times

Her mother's death propelled Johnson to change majors from drama to chemistry and psychology.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the context clarifies whether the major was changed once or multiple times. If the latter, consider using "changed majors multiple times" or a similar phrasing for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "changed majors" when referring to changes in specific courses or modules within the same major. This phrase specifically denotes a change in the primary field of study, not adjustments within it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "changed majors" functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of a student switching their academic specialization. Ludwig provides examples illustrating this action in various contexts, such as directing plays or encountering difficulties in a particular subject.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "changed majors" is a common way to describe a student's decision to switch their academic field of study. Ludwig's analysis shows that it's grammatically correct and frequently used in news, science, and general contexts. The phrase serves to inform others about this shift in academic focus. Given its consistent usage and understanding, "changed majors" is a reliable and clear way to communicate this concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

switched majors

A direct synonym, emphasizing the act of changing from one major to another.

changed field of study

Indicates a shift to a different academic discipline.

shifted academic discipline

Focuses on the move from one area of academic specialization to another.

decided on a new major

Highlights the decision-making process in selecting a different major.

altered course of study

More formal and general, referring to a change in the chosen academic path.

opted for a different major

Emphasizes the choice to pursue a new major.

modified academic focus

Highlights a change in the primary subject area of study.

chose a different specialization

Indicates a change in the specific area of expertise pursued.

redirected studies

Suggests a change in the direction of one's academic pursuits.

pursued a different course

A more general term for changing the path of one's studies.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "changed majors"?

Saying someone "changed majors" means they switched from one academic field of study to another while in college or university. For example, a student might "changed majors" from biology to English literature.

Is it common for students to have "changed majors"?

Yes, it's quite common for students to "changed majors" during their college years. Many students discover new interests or career paths that lead them to switch their field of study.

What are some reasons why students might "changed majors"?

Students might "changed majors" due to various reasons, including discovering a new passion, realizing their initial major doesn't align with their career goals, or facing difficulties in their chosen field of study.

What can I say instead of "changed majors"?

You can use alternatives like "switched majors", "changed field of study", or "altered course of study" depending on the context.