Try 2: How do you tell your parents you want to change majorrs 21 hours from graduating?

Question

Ok, let me try this again, since i messed up the wording and had some people mad at me. Trust me, i would be mad at myself if i were so shallow that I wouldn't want to help my parents pay for school.

I am an early childhood major. I have recently decided that my passion still ies with marine biology. I am 21 hours from graduating in May 2007, but want to change my major. My paretns are paying for school and I do not want to upset them. What should I do?

Answer 1

Ignore my slick avatar... :-)
As an academic counselor I would suggest you talk with one of "us" or a career counselor about ways to approach the subject with your parents. Sometimes your fear about the subject may turn out to be nothing... if you approach your parents with well defined information on career opportunities for one major versus the other, or time line to graduation on one vs. the other, projected need for people in the field or salaries... so it shows you were mature enough to research your choice they may be more apt to be supportive. You could also, simply graduate with the ECE and then find out what a master's or second baccalaureate program in marine biology would require to be admitted after you finish... communication is the key with your parents though - they can handle a lot so just try to be honest about your feelings. hopefully they not only will listen but will genuinely hear your feelings.

Answer 2

I say go ahead and finish this degree. You are so close it would be crazy to stop now. Plus, what if Marine Biology doesn't work out? Then you'll be wishing you had finished your ECE degree. Go ahead and get your ECE degree and I'd go ahead and try to find a job in that field. Then maybe try to go back to college part time or at night or even online to get your Marine Biology degree. This way you can likely fund your 2nd degree yourself. Between your income, financial aid, and loans, I'm sure you could accomplish getting the 2nd degree w/o your parents' help. I work 40 hours a week and I'm also a full time student in online classes through a state college and I'm funding my education through loans. If you don't think you can do it on your own or if you want to stay a full-time student, then sit them down and explain that you want to pursue another degree.

Answer 3

First off I would say finish your major, even if you know you don't want to do it as a career, at least you can always fall back on it. You are so close to completing it you might as well croos the finish line. Plus it will look good on your records that you hold that degree. Second, how do you do anything that is hard. How do you say good bye to a loved one? You bite the bullet and spill your heart on the floor. Sit them down and tell them how you feel and ask them how they feel about it. Tell them that your passion is marine bio. and how much you want to aquire all the knowledge about the ocean and it's inhabitants. Who knows, mabey you'll make a discover that could change the world. Tell them that even if it doesn't work out at least you are bettering yourself by expanding your education and multiple degree look great on an application even if they are not in the feild for which you are applying. Ultimately it is your life and you don't want to pick a career you are going to be miserable in for the next fifty years. It is always good to have something to fall back on. How can a parent get upset at their child, when they just want the best for you and your trying to make yourself better.

Answer 4

You are so close, finish with your degree in your first major. Now take a look at your track record. You must have taken classes or done some work in the marine biology field; can you network through those existing connections?
If you truly have interest in marine biology, look for internships or entry level positions having to do with it. On your resume, emphasize your coursework (assuming you took science courses) and skills. You have to get your foot in the door somehow. Be proactive in your job search. You are still young and can take some time to develop a path to the career of your dreams.

Answer 5

That is quite a prediciment you are in. Could you just finish your degree right now and then go back to school and minor in Marine Biology. This way you would have some sort of job to help pay for your classes if you go back. I wouldn't change majors this late in ur college career, but thats just me.
Basically what I am saying is to just finish with your degree and then just go back to get the degree you want. Get a job in early childhood and see if you like it.

Answer 6

graduate with this degree... its always nice to have a backup in case things don't workout.. u will have temporary shelter in that degree.
Next, talk your parents into ti and say that u r really interested in marine biology. If they understand u, they will fund it.. but even if they don't, try to get a good job and study part time for marine biology.
Its not too late to change your major. If that helps.
Where there is a will there is a way.

Answer 7

First and foremost, you need to grow up and take responsibility for your own life. If your parents are upset, that is their problem!!! Just make the changes and inform them. If they refuse to pay then get loans and grants and pay for it on your own. Mommy and Daddy will not be around forever to pay your bills and make your decisions. My son got a degree in marine biology and I know you have to be very smart. Not only that, to get any kind of a job, you really have to have at least a Masters. My son went on to grad school and got a PhD by the time he was 27 in medical science pharmacology and toxicology. Now, at 31, he is going to Law School. He is all educated but still does not know what he wants! Oh, by the way, he paid for his own college with loans, grants and scholarships!!!

Answer 8

Sit down with them in person. Explain that you have learned so much, and grown as a person. Now you want to explore that, and look into another major - to really get your career going in the right direction when you graduate, etc etc. That you want to follow your passion, and not just exist.
Be honest. Be direct. Offer to take on a part time job maybe.
Ask them what they think.
But be sure of what you want and why you want it.
Then talk to them. Be grateful for what they have already done and ask them if they are able to stick with you through this.
Good luck.

Answer 9

You could go on and graduate with the major you have chosen and then go on for a master's degree in marine biology. Another option would be to join the Navy when you graduate and let them pay for your degree and training in marine biology.

Answer 10

I suggest completing the ECE degree but not applying for graduation, THEN doing the requirements for the other degree. Normally, this will allow you to graduate with a double-major. Talk to an academic counselor at your school for more info.