I need some life advice about possibly changing my major.

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In summary, the speaker is a third year math student who does not enjoy their major. They have taken several advanced math courses and did not like any of them. They are interested in Nuclear and Radiological Engineering/Medical Physics, but their current school does not offer those programs. They are considering transferring, but it would delay their graduation. The speaker is seeking advice on what to do and other individuals share their experiences and suggest considering graduate school in medical physics as an option.
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AbstractlyAlgebraic
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Ok, so I'm a third year math student, and... I don't like it. It's just really not for me. I took Real Analysis and hated it. I took Abstract Algebra and hated it. I took Complex Analysis and hated it. I know it's supposed to be beautiful or whatever, but I just don't care at all, and I am noticing a strong correlation here. I still love math, but I didn't like the major after about linear algebra and the introductory analysis course.

What I really want to do is Nuclear and Radiological Engineering/medical physics. Doing physics problems is fun to me, I take those classes just because I like them.

The problem is, my school doesn't offer those programs I listed above, so I would have to transfer. It would set me back a while to graduate, but I am set to graduate in like a semester. If money wasn't an issue, it's not even a question to me that I would do it.

What should I do?
 
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How do I move this to the academic guidance section?
 
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AbstractlyAlgebraic said:
How do I move this to the academic guidance section?
I moved it...
 
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You have to make your own decisions, but here's some observations and thoughts:

An uncle of mine changed his major to civil engineering in his senior year, so it took him 5.5 years to graduate. He's been retired for 24 years now, and says that he has never regretted making the change.

I figured out that electrical engineering was not what I wanted to do after starting my third year of college, did not know what I wanted to do, dropped out, came back four years later and changed to mechanical engineering. I have never regretted making the change.

Have you considered finishing on your current path, working a few years while paying off loans/saving some money, then going back?

I worked in a plant engineering job for ten years, decided that was not what I wanted to do any more, then went back to school. There were several other students in the same age range doing exactly the same thing. None of us thought we made a mistake in going back to school.
 
  • #5
With respect to medical physics, it's something you can specialize in during graduate school. You don't need to do an undergraduate program in it.

You do however need to complete something that looks like a physics degree. If you're really interested in this route, start having a look at a few accredited medical physics graduate programs and what they list as the prerequisite courses/programs for admissions. Some are a little more flexible than others. You could then orient the rest of your program in that direction.
 

FAQ: I need some life advice about possibly changing my major.

1. Should I change my major?

This is a common question for students who are unsure about their current major. Changing your major is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. It is important to carefully consider your interests, goals, and the potential impact on your academic and career plans before making a decision.

2. How will changing my major affect my graduation timeline?

Switching majors may require you to take additional classes and could potentially delay your graduation. It is important to speak with your academic advisor to understand the specific requirements and timeline for each major you are considering. They can help you create a plan that minimizes any potential delays.

3. Will changing my major affect my financial aid?

Changing your major can potentially impact your financial aid, as some scholarships and grants may be specific to certain majors. It is important to speak with a financial aid advisor to understand how changing your major may affect your financial aid package. They can also help you explore other funding options if needed.

4. How do I know if the new major is right for me?

It is important to do some research and explore your interests before making a decision to change your major. Talk to students and professors in the new major, attend classes or events related to the field, and consider taking a few introductory courses to get a better understanding of the subject matter. It may also be helpful to speak with a career counselor to discuss your interests and goals.

5. What are the potential benefits of changing my major?

Changing your major can have many potential benefits. It can open up new career opportunities, align your studies with your interests and passions, and provide a fresh start if you were feeling stagnant in your current major. It can also help you gain new skills and knowledge that may be valuable in your future career.

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