sjt

How easy or difficult is it to switch majors at NEU? I've been wavering between biology and business. I put down biology as my intended major on my application, but if I change my mind later on would there be an extensive process or a lot of requirements before I can switch? Saying I get accepted and enroll, of course.

neuchimie

Yep, you have to go through internal transfer. It's a pain. Business is very popular to switch into, so the requirements to transfer are higher (gpa and required courses) and less people get accepted even if they have good stats. Moreover, it's harder to fit in all the required freshman business courses later on, whereas CAS majors (like Bio) are more flexible. If you're in business and want to switch to biology, you pretty much just fill out a form and you're in.

On the other hand, if you select business, you may not have a chance to take and experience biology courses. So if you decide you don't want business, you might also decide later on that you don't really like biology, which makes it harder to graduate.

I would recommend REALLY thinking out both majors. The business degree here is very broad, covering marketing, finance, accounting, human resources... a lot of stuff. You only take four extra classes in your intended concentration. So don't think you are getting a finance degree-- you are getting a business degree and taking four extra classes in finance. Also if you are certain you want an MBA, it's not required to get a business degree. In fact, I spoke to advisors in the business school when I was dealing with the internal transfer process and they said that often graduate business schools prefer candidates who DON'T have a business degree (just like law schools like students who weren't pre-law).

Biology is a hard science (as opposed to a soft science). You have to be pretty interested in biology to deal with some of the classes you have to take, else you'll rebell and probably fail out of them. Look up jobs for bio majors or send an email to one of the bio advisors and talk to them about what you feel about the major.

I know you already put down biology, but I wanted to say this just because if you change your mind before school starts, the earlier you transfer the better. It is very difficult to transfer in your third year, and is often impossible in some majors.

sjt

Whoops, I just checked and I had actually put CAS undecided.

The thing is I'm interested in business, but also wish to do a pre-med track as well, so I've been a bit divided. Would it be possible to switch before the fall semester starts, or would it be better to do so now (before they read my app)? I did apply EA though.

david3558

I would call up the school and ask. I have plenty of friends that want to transfer into CBA or choose to minor in it. I say the earlier you switch it the better since all CBA freshmen have to take certain classes like BUSN1101 (Intro To Biz)

sjt

Yup, I called and the admissions offcier had me write an email since they need the request in writing. They got back to me a day later and updated the information online as well. Thanks guys!