Can I Go to Grad School for Something Outside My Undergrad Major?

Graduating from college is a big deal. You’ve spent years studying, meeting deadlines, and maybe pulling a few all-nighters. But now, as you approach the finish line or reflect on the moment you received with your bachelor’s degree in hand, you might be asking yourself, “Do I want to keep going down this same path?” Maybe your degree is in business, but now you’re intrigued by public health. Or perhaps you’ve spent four years studying chemistry but can’t stop thinking about pursuing a career in law. Is it okay to switch fields for grad school? The short answer: Absolutely.

I have a bachelor's in Computer Information systems, a Master's in Workforce Development, and a Ph.D. in College Student Affairs administration. I went from working in student affairs to graduate education and business ownership.

Please let my background serve as an example that you can pivot and do it successfully.

If you ask yourself, can you make a pivot in your career? Tell yourself.

You’re Not Alone in Changing Fields

According to a study by the Council of Graduate Schools, nearly one-third of graduate students pursue a degree in a field different from their undergraduate major. Whether shifting slightly within a related area or making a complete 180, it's more common than you think. The academic world is not rigid, and neither is your future. Graduate school is an opportunity to explore a field that excites you, even if it doesn’t directly align with your bachelor’s degree.

I remember a friend who graduated with a degree in journalism. She spent years writing for her campus newspaper, but by her senior year, she realized that what got her excited was counseling. Fast-forward, and today, she’s thriving as a licensed therapist with a master’s in counseling psychology. She likes to joke that instead of writing about people’s problems, she now helps solve them!

Why Changing Fields Can Be Beneficial

Switching fields might seem like a detour, but it can be an asset. Here are a few reasons why:

1. A Fresh Perspective: Bringing a background in one field into another can offer a fresh perspective that others might not have. Imagine combining your business skills with an interest in environmental science to launch sustainable startups and/or using your engineering background to solve public policy challenges.
2. Interdisciplinary Learning is Valued: Many graduate programs encourage students with diverse academic backgrounds to apply. They see the value in having students from different disciplines, as it promotes richer discussions, new ways of thinking, and more innovative solutions to problems.
3. You’re Investing in Passion, Not Just Credentials: Let’s be real. Grad school is a significant investment of time, energy, and often money. So, you must be pursuing something that excites you. If you’re passionate about a new field, that enthusiasm will help you excel, regardless of your undergraduate major.

How to Make the Transition

If you feel nervous about applying to a graduate program in a new field, you can take a few steps to strengthen your application and ease your transition.

1. Do Your Research: Not all programs require you to have a related undergraduate degree. Look for programs that value diverse academic backgrounds. Many schools offer “bridge” courses to help you catch up on any foundational knowledge you might need.
2. Get Experience in the New Field: Try to gain experience, even if it's minimal, in your new area of interest. Volunteering, internships, or even side projects can show admissions committees you’re serious about the shift.
3. Tell Your Story: Your personal statement is a chance to explain why you’re making the switch and how your previous academic and work experiences make you a good fit for the program. Highlight transferable skills and emphasize why the new field excites you.

It’s About the Journey

In the end, it’s your journey. Pursuing a degree in a different field might feel like stepping off a well-worn path, but that doesn’t mean it’s the wrong one. It might be the one that leads you to your greatest successes.

Remember, your bachelor’s degree is a foundation, not a limitation. Graduate school is about building on that foundation in a way that aligns with your passions, goals, and the person you want to become. So, if you think, “I’ve graduated in one field but want to pursue something else,” know that you’re in good company—and yes, it’s more than okay.

Conclusion

Don’t let the fear of changing directions hold you back. Whether you’re just finishing your bachelor’s degree or are a working professional looking for a new challenge, graduate school can be the perfect opportunity to pivot to something that truly excites you. You’re not locked into your undergraduate major, and your options are much broader than you think.

So, embrace the possibilities and go after what makes you curious and inspired. Who knows? You might find yourself excelling in a field you never imagined.

And when you get your degree, tell the naysayers and haters that nothing can stop you.

References: Council of Graduate Schools. (2020). Graduate Enrollment and Degrees: 2009 to 2019. Retrieved from https://cgsnet.org.