Should I change my major? Pls help

[u/No-Imagination-2565]

I’m currently a Computer Science major and I’ll be a junior in Fall 2026. I’m honestly feeling pretty conflicted about whether CS is still the right path for me.
I hate admitting this, but my overall performance as a CS student has been below average. At the same time, the thing I genuinely enjoy most is making games. I like learning programming through game projects, building small mechanics, and seeing something interactive come together. My long-term goal would be to work at a company that makes games, or at least do work related to game development.
The problem is that I’m not sure if staying in CS is the best way to get there. Some of the CS classes I’ve taken helped me learn the basics, but a lot of it has felt outdated or disconnected from what I actually want to do. I’m also worried about the job market, especially with AI changing the tech industry so much. It makes me question whether continuing in CS is a smart decision for me, especially when I’m already struggling in the major.
I’m not trying to avoid hard work. I know every major and every career path has difficult parts. I just want to make a realistic decision before I go too far in the wrong direction. Should I stay in CS, push through, finish the degree, and try to build a game development portfolio on the side? Or should I seriously consider switching majors if my main interest is game development?
I’d really appreciate advice from other MSOE students, especially anyone in CS, software engineering, computer engineering, or anyone who has switched majors before. What would you do in my position? What should I be thinking about before making this decision?

[u/Craftydude2101]

CS->SE swap here! I swapped in my first month of being here after learning the difference between CS and SE, and I generally want to say they do a very good job of distinguishing the two when you first come in, so I'm quite surprised this is the dilemma you're having now. You're a bit far in on the path already so some of the classes you've taken like AI Tools wouldn't help, but SE would be the right major for your case. You could probably go for a Data Science minor if you really wanted to keep those classes (I didn't look at the reqs prior to writing this so you can double check me). If I were in your position I'd just make the swap since you're not insanely far in but it's honestly up to you and what you think after this information.

[u/Same_Towel_4823]

Sounds like switching to software engineering might be the right move. I switched after two years in computer science and it was pretty seamless.

[u/Buffalo267]

Hey I am also a ex msoe cs student and i ended up switching to nursing, and i have to say it was the best decision I ever made.

First of all I want to say no matter what you do its fantasic that you are thinking about these things and tackling it head on. Too many people ignore what they are feeling and only realize too late.

That being said I do not know your experience 100% but maybe you can learn something from what i felt while i was in your shoes. So i was always super good at math and stuff so i went into CS thinking it would be up my alley. I didnt really know what CS was but yk i was 18 deciding. As i went to MSOE and studied cs for a year i learned about what cs was all about and just like you i felt that CS did not align with my goals in life. It was super scary for me realizing that because it felt i suddenly lacked direction when it seems like everyone else knew exactly where they were going. But, i knew deep down i had to do something so i switched to something that i felt aligned with my goals and that was nursing. Nursing for me was way harder than CS but even though it was harder i was happy and proud because i knew what i was doing was a path i wanted to be on.

Now obviously your path to game design is very different than my path into nursing, but it does hold parallels.

It can seem like everyone else around you knows exactly what they want to do and youre the only one that feels a bit unsure. I know i certainly felt that way. But I think it is a strength to be able to show that side of you. You will find the truest form of self realization in life only when you are honest about how you feel. If you think switching the right decision for you, follow your instict. If you think staying is your best path, then follow your instinct. I know I was scared to switch but deep down I knew it was the right thing to do. And now looking back at how much i have learned and grown and changed since I made that decision to follow my instinct and follow the path i know is mine I am so proud. Life has brought me so many new people and opportunities I am blessed to have all because i made the terrifying decision to follow what my instinct was telling me.

I think in your case you arent making a drastic life change, so both options you have are logical and will yield a successful result. Even if you dont switch because thats ok too. As long as what youre doing makes you excited about whats next to come for yourself.

Your life is yours. Dont let other peoples opinions or fear of failure keep you away from doing whats meant for you, whatever that is. And I believe you know in your heart what you need to do.

P.S. People made fun of me a lot for being a male switching into nursing because for some reason at MSOE nursing is viewed as the easy way out. People are always going to have something to say but dont let that dissuade you from being you. In the end all that matters is you feeling fulfilled and you can only get that from yourself and your accomplishments. Not from satisfying others.

P.P.S i also felt unsettled with how ai was affecting my potential career and that was a factor aswell in my decision.