How to Declare or Change a Major (Undergraduates)
Last Updated: September 29, 2023 4:50:07 PM PDT
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If you're an undergraduate and you want to declare or change your major, follow the steps below.
About undergraduate majors
- Major requirements include both lower-division and upper-division courses. The requirements are determined by departments and programs, and will include at least 12 upper-division courses (48 units).
- You must declare a major before you complete 90 units. Warning: If you don't declare a major by the time you complete 90 units, you won't be allowed to enroll in additional classes.
Declare or change your major
First, select your major.
- Read major descriptions in the General Catalog.
- Talk with your college advisor.
- Explore majors by speaking with department advisors.
- Discuss career options with a Career Services counselor.
- Read the Academic Senate policy on Majors (section A).
Be aware of department and college approval requirements.
- Department approval is required if:
- You have 150 or more total units passed.
- Your major requires department approval.
- College approval is required if:
- You have 150 or more total units passed.
- You are required to submit a quarter by quarter plan for any request that requires college approval.
Complete the Undergraduate Declaration or Change of Major using the Major/Minor tool.
- Allow 3 to 5 business days if your request only requires department approval. Allow 6 to 10 business days if your request requires both department and college approval.
- If you are requesting a Selective Major that's outside of your current department, you will be redirected to the Capped Majors Application to submit your request.
Questions? Contact the appropriate resource:
- Your department
- Your college
- Office of the Registrar,(858) 534-3144
- International Students, contact the International Student Office, (858) 534-3730 once your change of major has been approved.