Major Declaration
There are two main parts to declaring your major:
1. CHOOSING your major:
That is, deciding where you want to concentrate your studies. Some students know from early on in their college careers what they want to study, either because of strong interests they've developed previously or because of their long-term goals.
Many students come to college not knowing what they will major in, and quite a few change their minds during or after the freshman year. Considering this decision as a process—weighing your interests, gathering information, talking to people—there are a number of resources designed to assist you in thinking through your "major" decision.
2. OFFICIALLY DECLARING the major:
That is, applying for acceptance into the major you have chosen and gaining official approval from the appropriate department. You will declare your clusters at the same time as your major. All this involves a series of steps, outlined here.
See also: Frequently Asked Questions
How to Declare Your Major
To start the process of officially declaring your major:
- Review the requirements for the major you have chosen by going to the department's office or website, or reading the University's "."
- Prepare a tentative plan of the courses that you have completed and intend to take for the major.
- Follow any specific advice regarding the major declaration process provided by the academic department. This information will be found on the department website. Often, departments require students to schedule an appointment with a faculty member before submitting the major declaration form.
- Complete and submit the online major declaration form available under Registrar Forms on the forms and other requests page. (Be sure to read the form instructions.)
- Check your email to confirm that the form was received and approved. Once processed, you will find your updated program of study information recorded in UR Student.
From this point, procedures vary somewhat for each of the following cases, so we have provided separate links:
- How to Declare a Major in Arts and Sciences
- How to Declare a Major in the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
- How to Declare a Double Major or Double Degree
- How to Declare Clusters
If you have questions or need additional assistance, please see our major declaration FAQ page or schedule an appointment with an academic advisor in the College Center for Advising Services.
You've declared your major. Share the good news!
