Change of Major/Minor Guidelines
Policy
Guidelines for Reviewing a Change or Addition of Major/Minor
170-Unit Completion Standard
Students must be able to complete all degree requirements within 170 total units, including all coursework applied toward the degree. Previously earned units (e.g., AP, IB, dual enrollment, transfer credit) should be reviewed in context. A high unit count due to prior credit alone should not preclude approval if the student can progress efficiently.
Timely Progress to Degree
The proposed change should support steady and timely completion. Changes that maintain or shorten time to degree, clarify the academic pathway, or allow completion within approximately one to one-and-a-half additional academic years are positive indicators.
Academic Plan Review
Departments may require an academic plan outlining:
- Remaining requirements
- Term-by-term enrollment
- Expected graduation term
- Projected total units (not to exceed 170)
Academic Readiness
Departments should evaluate whether the student has:
- Met prerequisite requirements
- Demonstrated readiness for upper-division coursework
- Maintained satisfactory academic progress
- Impacted programs may have additional eligibility criteria and enrollment limitations.
Consider both prior preparation and potential for success.
Advising and Financial Considerations
Students should consult an academic advisor to review:
- Graduation timeline and unit impact
- Cost of extended enrollment
- Impacts to Financial Aid (Refer to: SAP Policy)
Consistency and Transparency
Guidelines should be applied consistently. If denied, departments should provide:
- Clear reason(s) for denial
- Recommended alternatives when appropriate (Graduate school, minor vs. major, appeal to Undergraduate Studies, etc.)
These guidelines are intended to support informed, professional judgment.