Understand the steps you will take when it comes time to declare. Detailed information regarding the major declaration process will be emailed to you as the declaration period approaches. Declare an A.B. Major STEP 1. Consider your timing and plan ahead. A.B. sophomores preparing to enter junior year must officially declare an intended major prior to selecting courses for the fall semester. The declaration period typically begins in week eight of the semester, running through the start of week twelve. Each department has its own prerequisite courses and steps required to enter the major. Review the Registrar's page on Major Declaration and follow the instructions for new majors for your intended department. Should you have questions, please contact the departmental director of undergraduate studies, undergraduate administrator, or a designated departmental adviser. Once you have reviewed the information provided by the department, complete the process outlined below to declare. After you have completed this process, you will be able to enroll in courses for the coming semester. STEP 2. Check that you have met departmental requirements and declare. Indicate your intended major on TigerHub during the declaration period (as noted on the Academic Calendar). Some departments may require you to complete additional steps prior to this deadline. Refer to the Registrar's page on Major Declaration.) Note, entry into a major is subject to final approval by the department and assumes successful completion of pre-requisite courses. STEP 3. Complete the Academic Planning Form. You must submit your completed Academic Planning Form (APF) in TigerHub before meeting with your departmental director of undergraduate studies or designated departmental advisor, who will need to review and approve it. See your department's instructions on how to schedule a meeting with the appropriate adviser. Note: you must declare your intended concentration before both you and your department are able to view your APF. STEP 4. Follow department rules for course advising and major confirmation, then enroll in courses. After submitting your APF, review your course plans with a departmental adviser, and secure approval for your courses for the coming semester. Some departments require additional steps to complete entry into the concentration (e.g., submission of additional forms). Be sure to follow all instructions from your department. After your departmental adviser approves your DAPF, you will be able to enroll in fall courses. Declare a B.S.E. Major STEP 1. Consider your timing and plan ahead. B.S.E. students join their departments at the end of their first year by selecting courses for the next fall with their chosen department and declaring their selection on the Registrar's website in May. STEP 2. Seek departmental approval and course advising. The process of choosing a major involves: Attending the Engineering Departmental Open Houses at the beginning of April; Meeting with an adviser in your intended department (you may meet with advisers in several departments before deciding); Having your intended program of study approved; and Enrolling in the fall-term courses appropriate for a sophomore in your department. STEP 3. Declare your major. During the first week in May, B.S.E. students confirm their choice of major by visiting the major declaration page on the Registrar’s website, having been sent a link to this page when it is activated. If you change your mind over the summer or at the beginning of sophomore year, there is a simple process for changing departments. Complete information on the process of joining a department is sent to all B.S.E. first-year students by the Undergraduate Affairs Office of the School of Engineering and Applied Science after spring recess. Consider an Independent Major If you are absolutely convinced that your academic interests cannot be served adequately by any existing departmental major, minor, or certificate program, you may apply for an independent major. This requires you to devise a rigorous and coherent program of studies with the support and mentorship of at least two faculty advisers from different departments. Schedule a preliminary consultation with your residential college dean once you have developed your proposal. Additional Resources Course Offerings Find complete information about undergraduate and graduate courses by term. Undergraduate Announcement Review academic regulations, programs of study, and undergraduate course offerings in this publication released each August.
