Major Declaration

Frequently Asked Questions

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When should I declare my major? By when do I have to declare my major?

Students are expected to formally declare their major during the semester they are completing 64 credits, which typically occurs during the spring of the sophomore year. Students who do not declare their major by the end of that semester are sent a reminder over the summer. Students who have not declared their major by the beginning of their junior year should be aware that certain types of financial aid will be in jeopardy if a major is not declared shortly after the start of the junior year. While students may officially declare (i.e., be accepted into) their major as early as their first year, this is relatively uncommon.

What happens if I don't declare my major?

In order to be recommended for a degree and graduate, you must be accepted into a major. There may be important reasons for delaying the major declaration process. In such cases, students are encouraged to discuss their circumstances with an advisor in the College Center for Advising Services. Students should be aware that there are several consequences to delaying the process of officially declaring a major.

First, students who delay in declaring their major will lose the advantages of planning their remaining semesters wisely and with expert faculty advice. Faculty input and guidance can be very helpful in providing students with suggestions for enhancing their academic study, and for taking advantage of special opportunities that may be available within their intended program of study.

Second, delaying the process of officially declaring your major may negatively affect a student’s financial aid. Certain types of financial aid may be in jeopardy for students who do not declare their majors shortly after the start of the junior year.

Third, students who do not declare their major by the second semester of their junior year, will be reclassified to sophomore standing.

Finally, declaring the major is a "gateway" to certain special opportunities. For example, to apply to the Take Five Scholars Program or most study abroad programs, a student must have been accepted into a major.

How do I go about declaring my major?

See the declaring your major page.

I indicated a major when I was accepted to UR, and I haven't changed my mind. Is there anything I have to do?

The area of interest you noted on your application for admission is not considered to be your official major. All students need to follow the steps outlined here in order to officially declare (i.e., be accepted into) a major.

I indicated a major when I was accepted to UR, but I've changed my mind. Should I do something about that?

Students who no longer plan to pursue the major they indicated on their application for admission, should notify the Academic Records Office at ccasrec@ur.rochester.edu of their changed plans. Their program of study will be updated in UR Student.

Once I've declared my major, how do I make changes? What changes are allowed? Up to what point in time can I make changes?

Students may (and frequently do) make changes to their major(s) or Rochester Curriculum Registration into the senior year. Students should make every effort to finalize these decisions by the end of the first semester of the senior year.

Students may make changes to their major, minor and/or clusters by submitting a Rochester Curriculum Change form.

If you have further questions about declaring your major and clusters, please contact:

The College Center for Advising Services

312 Lattimore Hall
(585) 275-2354
cascas@mail.rochester.edu