I Want to Change My Major…Now What?
By: Hannah Skinner ‘23
@_niawalker
Changing your major is one of the many daunting and explorative aspects of college. It’s not as uncommon as you think it might be. In fact, I changed mine twice! If you’re reading this, you’ve probably decided to change your major, but how does the process work? After a bit of research, a few emails, and possibly an application process too, you’ll be on your way! Here’s a step by step guide to embarking on a new academic journey.
1. Email Your Academic Advisor
Your academic advisor is the best first resource for changing your major. The process for changing majors varies depending on your school and major, so your academic advisor is a great point of contact. They can point you to resources and put you in contact with advisors in the department you’re looking to transfer to. Checking in with your advisor is a must.
2. Check for Admission Requirements
Changing majors within and beyond your home school can come with a number of admissions requirements before you’re able to officially transition your major. They can include specific coursework, a certain number of units, or a minimum GPA. However, if you’re looking for a change particularly within your own school, you may be able to make the switch without any criteria to meet. For example, since Law, History, and Culture and Linguistics are both under Dornsife, I changed my major just by meeting with my advisor without completing any additional requirements.
Check out the internal transfer requirements for a select group of USC schools here:
3. Apply!
Keep in mind the admissions timeline since some schools only accept new students on a yearly or semesterly basis. This can even vary within programs at a school. One example of this is at SCA where applications for Cinematic Arts Studies happen every semester while applications for Writing for Screen & Television only open once in the fall.
4. Acceptance
If you’re accepted, congratulations! If not, this is a good time to consider other options or consider reapplying if possible. After your acceptance to your new program of study, you should meet with your new academic advisor (if you moved schools) to finalize the move and work on planning your upcoming course schedule.
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