Declaring or Changing your Major

To declare or change your major you will need a change of major petition signed by an adviser in your proposed new major.

Certain rules apply to declaring or changing your major. Some of them are listed below. See an adviser for requirements that may apply to your major change request.

When can I change my major?

• After you have been at UCD for one full quarter. You must wait at least one quarter until you establish a UCD GPA.
• You may change your major if your GPA for the proposed major is 2.0 or greater AND you are in good standing. See your new adviser as soon as possible. There may be additional requirements.

If your GPA for the proposed major is less than 2.0 or you are NOT in good standing, see an adviser in your proposed major to discuss your options.

If you are also changing your college, your overall GPA must be 2.0 or greater and you must be in good standing.

If you are graduating soon, for a smooth graduation, change your major no later than one quarter before you graduate.

Where do I get a petition?

Petitions are available at the College of Biological Sciences Dean's Office, 202 Life Sciences, your section office, your college office, or you may download it from here .

If you are undeclared or exploratory:

See an adviser for your proposed major.

If you are changing into or out of a CBS major:
See the new major adviser first,
then see your current major adviser.

What do I need to prepare before seeing an adviser?

Call ahead and ask. It varies with each major. For the Biological Sciences major, you need to bring a proposed academic plan. It is also helpful if you bring a copy of your transfer work transcripts (and IGETC if completed).

What do I do with the signed petition?

Submit the signed petition to your College office. If you are majoring in the biological sciences, bring the petition to the College of Biological Sciences Dean's office, 202 Life Sciences.