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Major Specific Criteria for Change of Major

These requirements should be satisfied while on an official ICMA. They do not need to be meet prior to submitting the inquiry/eligibility form unless otherwise noted. 

Please note that, for all majors, the completion of coursework without prior consultation with the department does not guarantee the student eligibility to switch into the intended major.

 

Anthropology-Geography

Step 1) Complete Change of Major Eligibility/Inquiry form within your Cal Poly Portal.

No eligibility criteria, beyond existing policy, for starting ICMA.

ICMA will not exceed one semester and may require:

  • The completion of two ANT or GEOG majors courses (ANT or GEOG) with a GPA of 2.7 (may include STAT 1110).
  • Cal Poly (CPSLO) GPA of 2.5 or one term GPA of 2.7 for the term on contract, with at least 12 units completed. 

The completion of coursework without prior consultation does not guarantee eligibility to switch into the major.

Art and Design

ICMA Eligibility Criteria: Approved portfolio for desired concentration. See steps below for ART change of major inquiry and portfolio process.

Step 1) Complete Change of Major Inquiry form within portal. If needed, contact Mustang Success Center for assistance.

Step 2) Within 10 academic days, the Art & Design department office staff will provide the student with an appointment with the department chair to go over questions, the portfolio process, and timeline.

Step 3) The Art & Design department office staff will provide portfolio submission dates and directions on how to digitally submit a portfolio. Portfolios are reviewed by faculty only once during the first half of each fall and spring semesters.

Step 4) Submit entire portfolio for desired concentration by the deadline date, no exceptions allowed. Students will only be allowed to submit one portfolio for one concentration and if denied, the student will not be able to submit another portfolio for any other concentration.

Step 5) Students will be notified via their Cal Poly email if the portfolio was accepted. If accepted, students will meet with department chair to create and ICMA contract and discuss registration.

Step 6) If a student is granted an ICMA, it will not exceed one semester and may require:

  • Up to two major courses with a grade of “C” or better in each.
  • Must have a 2.3 GPA CPSLO cumulative, and Higher Ed cumulative.

The completion of coursework without prior consultation does not guarantee eligibility to switch into the major.

Child Development

Change of major into Child Development has been closed for Fall 2026 and likely Spring 2027. 

When change of major re-opens, there will be a cap on the number of students admitted via change of major.

Communication Studies

Step 1) Complete Change of Major Eligibility/Inquiry form within your Cal Poly Portal.

No eligibility criteria, beyond existing policy, for starting ICMA.

ICMA will not exceed one semester and may require:

  • The completion of two 2000 level COMS courses with a major GPA of 3.0 (at least one class must be at Cal Poly, preferably both classes)
  • Cal Poly (CPSLO) GPA of 2.9 or one term GPA of 2.9 for the term on contract, with at least 12 units completed.  

The completion of coursework without prior consultation does not guarantee eligibility to switch into the major.

Comparative Ethnic Studies

Step 1) Complete Change of Major Eligibility/Inquiry form within your Cal Poly Portal.

Semester criteria coming soon.

English

Step 1) Complete Change of Major Eligibility/Inquiry form within your Cal Poly Portal.

No eligibility criteria, beyond existing policy, for starting ICMA.

ICMA will not exceed one semester and may require:

  • The completion of two ENGL courses with a GPA of 3.0.
  • Cal Poly (CPSLO) GPA of 2.5 or one term GPA of 2.7 for the term on contract, with at least 12 units completed.

The completion of coursework without prior consultation does not guarantee eligibility to switch into the major.

Graphic Communication

Desirable Criteria:

The following criteria are desired to support efficient progress towards graduation, but not required. Each student record is reviewed individually.

  • Have earned 60 or fewer CPSLO cumulative units.

Step 1) Review the GRC Change of Major website which outlines the Change of Major and ICMA eligibility and procedures.

Step 2) Complete a Change of Major (COM) Eligibility/Inquiry form within your Cal Poly Portal. If needed, contact Mustang Success Center for assistance.

Step 3) Once the COM Inquiry form is submitted, the Change of Major Coordinator for the GrC department office will contact the student within 10 academic days to schedule an appointment.

If a student is granted an ICMA, it will not exceed one semester and will require:

  • Completion of at least one of the following GRC courses: GRC 1000, GRC 1020 or GRC 1040.
  • Earn a grade of B or better in the required coursework.
  • Achieve a term GPA of 3.0 or higher for the duration of the ICMA.

The completion of coursework without prior consultation does not guarantee eligibility to switch into the major.

History

Step 1) Complete Change of Major Eligibility/Inquiry form within your Cal Poly Portal.

No eligibility criteria, beyond existing policy, for starting ICMA.

ICMA will not exceed one semester and may require:

  • The completion of two HIST majors courses with a GPA of 3.0.
  • Cal Poly (CPSLO) GPA of 2.5 or one term GPA of 2.7 for the term on contract, with at least 12 units completed. 

A third HIST course may be included on the ICMA only if it also satisfies a requirement in the student's current major.

The completion of coursework without prior consultation with the History Department does not guarantee eligibility to switch into the major.

Interdisciplinary Studies

Step 1) Complete Change of Major Eligibility/Inquiry form within your Cal Poly Portal.

No eligibility criteria, beyond existing policy, for starting ICMA.

If a student is granted an ICMA, it will not exceed one semester and will require:

  • Completion of ISLA 2201 and one of: ES 1112, HIST 2206, HIST 2216, ISLA 1123, ISLA 2240, JOUR 2219, JOUR 2228, RELS 2201, WGQS 2201 or WGQS 2210 with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • A 2.0 Cal Poly cumulative GPA or a minimum GPA of 2.5 for the term on contract, with at least 12 units completed.
  • A 2-3 page proposal of at least 400 words explaining their interest in the program and outlining a proposed plan of study. The proposal should identify the central theme or question the student wishes to pursue through an Interdisciplinary Studies degree and indicate the concentration and/or specific classes that might fit with their proposed theme or question. The course of study should combine at least two distinct disciplines (indicated by different course prefixes). Students are encouraged to include how their proposed focus will further their occupational or future educational goals. Students are advised to consult with ISLA Chair, Dr. David Kirby. They will have the opportunity to further revise their plan of study in ISLA 2201, ISLA 2255, ISLA 3355, and ISLA 4440 in order to prepare them to undertake an interdisciplinary research or creative project in ISLA 4461: Senior Project.

The completion of coursework without prior consultation does not guarantee eligibility to switch into the major.

Journalism

Step 1) Complete Change of Major Eligibility/Inquiry form within your Cal Poly Portal.

No eligibility criteria, beyond existing policy, for starting ICMA.

ICMA will not exceed one semester and may require:

  • The completion of 1A GE and one JOUR course with a B- or better. If 1A GE completed, the ICMA may include two JOUR courses with a B- or better. Specific JOUR course(s) selected in consultation with Department Change of Major Advisor.
  • Cal Poly (CPSLO) GPA of 2.7 or one term GPA of 2.8 for the term on contract, with at least 12 units completed. 

The completion of coursework without prior consultation does not guarantee eligibility to switch into the major.

Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies

Minimum Entrance Requirements to be completed prior to an ICMA:

  • Must have math placement in MATH 1261 or higher (found in PolyProfile under Milestones).
  • Must have a 2.3 GPA CPSLO cumulative, and Higher Ed cumulative.
  • Entering second year or higher with sophomore standing.

If a student is granted an ICMA, it will not exceed one semester and may require:

  • Up to two major courses with a grade of “C” or better in each. These may include math, physics or engineering courses in the major based on current academic progress.
  • Must have a 2.3 GPA CPSLO cumulative, and Higher Ed cumulative.

The completion of coursework without prior consultation does not guarantee eligibility to switch into the major.

Music

Step 1) Complete the Change of Major Inquiry form within your Cal Poly portal. If needed, contact Mustang Success Center for assistance.

Step 2) Schedule a meeting with Music Department Chair Alicia Doyle: adoyle04@calpoly.edu

Step 3) Complete the Music Department’s Change of Major Application

Step 4) At the beginning of the semester, contact the Music Department Chair to schedule an audition with the music faculty. Factors considered at the audition: performance ability, the successful demonstration of basic musicianship skills, and grades for Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo course work.

Step 5) Students will be notified via their Cal Poly email if they have been accepted into the Music Major.

Eligibility factors prior to the ICMA may include:

  • Significant potential in a performance area recognized by the department. This potential will be assessed during a required audition.
  • Grades in completed General Education (GE) courses of at least 2.0 and a current CP SLO GPA of at least 2.0.

If a student is granted an ICMA, it will not exceed one semester and will require:

  • Completion of at least two Cal Poly academic music classes earning grades of “B” or better (for example, MU 1101 and MU 1120).

The completion of coursework without prior consultation does not guarantee eligibility to switch into the major.

Philosophy

Step 1) Complete Change of Major Eligibility/Inquiry form within your Cal Poly Portal.

If a student is granted an ICMA, it will not exceed one semester and will require:

  • Completion of PHIL 230 or 231, with GPA for those courses of at least 2.5
  • Completion of GE Area 1B with a grade of C or higher.
  • GPA of at least 2.5 in all philosophy classes taken at Cal Poly or elsewhere
  • Cal Poly (CPSLO) GPA of 2.5 or two consecutive term GPA’s of 2.7 with at least 12 units per quarter

Generally, students meeting the terms of their ICMA are admitted to their intended major.

Those who do not meet the requirements of the ICMA, but whose circumstances are exceptional and require special consideration, should contact the department chair.

Certain circumstances, such as lack of resources, may preclude admission of students who otherwise meet the requirements of their ICMA.

The completion of coursework without prior consultation does not guarantee eligibility to switch into the major.

Political Science

Step 1) Complete Change of Major Eligibility/Inquiry form within your Cal Poly Portal.

No eligibility criteria, beyond existing policy, for starting ICMA.

ICMA will not exceed one semester and will require:

  • Must have completed at least two political science courses at Cal Poly with a 3.2 GPA or higher. POLS 112 may not be used as one of the two courses taken
  • Must have a cumulative Cal Poly GPA of 2.8 or higher or one term GPA of 3.2 for the term on contract, with at least 12 units completed. 

The completion of coursework without prior consultation does not guarantee eligibility to switch into the major.

Psychology

Change of major into Psychology has been closed for Fall 2026 and likely Spring 2027. 

When change of major re-opens, there will be a cap on the number of students admitted via change of major.

Sociology

Step 1) Complete Change of Major Eligibility/Inquiry form within your Cal Poly Portal.

No eligibility criteria, beyond existing policy, for starting ICMA.

ICMA will not exceed one semester and will require:

  • The completion of two SOC major courses with the major GPA of 2.7 (may include STAT 1110 or a lower division social science elective from the major).
  • Cal Poly (CPSLO) GPA of 3.0 or one term GPA of 3.0 for the term on contract, with at least 12 units completed. 

The completion of coursework without prior consultation does not guarantee eligibility to switch into the major.

Spanish

Step 1) Complete Change of Major Eligibility/Inquiry form within your Cal Poly Portal.

No eligibility criteria, beyond existing policy, for starting ICMA.

ICMA will not exceed one semester and may require:

  • Cal Poly (CPSLO) GPA of at least 2.0
  • Completion of at least one Spanish course at the SPAN 201 (quarters) or SPAN 2201 (semesters) level, or above, with a grade of at least B-, or equivalent proficiency as determined by the department.

The completion of coursework without prior consultation does not guarantee eligibility to switch into the major.

Theatre Arts

Step 1) Complete the Change of Major Inquiry form within the portal. If needed, contact Mustang Success Center for assistance.

Step 2) Meet with the Theatre and Dance Department Chair to discuss the Theatre major, including the likelihood of success within the major, your commitment to the discipline, and career aspirations. Chair will also review the curriculum requirements for the Theatre major.

Step 3) Submit to the department chair the following required supplemental written materials, completed cover sheet (available in the department office), list of experience(s), Poly Profile printout, and written answers to the following three change of major prompts:

  • How do you think our Theatre program can prepare you for the type of career/post-graduation work you’re interested in pursuing?
  • What discipline of Theatre are you particularly excited to study as a student within the Theatre and Dance Department? In that, what skills and/or abilities do you have that would propel you to becoming an integral member of the major?
  • Describe something in a recent Theatre production you’ve seen (or been a part of) that has excited and inspired you to seek this out as a major.

The department chair will share a student’s written materials with the department’s faculty & staff for review. If the student receives a positive assessment from the faculty, then they will be notified and an Individualized Change of Major Agreement will be developed. If the Theatre major is determined not to be a good fit for the student, the student will be advised to look at other options.

Step 4: Individualized Change of Major Agreement (ICMA) Criteria

ICMA will not exceed one semester and will require:

  • Students must take or have taken two different Cal Poly TH courses.
  • Students must earn/have earned an average grade of B (3.00) or higher in the specified Theatre Program academic or production courses as reported on their Cal Poly transcript.
  • Cal Poly (CPSLO) GPA of 2.5 or one term GPA of 2.5 for the term on contract, with at least 12 units completed. 

The completion of coursework without prior consultation does not guarantee eligibility to switch into the major.