You must complete at least one quarter at Cal Poly before entering an Individualized Change of Major Agreement (ICMA).
Before you start
Read the policy
Review Cal Poly’s Change of Major policy before you submit an inquiry.
One attempt per major
You may not be eligible to request that same major more than once.
Graduate on time
You must be able to graduate in a timely manner.
A quarter-by-quarter graduation plan may be required.
Know the terms
COM = Change of Major
ICMA = Individualized Change of Major Agreement
change of major steps
#1. Research your options
Explore majors, degree requirements, and career fit before entering an ICMA.
#2. Review major-specific criteria
Each CLA major has its own ICMA requirements you must complete while on an approved ICMA.
#3. Submit inquiry form
Submit a Change of Major Eligibility/Inquiry Form for one intended major.
#4. Watch your Cal Poly email
A Change of Major Coordinator will respond with your status and next steps.
#1. Research options
- Attend a Change of Major workshop
- Meet with Career Services
- Meet with an Advisor
- Meet with the Mustang Success Center
- Review degree and course requirements for majors you’re considering
#2. Major-specific ICMA criteria
Select your intended major to review the ICMA criteria you’ll be expected to complete after you’re approved for an ICMA (unless otherwise noted).
#3. Submit your inquiry in the Portal
Checklist
- Log into the Cal Poly Portal → Academics → Change of Major
- Select: “Submit a Change of Major Inquiry Form”
- Choose one intended major and submit
Key Notes
- Each response has a 2000-character limit (including spaces)
- You can have one active inquiry at a time
- You can withdraw your inquiry in the Portal if you need to start a new one
#4. Change of Major Communication
You will receive an automated confirmation email to your Cal Poly email account with the subject line Change of Major Inquiry Form Received. You can also verify submission in the Portal under Academics > Change of Major, where your inquiry will display in the inquiry details (it may show a default status such as Requires Attention while it is under review). Any updates and next steps will be sent to your Cal Poly email and may also appear as comments in the Portal.
You should receive a response from the proposed major within 10 academic business days. Weekends, academic holidays, and academic breaks are not counted as academic days.
- Eligible: You meet the basic criteria to move forward to the next steps, which typically include developing an Individualized Change of Major Agreement (ICMA). The email response will outline what to do next.
- Not Eligible: You do not meet the basic criteria to proceed right now. The Change of Major Coordinator will explain why, and in some cases you may be able to become eligible in the future.
Pending Further Action: A decision depends on additional information or steps. Follow the instructions in the email, which may include submitting something like a portfolio or completing another requirement.
First, confirm your inquiry appears in the Portal under Academics > Change of Major and check your Cal Poly email (including clutter/junk). If you do not receive a response within 10 academic business days, contact the Mustang Success Center at success@calpoly.edu and include your name, student ID, proposed major, and the date you submitted your inquiry.
Not sure which major is the best fit?
Workshops, advising, and career exploration tools can help you make a confident decision before entering an ICMA.