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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. 

Art and Design

At this time, 3rd year Graphic Design cohort is exceeding large, and the department is unable to accommodate additional students into the 3rd year cycle of Graphic Design Major Courses.

  • 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 portfolio submission dates and directions on how to digitally submit a portfolio. Portfolios are reviewed only once during the first half of each fall, winter and spring quarters. There is a $10 fee to use the online portfolio submission service; this fee does not go to the department.
  • Step 3) 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 4) 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.

Child Development

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 two quarters and will require:

A minimum of 12 graded units, at Cal Poly, in CD and/or required PSY courses for CD majors (excluding CD 102) with a 3.5 GPA. If a student completes more than 12 units, all grades will be included and must meet the 3.5 major GPA

Two consecutive term GPA’s of 2.8 with at least 12 units per quarter.

No course grade during the two-quarter ICMA period may fall below a C–.

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.  

Comparative Ethnic Studies

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 two quarters and will require:

Cal Poly (CPSLO) GPA of 2.5 or two consecutive term GPA’s of 2.5 with at least 12 units per quarter.

Must complete at least two of the following ethnic studies courses: ES 112, ES 114, ES 252, ES 253, ES 254, ES 255, ES 256 (formally ES 212, ES 241, ES 242, ES 243, ES 244) ES 320, ES 321, ES 322 and/or ES 323 with a GPA of 3.0 or higher

English

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 two quarters and will require:

The completion of two ENGL courses, one of which must be a literature class, with a GPA of 3.0.

Cal Poly (CPSLO) GPA of 2.5 or two consecutive term GPAs of 2.7, with at least 12 units per quarter.

Graphic Communication

Due to high demand and limited faculty availability, the Graphic Communication Department is limited in the amount of change of major students

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 two quarters and will require:

Completed at least one of the following GRC courses: GRC 101, GRC 201 or GRC 211.

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.

ICMA with GRC is typically initiated in Fall and Winter quarters.

Desirable Criteria:

  • The following criteria are desired, but not required. Each student record is reviewed individually.
  • Have a CPSLO Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Have seven (7) or more General Education (GE) courses remaining.
  • Have earned 90 or fewer CPSLO cumulative units.

History

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 two quarters and will require:

Completion of at least three HIST courses at Cal Poly, with a major GPA of 3.2 or higher. (At least one class must be upper-division.)

Cal Poly (CPSLO) GPA of 2.8 or two consecutive term GPA’s of 2.8 with at least 12 units per quarter.

Interdisciplinary Studies

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 two quarters and will require:

Completion of ISLA 201 and one of: ES 112, HIST 206, HIST 216, ISLA 123, JOUR 219, JOUR 228, RELS 201, WGQS 201 or WGQS 210 with a GPA of 3.0 or higher

A 2.0 Cal Poly cumulative GPA or a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the most recent two consecutive quarters at Cal Poly with at least 12 units taken per quarter.

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 201, ISLA 255, ISLA 355, and ISLA 440 in order to prepare them to undertake an interdisciplinary research or creative project in ISLA 461: Senior Project.

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. 

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.

Music

Change of major process:

Step 1) Complete the Change of Major Inquiry form within you 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 quarter, 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 may include:

Grades in General Education (GE) Areas A, B1, B4 and C of at least C- and a current CP SLO GPA of at least 2.0.

Completion of at least two Cal Poly academic music classes earning grades of “B” or better (for example, MU 101 and MU 120).

Significant potential in a performance area recognized by the department. This potential will be assessed during a required audition.

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 two quarters and will require:

Completion of PHIL 230 and 231, with GPA for those courses of at least 2.5

Completion of area A3 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.

Political Science

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 two quarters and will require:

Must have a cumulative Cal Poly GPA of 2.8 or higher or you must have 3.2 or higher in both of the last two consecutive quarters, with a minimum of 12 units each quarter.

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 completed STAT 217 (or equivalent) with a grade of C- or better.

Psychology

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 two quarters and will require:

A minimum of 12 graded PSY units in two consecutive quarters while on the ICMA (excluding PSY 102).  

A 3.5 GPA in ALL PSY courses taken at Cal Poly, including:  

PSY courses taken prior to start of contract

PSY courses taken during the contract terms (even if more than the minimum 12 units)

PSY courses taken under the CD prefix.

Two consecutive term GPA’s of 2.8 with at least 12 units per quarter during the period on the ICMA.

 No course grade may fall below a C– during the period on the ICMA.

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. 

Spanish

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 two quarters and will require:

Cal Poly (CPSLO) GPA of 2.5 or two consecutive term GPA’s of 2.5 with at least 12 units per quarter.

At least one Spanish course at the SPAN 103 level or above, with a GPA of 2.75, or the equivalent level of proficiency, as determined by the department.

Theatre Arts

Change of major process:

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

Minimum Time - Students must complete at least one (1) quarter at Cal Poly before requesting a change of major;

Theatre classes - Students must take or have taken two different Cal Poly TH courses.

Minimum Theatre grades - 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;

Good Academic Standing - Students must have a cumulative Cal Poly GPA of at least 2.5 or last two term GPA’s of 2.5;

Timeframe - The ICMA must be completed in no more than two (2) quarters;