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Changing Your Major

Major Specific Criteria

You must complete at least one quarter at Cal Poly before entering an Individualized Change of Major Agreement (ICMA).

Before you start

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Read the policy

Review Cal Poly’s Change of Major policy before you submit an inquiry.

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One attempt per major 

You may not be eligible to request that same major more than once.

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Graduate on time

You must be able to graduate in a timely manner.

A quarter-by-quarter graduation plan may be required.

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Know the terms

COM = Change of Major

ICMA = Individualized Change of Major Agreement

change of major steps

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#1. Research your options

Explore majors, degree requirements, and career fit before entering an ICMA.

Research your options

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#2. Review major-specific criteria

Each CLA major has its own ICMA requirements you must complete while on an approved ICMA.

Review criteria

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#3. Submit inquiry form

Submit a Change of Major Eligibility/Inquiry Form for one intended major.

Submit the inquiry

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#4. Watch your Cal Poly email

A Change of Major Coordinator will respond with your status and next steps.

Watch your Cal Poly email

#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

Workshop Schedule

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#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).

Find major

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#3. Submit your inquiry in the Portal

Checklist

  1. Log into the Cal Poly Portal → Academics → Change of Major
  2. Select: “Submit a Change of Major Inquiry Form”
  3. Choose one intended major and submit

Key Notes

  1. Each response has a 2000-character limit (including spaces)
  2. You can have one active inquiry at a time
  3. You can withdraw your inquiry in the Portal if you need to start a new one

#4. Change of Major Communication

What confirmation should I expect after submitting?

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.

How long does it take to get a response?

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.

What do “Eligible,” “Not Eligible,” and “Pending Further Action” mean?
  • 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.

What if I don’t hear back?

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.

Appeal Process

ICMA Appeal Process Policy

Individualized Change of Major Agreement (ICMA) Appeal Process (updated July 9, 2026)

This appeal process applies after a final decision has been made to approve or deny a student's request to change majors at the completion of the term when a student was on an Individualized Change of Major Agreement (ICMA).
 
The first and often most successful opportunity for resolving concerns about a denied change of major request occurs at the department level. Students should first contact the academic department offering the major to discuss the basis for the decision and ensure they understand how the department's published eligibility criteria and ICMA requirements were applied.
 
If the student's concerns cannot be resolved through the department, the student may request a meeting with the College of Liberal Arts Associate Dean for Student Success. The Associate Dean will review the student's concerns, provide guidance regarding applicable college and university policies, and determine whether the department's change of major process was followed appropriately.
 
Students who continue to feel aggrieved after working with both the academic department and the Associate Dean for Student Success may submit an Academic Petition appeal in accordance with the university's Academic Petition process. Information about the Academic Petition appeal process, including instructions and deadlines, is available on the Academic Programs website at: https://academicprograms.calpoly.edu/content/academic-petition-appeals.

Related resources

Mustang Success Center Double major criteria Change of Major Workshop Dates Career Services

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.

View Workshop Dates Meet with the Mustang Success Center