Changing Your Major

How to sign up for a change of major workshop

1. Log onto your Cal Poly Portal. Click on the ACADEMICS tab. Click on the "change of major" link on the bottom right of the page.

2. Select box labeled "I want to attend a change of major workshop". Select ONE major from the drop down menu and click "submit".

3. Select the workshop you want to attend.

4. Click "sign up" to confirm the workshop you want to attend.

• If you try to sign up for a workshop and it says it is full, we suggest that you still show up. We will try our best to accommodate all students that show up for a workshop.
• If there are not any more workshops available for this term, or you have any follow up questions about change of major, please contact the Mustang Success Center in building 52 or call at 805-756-6211.
• Further details on changing your major to a specific major can be found on the advising website within that respective college. We encourage students to look at these requirements and bring their questions to the workshop. The workshop will provide a path for the next steps.

Anthropology-Geography

If a student is granted an ICMA, it will not exceed two quarters and will require:

• The completion of three courses (ANT or GEOG) with the major GPA of 3.0 (may include STAT 217).
• A Cal Poly cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better, or a term GPA of 2.7 or better in each of the last two consecutive quarters.

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

Art and Design

Change of Major Process

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

Step 2) The Art & Design department office will contact the student within 10 academic days to schedule appointment with department chair.

Step 3) Meet with department chair and create an ICMA contract. The ICMA contract must be created by the end of the third week of the quarter. Part of the contract states that the student has to submit a portfolio in the quarter that the ICMA is created. Portfolios are only accepted Fall and Spring quarter. Students interested in changing their major to Art & Design should begin reviewing the department’s portfolio requirements for their desired concentration as soon as possible.

If a student is granted an ICMA, it will not exceed two quarters and will require:

• Submit and pass portfolio during the first quarter of the ICMA; and
• Cal Poly (CPSLO) GPA of 2.7 or two consecutive term GPA's of 2.7 with at least 12 units for each quarter of the ICMA
• Completion of any assigned ART classes with a major GPA of 2.7

Step 4) The department office staff will provide the student with portfolio submission dates and directions on how to digitally submit a portfolio. There is a $10 fee to use the online portfolio submission service; this fee does not go to the department.

Step 5) 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 6) Students will be notified via their Cal Poly email if the portfolio was accepted by the end of the quarter in which the portfolio was submitted.

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

Child Development

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–.

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

Communication Studies

If a student is granted an ICMA, it will not exceed two quarters and will require:

• The completion of three COMS courses with a major GPA of 3.0
• Cal Poly (CPSLO) GPA of 2.9 or two consecutive term GPA’s of 3.2 with at least 12 units per quarter.

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

Comparative Ethnic Studies

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

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

English

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 2.7 with at least 12 units per quarter.
• Completion of at least two English literature classes at Cal Poly, with a GPA of 3.5 or higher in ALL English classes taken at Cal Poly. Note: A1 and A3 are prerequisites for any English literature course.

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

Graphic Communication

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

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.

 

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

 

History

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.

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

Interdisciplinary Studies

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.

• Awareness that Interdisciplinary Studies majors cannot double major and that the degree cannot be used to replicate an existing major.

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

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

Journalism

If a student is granted an ICMA, it will not exceed two quarters and will require:

• Credit for freshman composition, ENGL 134 or the equivalent, with a grade of B- or better.
• Completion of JOUR 203 Writing for the Media with a grade of B- or better.
• Completion of one additional journalism course, in consultation with the department chair, with a grade of B- or better.
• Cal Poly (CPSLO) GPA of 2.7 or two consecutive term GPA’s of 2.8 with at least 12 units per quarter.

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

Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies

• Minimum Entrance Requirements to be completed prior to an ICMA:
  • Meet with Sabrina Canady or Katie Harris in the CLA Advising Center to develop an academic plan.
  • Completed Calculus 1 (MATH 141), Calculus II (MATH 142), and General Physics (PHYS 141) with a minimum grade of “C” in each class.
  • Second year with at least sophomore standing (45+ units completed).

• If a student is granted an ICMA, it will not exceed two quarters and will require:

  • Must have completed all ICMA courses and have received a grade of “C” or better in each. These may include engineering courses.

  • Must have a 2.5 GPA in the current term, CPSLO cumulative, and Higher Ed cumulative.

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

Music

Change of major process:

Step 1) Complete the Change of Major Inquiry form within 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.

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

Philosophy

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.

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

Political Science

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.

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

Psychology

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.

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

Sociology

If a student is granted an ICMA, it will not exceed two quarters and will require:

• The completion of three SOC major courses with the major GPA of 3.0 (may include STAT 217). 
• A Cal Poly cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, or a term GPA of 3.0 or better in each of the last two consecutive quarters.

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

Spanish

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.

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

Theatre Arts

Step 1: Investigating a Change of Major

Meet with the Theatre and Dance Department Chair to determine the likelihood of success in the Theatre major; what is your commitment to the discipline, as well as your career aspirations? How do you see yourself being a successful member of the Theatre program? Review the curriculum requirements for the Theatre major.

Step 1a: Request a Change of Major 

Provide written answers to the following three change of major prompts:

1. How do you think our Theatre program can prepare you for the type of career/post-graduation work you’re interested in pursuing?
2. 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?
3. 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.

Change of Major Prompt responses along with the cover sheet (available in department office), list of experience(s), and Poly Profile printout should then be submitted to the Theatre & Dance Department Chair, who, in turn, will then present it to the Departmental faculty & staff.

If the student receives a positive assessment (via written materials), then the student will be notified and an Individualized Change of Major Criteria (see below) 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 2: Individualized Change of Major Agreement ICMA Criteria

Theatre and Dance Department ICMA Requirements:

• 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 (12.00) 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;

 

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

How to submit an eligibility inquiry form for the first time

1. Log onto your Cal Poly Portal. Click on the ACADEMICS tab. Click on the "change of major" link on the bottom right of the page.

2. Select box labeled "I want to submit a change of major inquiry form". Select ONE major from the drop down menu and click submit box.

3. Complete the eligibility inquiry form.

• Each response has a 2000 character limit, including whitespace. Exceeding the character limit will result in the inability to submit your inquiry.

Once you have submitted an inquiry form, you will receive a confirmation email from success@calpoly.edu. The subject line of the confirmation email will read, “Change of Major Inquiry Form Received”.

The change of major coordinator for your desired major will evaluate your eligibility and inform you of your status within 10 academic business days.

After submitting an eligibility inquiry form

View/Edit the status of your inquiry:

Log onto your Cal Poly Portal. Click on the Academics tab. Click on the "change of major" link.

You can view the status of your inquiry under the Change of Major Inquiry Form Details portlet. The default status of a new inquiry is “Requires Attention”. This status indicates that an inquiry form has been submitted.

The Change of Major Coordinator will evaluate your eligibility and update your status within 10 academic business days to one of the following:

• Eligible: Student meets initial change of major requirements to proceed to next steps of developing an Individualized Change of Major Agreement (ICMA) as outlined in the email from the Change of Major Coordinator.
• Not Eligible: Student does not meet initial change of major requirements to proceed to next steps for developing an ICMA. An advisors from the Mustang Success Center will reach out to the student to help determine next steps.
• Pending Further Action: Student eligibility for an ICMA is dependent on additional information. Student must proceed with next steps as outlined in the email from the Change of Major Coordinator.

You will be notified by your Cal Poly email account within 10 academic business days of updated status and the next steps you will need to take. Follow the directions outlined in the email.

A student can only have one (1) active inquiry form. In order to submit a new inquiry form for a different major, the student will either need to a.) withdraw their current inquiry form through their portlet or b.) be deemed “not eligible” by the Change of Major Coordinator.

You can withdraw your inquiry at any time during the inquiry process by clicking the “Withdraw” button under the Change of Major Inquiry Form Details portlet.

To confirm the withdrawal of your inquiry, click the “Yes, Withdraw” button in the pop-up window.

Once an inquiry has been withdrawn, the status of that inquiry will be listed as “WITHDRAWN_BY_STUDENT”.

To submit a new inquiry, click the “Start New Inquiry” button under the Change of Major Inquiry Form Details portlet.