can i change majors after TAGing ?

kmazza
Sun, 19 Sep 2010 00:33:30 +0000

UC’s accept that not everyone has a clear understanding of what they want to major in. That is one reason why they would rather many students attend a CCC first so they are more prepared and have a better idea.

Lets take Cal for example…they don’t care how long it takes to transfer to upper division but when you get there they want you out in two years. It is fine to say claim Engineering-Undeclared and take an EE class but find out after a semester you would rather do comp sci. As you mentioned the majority of lower division math, chem, and physics is standard but engineering paths are quite distinct. If one waited to say senior year status to change major there is high probability it would be rejected.

It is not fine if you wanted to be in the CoE but claimed a major with L&S. It would be very easy to catch that since you have to fill out a change of major form and write a petition by February to be reviewed. Many instructors and admins have dealt with students for years and know many if not all of the moderately clever games students try.

On the state level CalPoly is the same way as they ideally want you out in two years or your butt is taking up a potential seat. They actually have an interesting way of dealing with the issue. One reason is because it is a Poly-Tech Institute and another is due to students trying to switch from one major to another. What they do is have a particular major lets say for example Earth Science. Maybe I decide after I am accepted I want to switch to Engineering…well that would be out of the question but I would be allowed to take engineering classes still. Ok, well what if I did 2 quarters and decided maybe I wanted to change my major to geology, geography, environmental science or what have you. What they do is only offer certain majors ie Earth Science and all the rest such as the ones just listed are only available as a minor.