Mass Communications Change of Major
Changing your major is a significant academic decision, and it is more common than many students expect. Interests evolve, career goals sharpen, and sometimes a major that seemed like the right fit early on no longer aligns with where you are headed. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences supports students through this transition and wants you to graduate in a program that genuinely matches your goals.
Before submitting a Change of Major form, it is strongly recommended that you meet with an advisor in both your current department and the department of your intended new major. These conversations help you understand how your existing coursework applies to the new program, what additional courses you will need, and how the change may affect your graduation timeline.
How to Change Your Major
The Change of Major process requires completing the official form and obtaining the necessary approvals. Here is how the process works:
- Meet with advisors in both departments. Talk to your current advisor about the implications of leaving your current program, and meet with an advisor or faculty member in your prospective new major to review requirements and fit.
- Complete the Change of Major The form is available from the Office of the Registrar. You will need to provide your current major, your requested new major, your student ID, and a reason for the change.
- Obtain required signatures. The form typically requires sign-off from your current department or advisor and approval from the new department. Dean approval may also be required depending on your
- Submit the completed Return the signed form to the Office of the Registrar for processing.
- Follow up to confirm the change. Check your student portal after submission to confirm the major change has been reflected in your academic record.
What to Know Before You Change
Changing your major can have meaningful consequences for your academic progress and financial situation. Consider the following before proceeding:
- Graduation timeline: Courses you have completed may not all count toward the new major's Depending on how far along you are, changing majors could add one or more semesters to your program.
- Credit applicability: Some courses transfer directly to the new major as required or elective credit. Others may count only as general electives or not at all toward your new program
- Financial aid: Major changes generally do not affect financial aid directly, but extending your time to graduation increases total credit hours attempted, which can affect Satisfactory Academic Progress standards and the 150% maximum timeframe for aid eligibility.
- Scholarships: Some scholarships are tied to specific majors or departments. Confirm whether your scholarships have major-specific conditions before changing.
- Competitive programs: Some majors within the college have additional admission requirements or minimum GPA thresholds for entry. Confirm eligibility for your intended new major before beginning the paperwork.
After Your Major Is Changed
Once your major change is processed, your degree audit will update to reflect your new program requirements. Schedule a follow-up advising appointment in your new department to review the updated audit, develop a revised academic plan, and confirm your path to graduation.
Your advisor assignment may also change following a major change, depending on how advisors are assigned in your new department. The advising office will inform you of any changes to your advisor assignment. Download the Change of Major from located on the Office of Registrar website under Forms.
Contact Information
Office of the Registrar Phone: (804) 524-5275
Department of Mass Communications Phone: (804-524-5000