Unless you are coming to the university sure of your major, you should begin exploring options in your first year. Choosing General Education (GE) courses in the fields that you are considering is a great way to research your options. Meet with your academic advisor to discuss other activities to try and/or courses to take as you begin to make this very important decision.
Checklist for declaring or changing your major
Explore your options
- Take General Education (GE) courses to see what interests you
- Research different majors and their requirements
Gather information about the major
- Some departments require you to complete an overview session before you can declare the major
- Schedule an appointment with an advisor in the major your want to learn about the major's requirements
- Ask questions about prerequisites, GPA requirements, and any other admissions criteria
- Make sure you complete any required courses/prerequisites or achieve the necessary GPA before declaring your major
Declare your major
- Follow the steps provided by your department to officially declare your major
- Gather information about the what you need to do to succeed and thrive in the major
Consider additional studies and special programs
- If you're interested in more than one field, talk to your advisor about the possibility of pursuing a second major or dual degree
- Understand the requirements and decide if it's feasible for you
After declaring your major
Once you declare a new major, an advisor will enter it into your record. Expect to see your new listing (as a major or a pre-major) in your My Buckeye Link account the same day the advisor enters it.
Your new major or pre-major will be visible on your degree audit and in OnCourse the next business day
Download the helpful questions guide to help your prepare for your early advising appointments
Your advising report will display your new major next term
If you still have requirements to fulfill before you can be admitted to the major, some colleges will enroll you as a pre-major, but being a pre-major does not guarantee admission to the major
If you have questions about your specific situation, please schedule a meeting with your new advisor using "Other (My Advisor)" as the service when you schedule the appointment.
Helpful advising questions guide
Here are some helpful questions for your early advising meetings or major information session:
- Are there any prerequisites and/or admission requirements to this major? If so, what are they?
- What courses would you recommend I take to help me decide if this is the right major for me?
- What courses should I avoid scheduling together during the same term?
- How are your courses generally taught (e.g., lecture/lab/recitation)?
- Will you give me more about the following major courses: _____ besides what I can read in the description?
- What do your students do after graduation?
- Will there be additional fees by changing into your major?
- What types of internships are your students doing?
- How do I apply for credit for an internship and/or research?
- What are the first major courses you suggest I begin with?
- Are there particular points in your program when certain courses are required and/or recommended?
- Are there particular terms when critical courses are only offered?
- Are there times during my academic career when your department expects to see me for discussion about my career goals and preparation?
- What information can you share with me about graduate study in your field?
- Are there times during the academic career when you expect to see me to review my overall degree progress?
- What are electives and how can I best use them for what I want to do after graduation?
- Can you help with pre-law/pre-health/pre-education advising (if needed)?
- What is the process for applying to graduate? When should I apply to graduate?
- Can you tell me about common minors, certificates, double-majors or second degrees?
- How do I get transfer credit evaluated or pick a class to transfer back to Ohio State?
When you may want to change your major
- You are not interested in the courses you are taking for your major
- You are not doing well in your major courses
- You chose your major due to external pressures or you did not do your research
- You keep wondering what it would be like to major in something else
Changing your major may change your fees. Ask the advisor before making your decision.