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Declaring a Major or Minor

At UCM, you must declare a major before you reach 90 total units.

See a complete list of majors in the current Catalog.

  • Select Academic Programs in the left column.

 

If you are undeclared, you must declare a major before you can declare a minor.

Minors are not required but are a great option for students with multiple interests.

  • If you are interested in a minor, you must declare the minor before reaching 90 units.
  • Minors are offered in some areas in which majors are not available.

See a complete list of minors in the current Catalog.

  • Select Academic Programs in the left column.

 

All requirements for your major, minor, and degree must be completed within the maximum terms allowed at UC Merced:

  • School of Engineering:  maximum 10 semesters
    • This does not include optional summer sessions.
  • School of Natural Sciences:  maximum 9 semesters
    • This does not include optional summer sessions.
  • School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts:  maximum 9 semesters
    • This does not include optional summer sessions.

If you are concerned about making progress in your major or graduating on time (or early), Summer Session may be a great option!

 

For an undeclared student to declare a major:

1.  Starting August 2023, first semester first years are allowed to declare a major without completing any specific courses.

2.  For first years in your second semester:  complete at least one full semester (fall or spring) at UC Merced and have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher.  Some majors will have additional requirements that must be met to declare that major:

3.  If you are in your third semester or after, you must build a draft graduation plan in MyDegreePath (MDP) before you submit a Major Change Form.

  • Connect with your BAC academic advisor if you have questions as you build your plan.
  • Your draft graduation plan must prove how you can complete your major and all degree requirements within the maximum number of semesters allowed.
  • Summer session does not count toward the maximum semesters allowed.  Taking summer classes could help you stay on track to graduate on time.

4.  After you have built a draft graduation plan in MDP, submit a Major Change Form..

 

For an undeclared student to declare a minor:

1.  Declare your major.

2.  After you see your new major reflected on your UCM record, submit a Minor Change Form.

 

General timeline for major and minor changes to appear on your record:

Starting August 2023, major and minor change forms are processed by the School and the Office of the Registrar year-round.

It may take 2-4 weeks for changes to be reflected on your UCM record.