Admission to Your Major (2024)

Admission to your major is an important administrative step that officially designates your chosen field of study and the degree you will receive, and is a WSU requirement for graduation. Each academic unit will provide a specific pathway to the degree which outlines admission-to-the-major requirements as well as requirements to maintain eligibility to complete the major and degree.

How do I apply for admission to my major?

The process is simple and your academic advisor will help you complete the steps.

Beginning in the summer of 2020, incoming and transfer students will generally be admitted to their intended major during New Coug Orientation. Students who are uncertain of their major or who are not ready to declare a major will be enroll as a Deciding/Exploring student. Current students and those re-enrolling should contact their academic advisor to verify admission-to-the-major steps have been completed.

For degree programs with admission-to-the-major prerequisites, you can request admission once you have completed the appropriate requirements. Contact your advisor for more information. Program-specific details are available below and in the WSU Catalog, and overall WSU admission requirements are included in Academic Regulation #53.

Why do I need to do this?

  • Admission to the major is a WSU graduation requirement.
  • In some high-demand degree programs, upper-division courses are only open to admitted majors.
  • Departments may offer additional scholarship opportunities for admitted students.
  • Admitted students may also have additional opportunities to work with faculty mentors. Benefits include advice on potential careers, support for graduate degree programs, and participation in research projects. Your academic advisor can help you connect with available faculty.

What if I change my mind?

Most of the time, changing majors is also a relatively simple process. Begin by notifying your current advisor about your intent to change your major. Your current advisor will be able to connect you with an advisor in the new department and will help facilitate the transition.

What if I don’t know what I want to major in yet?

Dedicated advisors at the Academic Success and Career Center.are available to guide you through selecting aprimary academic area that matches your interests and strengths.

What are the specific requirements for admission each CAS degree?

Speak with your academic advisor for complete details:

Anthropology
Complete the Department of Anthropology’s declaration of intent.

Art
Requirements vary by degree option. Details available from a Department of Fine Arts advisor.

Biology
Successfully complete 24 semester credits in any coursework with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher; and complete the School of Biological Sciences’s request for admission.

Chemistry
Complete the Department of Chemistry’s declaration of intent.

Comparative Ethnic Studies
Complete the School of Languages, Cultures, and Race’s declaration of intent.

Criminal Justice
Successfully complete Criminal Justice 101; have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher; and complete the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology’s request for admission.

Data Analytics
Successfully complete 24 semester credits in any coursework with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, and complete the Data Analytics program’s request for admission.

Digital Technology & Culture
Successfully complete DTC 101 with a grade of ‘C’ or higher; have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher; and complete the Digital Technology and Culture program’s request for admission.

Earth & Environmental Sciences
Complete the School of the Environment’s declaration of intent.

English
Complete the Department of English’s declaration of intent.

Foreign Language
Complete the School of Languages, Cultures, and Race’s declaration of intent for your specific area of study.

Humanities
Complete the School of Languages, Cultures, and Race’s declaration of intent.

History
Successfully complete 24 semester credits in any coursework with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher for the general option or a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher for all other options; and complete the Department of History’s request for admission.

Human Biology
Complete the Department of Anthropology’s declaration of intent.

Mathematics
Successfully complete Math 171, Math 172, and Math 220; have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher; have a Math Core GPA of 2.5 or higher; and complete the Department of Mathematics and Statistics’s request for admission.

Music
Complete the School of Music’s declaration of intent.

Philosophy
Complete the School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affair’s declaration of intent.

Physics
Complete the Department of Physics and Astronomy’s declaration of intent.

Political Science
Complete the School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affair’s declaration of intent, including specialization option (general, global, or pre-law).

Psychology
Successfully complete Psychology 311 with a grade of ‘C-‘ or higher; have completed 30 semester credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher; and complete the Department of Psychology’s request for admission.

Sciences (General Studies)

  • Biological
    Complete the School of Biological Sciences’s declaration of intent.
  • Mathematics
    Complete the Department of Mathematics and Statistics’s declaration of intent.
  • Physical Sciences
    Complete the Department of Physics and Astronomy’s declaration of intent.

Social Sciences
Complete the School of Languages, Cultures, and Race’s declaration of intent.

Sociology
Complete the Department of Sociology’s declaration of intent.

Women’s Studies
Complete the Department of English’s declaration of intent.

Admission to Your Major (1)
Admission to Your Major (2024)

FAQs

How do you answer university admission questions? ›

Talk about what you've learned about the college and why you feel it's the right place for you. (Remember that you must research the college ahead of time to answer this type of question well.) Discuss extracurricular activities and achievements that show your interests and passions.

How to answer why your major question? ›

How to Answer “Why Did You Choose Your Major?”
  1. Introduce Your Reason With an Anecdote or Short Story. ...
  2. Show How You've Already Applied Knowledge and Skills From Your Major. ...
  3. Explicitly Connect Your Major to This Job.

How to answer why should we accept you into our college? ›

Your answer to this question should address what unique skills and experience you offer, and why you would be a good culture fit.

How to answer what are you looking for in a college? ›

College authorities want to know more about your academic interests and commitments. Talk about the specific educational, research, and other academic opportunities offered by the college that appeal to you. Expand on this idea by talking about how these opportunities help support your future goals.

How to answer college admission questions? ›

Here are some tips to help you ace your short answers:
  1. Don't repeat the question.
  2. Don't use unnecessarily large words. ...
  3. Answer honestly. ...
  4. Supplement your résumé. ...
  5. Always use details to bring even a short story to life.
  6. Don't be afraid of the word limit. ...
  7. Describe your personal growth. ...
  8. Be specific about each institution.

How do you explain why you choose your major? ›

How to answer the "Why did you choose your major?" interview question
  1. Connect your choice to your career goals. ...
  2. Give examples of skills you developed. ...
  3. Make connections between your major and the job. ...
  4. Highlight your decision-making process. ...
  5. Describe how you plan for the future. ...
  6. Show what you can add to the organization.
Jun 24, 2022

When someone asks what is your major What does it mean? ›

In College, What Is Your Major? Your major in college is the direction or focus that you study in your undergraduate program, with specific courses making up a 36 credit major. If you want to study Computer Science, for example, that is your major. Psychology students take Psychology as their major.

What are your major examples? ›

A major is the field of study you choose to pursue when completing your general education requirements in college. Examples of common majors include business administration, computer science, and psychology.

How to convince universities to accept you? ›

  1. Most colleges consider grades and class rigor top factors in the admissions process.
  2. High SAT/ACT scores can impress admissions committees, even at test-optional schools.
  3. Students can demonstrate interest by applying early decision and visiting the campus.

How to answer why are you interested in this university? ›

Be Specific. If a school supplement asks “why do you want to attend this university?” don't just say “because it's a great school,” or “because my parents went there.” Be as detailed as possible to demonstrate your knowledge of the institution and the aspects of the college and campus life that draw you to it.

What is your greatest weakness answer sample? ›

Sample Answer: “My greatest weakness is that I'm too critical of myself and often feel like I'm not giving my best or like I disappoint the people I work with. This has often led me to overwork myself, burn out, or feel inferior to my coworkers, although my supervisors never complained about my performance.

What makes you unique college answer? ›

Think about your background-are you a first-generation college student? Do you come from a multilingual, multi-religion, or otherwise multicultural family? Has this impacted you? Generally, if you think of the little things, they're what make you unique.

How to answer what will you contribute to our college? ›

Reflect on your unique strengths, experiences, and interests, and consider how they align with the college's community. Ensure your response is genuine, concise, and memorable by highlighting the specific skills and qualities that make you a valuable addition.

What to ask in a college admissions interview? ›

What Are Good College Interview Questions to Ask?
  • What did you study and why did you enjoy it? ...
  • What advice would you give to an incoming freshman? ...
  • What sets this school apart from others? ...
  • How would you describe the college's academic culture? ...
  • How would you describe the college's extracurricular environment?

How to answer why have you chosen this university? ›

Instead, focus on why it was your only choice. Maybe it offered a comprehensive scholarship program, the campus was close to your hometown or going there was a family tradition. Lead with that and then explain the additional benefits you've gained during your time there.

How do you respond to a university acceptance letter? ›

How to respond to a college acceptance letter
  1. Add your contact information. In the header of your letter, add your contact information. ...
  2. Create a subject line. ...
  3. Include a professional opening. ...
  4. State your intent to enroll. ...
  5. Thank the recipient. ...
  6. Include a closing.
Jul 24, 2023

What is the best answer for "Tell me about yourself"? ›

The best way to answer "Tell me about yourself" is with a brief highlight-summary of your experience, your education, the value you bring to an employer, and the reason you're looking forward to learning more about this next job and the opportunity to work with them.

How do you introduce yourself in a university admission interview? ›

How To Answer The 'Tell Me About Yourself' Question In A College Interview?
  1. Provide an informal introduction. ...
  2. Talk about family and upbringing. ...
  3. Mention your general activities. ...
  4. Talk about quantifiable achievements. ...
  5. Give some unique personal information. ...
  6. Explain why this opportunity is important for you.
Mar 7, 2023

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