Majors
Choosing a major is one of the most important, and sometimes most difficult, academic decisions students will make during their college careers. There may be many possible choices of major that would provide preparation for a given career. The section on Degrees, Options, Minors and Certificates in this Catalog shows the many choices available and where to find information in each. Many departments have additional information posted on their web pages, accessible from the university's home page. Students are encouraged to interview faculty in possible majors and to seek the help of academic and student services professionals to assist them in making this important decision.
Declaration of a Major
CSULB students must meet precise major specific criteria in order to declare a major. While freshmen are admitted directly into some majors, many majors require that students begin as pre-majors and then declare the major if and when they complete the major specific criteria. All students must have a declared major by the time they reach 60 earned units (PS 06-04). This applies to students who are Undeclared or are currently in a pre-major.
Except for "Highly Impacted" majors, native CSULB students can declare a major if they meet the major specific minimum cumulative GPA and required lower division preparation. There are limitations on the ability to add a second major or to add/change degree objectives based on the following policies - Academic Progress Rules for Undergraduate Programs and Timely Graduation for Undergraduate Students
Steps for Pre-majors to Declare the Major
Students who are in a pre-major must meet major-specific criteria in order to declare the major; therefore, the student should review the criteria in Major Specific Declaration Requirements for CSULB Students carefully. The student can check progress towards satisfying the pre-major requirements by reviewing his/her Academic Requirements Report available in ‘Academics Section’ of the Student Center in MyCSULB. Be aware that "Highly Impacted" majors are very competitive and have additional requirements. If the major specific criteria is satisfied, meet with the department academic advisor to begin the process. If the major advisor supports the request, the advisor will electronically submit the request to the Office of Enrollment Services. Please note that CSULB's Academic Progress Rules for Undergraduate Programs policy may affect a student's ability to continue in his/her degree objective.
