peer advisor

When do I have to declare my major?

Students normally apply for acceptance to a major in a department or program after the close of Drop/Add in the spring semester of their sophomore year (around February). Exceptions are the College of East Asian Studies (CEAS), College of Letters (COL), and College of Social Studies (CSS) which accept applicants at the end of the first year. You will receive information from your class dean outlining steps and instructions for major declaration.

To ensure major preference in April course registration, students are generally advised to declare their majors by March. If you are worried about not meeting this deadline, you can certainly meet with your class dean!

 

How do I submit my request electronically?

You are able to submit a major request via EP>Student>Academic Career>Major/Minor/Cert Declaration. You can select your major of interest in the dropdown menu. Clicking the “Submit Major” button sends your request to the department and you will receive an automated email which may include additional information and/or detailed steps to declare the major. The e-portfolio tool does NOT replace any declaration requirements that may also be required.

 

When will I know if I get admitted to a major?

If the department approves your request, you will be able to view it on the “Major/Minor/Cert Declaration” page in your e-portfolio.

 

What are my options?

Wesleyan offers 45 majors, 14 minors, and 12 certificates. The complete list can be found here.

Some majors are interdepartmental, including the University Major Program which allows students to design a program that responds to their individual interests and aptitudes. More information can be found here.

If you are still unsure about what you want to pursue academically, the University has compiled a guide to choosing and declaring a major.

 

What are the requirements to declare a major?

Eligibility requirements are set by the department, program, or college, so you must consult the specific department, program, or college website before declaring a major. You are also strongly encouraged to consult faculty members and Department Peer Advisors. Major requirements are usually explained in terms of necessary credits and necessary courses or distribution of courses.

 

Do I need to complete the Gen Ed expectations before declaring a major?

Prospective Government and Psychology majors must satisfy the Stage I of Gen Ed at the time of admission to the major.

Prospective Music majors who have not taken enough courses outside of the Music Department may be refused entry into the major.

Art Studio and CSS majors are expected to fulfill Gen Ed expectations by the end of the junior year.

German Studies Department strongly recommends majors to fulfill Gen Ed expectations.

 

I’m still completing my prerequisites/Gen Ed expectations for my intended major, what should I do?

You can submit a major deferral form.

 

Can I declare more than one major?

Yes, but you should consider how this will impact your academic career at Wesleyan. A student with multiple majors may not be able to pursue additional interests within the diverse Wesleyan curriculum. Note that you can only declare a combination of up to three majors, minors, and certificates.

 

When can I declare a minor or certificate?

Once you have an approved major, you may submit a minor/certificate request via your e-portfolio. You can do this any time before graduation. Many students choose to declare a minor/certificate once they have fulfilled all the requirements. However, by declaring a minor/certificate, you will get assigned an advisor who can help you plan your course of study.

 

How can I declare a minor or certificate?

Minor and certificate declaration process is also handled through the Electronic Portfolio. You will be able to submit minor/certificate requests by navigating to the “Major/Minor/Cert Declaration” link (under the “Academic Career” bucket). Clicking the “Submit Minor” or “Submit Certificate” button sends a message to the department and you will receive an automated email message. Note that you may be required to submit additional information in order to gain approval from the department.