Declare or Change a Major

Major Declaration Form

Declared primary majors will have priority enrolling in some of the major classes (see notes in Albert for details). Priority registration does not apply to second majors.

Deadline for Declaring or Changing a Major 

Students can declare or change their majors typically three weeks before the registration week (see registration date on the Academic Calendar). 

Spring 2024 Semester: 5 pm, Friday, March 22nd  (Shanghai Time) 

Fall 2024 Semester: TBD

Processing Times

The advising office reviews the major declaration/change requests once per semester before registration starts. If your request is submitted before the deadline above, your request will be posted at least one day before the registration starts (see registration dates on the academic calendar). Requests submitted after the deadline will be reviewed before the next registration cycle. For example, if you submit the request after the Spring semester deadline above, your major request will be reviewed and processed in the Fall semester. 

Primary Major Declaration 

  • Students must have a final grade of C, or currently enrolled in a designated prerequisite course for the major (see major websites for the prerequisite course).
  • Students may declare a major when completed or enrolled in at least 32 credits (typically when registering for fall of their second year), and a major should be declared prior to completion of 64 credits ((typically registering for fall of their third year).

Secondary Major Declaration

  • Students need to successfully complete more than half of the courses required for the primary and secondary majors.
  • Students should present their four-year plan that demonstrates they can complete all degree requirements to their academic advisor for review.

Late Major Declaration or Change

Any major declaration or major change after the sophomore year requires a petition process. Students petition through their academic advisor for approval by the Area Head for the major which the student wishes to join, and final approval by the relevant Dean for the new major. The petition should show how the student can graduate in a reasonable amount of time and how the student has the ability to be successful in the required major courses. The same petition process is required for students seeking to switch their primary and secondary major.

 

Major Declaration FAQs
1. When can I declare my major?

Typically students can start declaring their major when registering for the fall of their second year (see details in the primary major declaration section above). Students must declare their major when registering for the fall of their third year.

2. What if I miss my major declaration deadline?

If you miss the above deadlines, your request will be reviewed before the next registration cycle. For example, if you submit the request after the Spring semester deadline above, your major request will be reviewed and processed in the Fall semester. 

3. Secondary Major Frequently Asked Questions

a) Should I pursue a double major?

Pursuing double majors can be a great way to fulfill your intellectual interests and gain depth in two academic disciplines. However, it is a significant commitment that should be considered and planned for carefully. In pursuing a second major, students may limit their elective options, internship, research experience and etc.

You may schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss your academic interests. It is required for students who intend to pursue a double major to complete their four-year plan.

b) I am no longer interested in pursuing my secondary major. How can I drop the second major?

If you no longer intend to pursue a second major that has been posted on your transcript, you may email the Shanghai Registrar Office at shanghai.registrar@nyu.edu to drop the second major and copy your academic advisor.

Information for Advisors [Log-in Required]