When and How to Declare Your Major

You must declare or defer declaring your first major by the end of your 4th full-time semester. You should plan to declare any additional majors or minors as early as possible. After you have applied to graduate, you might not be able to declare additional majors or minors. Additionally, some majors and minors may have earlier deadlines.

1. Visit your major department’s website

• Check your department's website to make sure you have completed all of the prerequisites.
• Look for special instructions – some departments have a unique process, so make sure you know what steps they require.
• Make note of any deadlines for declaring the major.
   

2. Reach out to the Departmental Contact for your major if required, or if you have questions

• Your major department’s website will include contact information for someone you can reach out to with questions about declaring the major.
• If you are required to contact the department ahead of time, or if you have any questions about the major, email the indicated contact with your information and details about your questions.
   

3. Submit the Declaration of Major Form

• When you’re ready and have met any prerequisites, submit your Declaration of Major form.
• If your intended major requires an application, don’t submit the form until you are instructed to do so.
   

4. Monitor your UVA email

• You’ll get a confirmation email from CollegeForms@virginia.edu right after you submit your declaration. This lets you know that your declaration is in progress.
• You can expect to receive a response from the department which may include important information for you. Be sure to follow any instructions in the response you receive from the department. During the Fall and Spring semesters, you should receive a response in 5 business days. Otherwise, you should receive a response in 10 business days.

You will get one last email from CollegeForms@virginia.edu when your request is closed, letting you know if it was approved or denied. If your declaration was denied, the email will tell you why. If your declaration was approved, you’ll see it in SIS immediately and in Stellic within 24 hours. [Link Card to Declaration of Major and Minor – Form and Instructions]

If your desired major requires an application, this will be noted on the major department website. Please follow their application instructions and contact the department’s Director of Undergraduate Programs with questions. 

Once you have applied, wait until you are instructed by the department to submit your major declaration form.

If you cannot declare your intended major after your 4th semester, you can defer your major declaration through the end of your 5th semester with permission from the major’s department and your Advising Dean. You can also discuss your plans with your Advising Dean. You cannot defer past the end of your 5th semester.

No. You cannot begin a 6th full-time semester without declaring your first major. If you can’t declare your major by this time, make an appointment with your Advising Dean as soon as possible.

Yes! College students can complete up to two majors. Review these policies regarding double majors and minors.

Review these College policies regarding majors.