Texas A&M University Undergraduate Studies

Academic Programs

If you plan to change majors, you must make a request to the academic college, department, or major you want to transfer into by submitting a change of major request form; you can do this online in at howdy.tamu.edu. 

Departments have different policies and requirements (i.e. maximum amount of hours, GPA requirements or course requirements) needing to be completed before accepting applicants. 

DISCLAIMER: The change of major requirements posted on the Undergraduate Studies website are subject to change at any time without notice.  Information is updated annually, or as notified.  Ultimately, it is the student’s responsibility to verify all academic requirements with the department’s website or advisor. 

Am I allowed to change my major?

I am an incoming freshman

Incoming/first-semester students can change their major:

  • Prior to confirming admission to the University;
  • Up to one week prior to your New Student Conference
  • 10 days prior to the start of the semester through day five (add/drop deadline)
  • Changes after census (12th class day) will be effective the following semester.

 

How to Change Your Major Before or After You’ve Attended Your New Student Conference

  • Prior to confirming admission or up to one week prior to your New Student Conference (NSC):  You can request a change of major either through the Howdy Portal/Applicant tab/ Manage Applications or the AIS Contact Us feature – subject Change of Major. Majors that are full will not be displayed in Howdy. 
  • After attending your NSC: Students who have completed their New Student Conference may seek a change of curriculum beginning their first term as first-time-in-college students starting ten business days before the first day of regular classes and continuing through the fifth day of regular classes if allowed by the receiving college. After the fifth day of regular classes, first-term first-time-in-college students will not be allowed to seek a change of curriculum until they have completed one term of full admission and enrollment with earned grades.
I am a continuing student
Continuing Students can change their major after completing one term of full admission and full-time enrollment:
  • Review change of major requirements set forth by prospective major.
  • Meet with an advisor in the intended major or college
  • Submit an application by the appropriate deadline
I am transferring into Texas A&M
Prospective students interested in transferring to Texas A&M should follow instructions on the Office of Admissions Transfer Student information page.

FAQs

When will I find out if my change of major application was accepted?
Students must be notified of a decision regarding their change of curriculum request after the posting of final grades.  The Dean or designee will determine the effective date of the curriculum change (per Texas A&M University Student Rule 5 Change of Curriculum).
Can I meet with an academic advisor for my intended major?
Yes, it is highly recommended that you meet with an academic advisor in your intended major first before making a decision to change majors. Academic advisors are located in academic departments and colleges. If you don't know who your advisor is, you can find the contact info on our Find My Advisor page.
Can I change my major if I have been accepted to Texas A&M but have not begun classes yet?

Prior to your New Student Conference (NSC)

You can request a change of major through the Office of Admissions.  Majors that are full will not be available to change into.

Changing your major at NSC

Students may seek a change of curriculum into open and available majors when they check in for their NSC. Students must meet with an academic advisor in Transition Academic Programs and provide proof of advising before the change of curriculum is processed by the Office of Admissions.

Already attended my NSC

Students who have completed their New Student Conference may seek a change of curriculum beginning their first term as first-time-in-college students starting ten business days before the first day of regular classes and continuing through the fifth day of regular classes if allowed by the receiving college. After the fifth day of regular classes, first-term first-time-in-college students will not be allowed to seek a change of curriculum until they have completed one term of full admission and enrollment with earned grades.

Can my application be submitted by the deadline but a decision held until final grades are posted?
Yes. Students must be notified of a decision regarding their request on or before 10 business days after posting of final grades.
How can I check the status of my application decision if I have not heard back yet?

Go to Howdy to the Change of Major request portlet. In there, you will see the status in the pending tab.

Howdy portlet pending request screenshot
Information about minors
A minor is a concentration of courses that focus on a single area or an interdisciplinary perspective developed by the department or program that offers the minor. The department or program offering the minor is responsible for setting enrollment limits and deciding which courses are used to meet the minor. Coursework consists of 15-18 hours with a minimum of 6 in residence at the 300-400 level. (Texas A&M University Student Rule 14.16).
 
  • Students must declare a minor no later than the date on which they apply for graduation.
  • A maximum of two minors can be completed by students.
  • A minor is displayed on the transcript after graduation but is not displayed on the diploma.