Declaring or Changing a Major
How to declare or change a major
Declaring or changing a major is a relatively simple process. First ensure that the student has met the requirements for the new major. Most majors at Shippensburg University require students to have a 2.0 cumulative average to declare. However, some require certain courses to be completed and the impacted majors require a higher GPA. Therefore, it is always best to refer to the individual guides in the Guidebook for Undergraduate Advising or on the website (www.ship.edu/~APS, select Guidebook) to determine the qualifications students must meet before declaring.
Other than during scheduling, students may declare most majors any time during the semester. However, impacted majors can be declared only at the beginning of the semester. Specific guidelines for declaring impacted majors are listed below.
Students who meet the requirements for the major should go to their dean's office and pick up a change of major form. The form should then be taken to the major's departmental office for the chairperson's signature. Once the department chairperson has signed the form, it should be taken to the appropriate college dean's office for the new dean's signature. Once all signatures have been obtained, the form must be returned to the original dean's office where staff members will initiate and process the change for the student.
The following majors have specific requirements. Please refer to your guidebook for a complete listing of majors and academic programs.
Elementary Education:
- 3.0 GPA;
- Interview with department; and
- May be declared only in the first three weeks of each semester.
Secondary Education:
- 3.0 GPA; and
- May declare any time during the semester except during scheduling.
Biology:
- 2.5 - 3.0 GPA depending on track;
- Must have at least 15 credits completed;
- Grade of "C" or better in Principles of Biology I;
- Grade of "C" or better in Pre-Calculus, Calculus I, or Chemical Bonding; and
- Must be declared within the first three weeks of the semester.
Communication/Journalism:
- 2.3 GPA;
- Grade of "B" or better in College Writing or other College Writing class;
- Passing grade on department test given each semester (objective and essay); and
- Must be declared within the first three weeks of the semester.
Criminal Justice:
- 2.5 GPA; and
- Must be declared within the first three weeks of the semester.
Exercise Science :
- 2.5 GPA;
- Must have at least 15 credits completed;
- Grade of "C" or better in Principles of Biology I; and
- Must be declared within the first three weeks of the semester.
Social Work:
- 2.2 GPA (0-30 credits) 2.4 GPA (31-59 credits) 2.5 GPA (60 + credits); and
- Must be declared within the first three weeks of the semester.
Psychology:
- 2.3 GPA;
- Screening interview; and
- Must be declared within the first three weeks of the semester.
Business:
- 2.0 GPA;
- Grade of "C" or better in Finite Math and/or Applied Calculus; and
- Students must have a 2.0 cumulative grade point average in all of the 100/200 level business core courses they have completed.
