Declaring or Changing Majors

The College for Creative Studies (CCS) recognizes that students may wish to declare or change academic majors as their educational and professional goals evolve. Students may change majors within their current degree type or from one degree type to another degree type by following the procedures outlined below.

Definition of Degree Type

CCS offers three undergraduate degree types:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Design (BDes)

A change from one degree type to another constitutes a significant curricular change and may impact degree requirements, time to completion, financial aid eligibility, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), and transferability of credits.

Undeclared Students

Undeclared status is designed to support students who are exploring and preparing to declare a major within CCS BFA programs only. 

Students intending to pursue a BA or BDes program should work closely with the Academic Advising and Registration Office (AARO) to determine the most appropriate academic pathway and timing for declaration.

Declaring or Changing a Major

Students who are undeclared and wish to declare a major, students who wish to change majors within their current degree type, or students seeking to change from one degree type to another degree type must complete the following process:

1. Meet with a staff advisor in the Academic Advising and Registration Office (AARO) to discuss academic plans, degree requirements, anticipated time to completion, and any potential impact on financial aid or Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Students are encouraged to make any changes prior to registering for the upcoming semester.
2. Complete and sign the Change of Major form.
3. Meet with the Chair of the department the student intends to enter. The Chair will review the student’s academic record, determine applicability of completed coursework toward the proposed program, and approve or deny the request.
4. The receiving department may require additional materials or review processes, including but not limited to:
   • Portfolio review
   • Interview
   • Minimum GPA requirements
   • Completion of prerequisite coursework
5. If approved, the Department Chair and/or Program Manager will sign and forward the completed Change of Major form to the Academic Advising and Registration Office for processing.

Additional Considerations

• Not all previously completed coursework may apply toward the new major or degree requirements
• Students changing majors or degree types may be required to complete additional coursework, which could extend the time needed to graduate.
• All attempted coursework will continue to count toward the maximum timeframe calculation for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
• A change of major or degree type may impact financial aid eligibility, scholarship eligibility, visa requirements, or veteran benefits.
• Students are responsible for understanding the academic and financial implications associated with changing majors or degree types