Declaring a Degree, Major, and Minor

When do you declare your major at Cornell?

College policy requires all sophomores and all junior transfers to declare their degree programs and majors by December 1.  

You declare your major(s) and minor(s) after consulting with your departmental advisor(s) and getting their signature on a Declaration of Major/Minor Card. This card must be completed, signed by your departmental advisor(s), and returned to the Registrar's Office (1st Floor, Old Sem). More information can be found in the Cornell College Catalogue under Academic Information, Declaration of Degree Candidacy, Majors, and Minors. This section includes a list of the majors and minors currently offered at the college. Download a digital copy of the declaration card or pick up a paper copy at the Registrar's Office.

2023-2024 Major/Minor Checklists

2024-2025 Major/Minor Checklists

Declaring a Bachelor of Arts [B.A.], Bachelor of Music [B.Mus.] degree, or Bachelor of Science in Engineering [B.S.E.] 

To declare one of these major options, circle "B.A.", "B.Mus" or "B.S.E.", circle the word "Major", and print the name of the major(s) you are declaring. Most Cornell students will declare a Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.).

2023-2024 Degree Checklists (BA, BMU, BSE)

2024-2025 Degree Checklists (BA, BMU, BSE)

Obtain the signature of your chosen faculty advisor in each program. If you are declaring more than one major, please ask the faculty member who will be your primary advisor to sign on the line provided at the bottom of the card.

If you are declaring a minor, circle the word "Minor", and obtain the signatures of the faculty advisor in that program who will be advising you. Return the completed and approved card to the Registrar's Office.

DECLARATION OF MAJOR/MINOR APPLICATION

Declaring a Bachelor of Special Studies [B.S.S.] degree

To declare a B.S.S. you will need to use the Declaration of B.S.S. Degree card. Circle the word "Major", and print the name of the major(s) you are declaring.

Obtain the signature of the primary faculty advisor who will be advising you. Please ask the faculty member who will be your primary advisor to sign on the line provided on the card.

If you are declaring a minor, circle the word "Minor", obtain the signatures of the faculty advisor in that program who will be advising you. Return the completed and approved card to the Registrar's Office.

This declaration alone is not sufficient to establish candidacy for the B.S.S. degree. In order to become a B.S.S. candidate, you must file with the Registrar a B.S.S. Prospectus (found in the instruction packet), approved by your principal B.S.S. advisor and two other faculty members, and you must complete at least 12 course credits after filing the Prospectus (6 course credits if you entered as a senior transfer).

B.S.S. Degree Declaration Form 

Additional information about major declarations

1. Requirements for each major are published in the Cornell College Catalogue. Students are expected to complete the requirements of their major as they were set forth in the catalogue under which they declared their major.
2. All B.A., B.Mus. & B.S.E. candidates are required to complete at least one major. B.S.S. candidates may elect but are not required to have a major. If they choose to complete a major, they are subject to the same major requirements as B.A. students.
3. In all degree tracks, students are limited to some combination of majors and minors totaling no more than three. Only in the B.S.S. degree can this be a combination of three minors.
4. If you wish to declare an individualized major (i.e. one that you, in consultation with three faculty members, have constructed, as distinct from a departmental or interdisciplinary major listed in the Catalogue), you must also file an Individualized Major Contract and Rationale form, available online or from the Registrar's Office, with your Declaration Card. Please note that you must complete 9 course credits after initially filing this contract , and you are still responsible for completing the requirements for the B.A. degree.
5. Once you have declared a major, you are free to add and drop majors until just before graduation. There is no penalty for declaring a major and later electing to drop it.
6. You may, if you wish, declare a minor or minors at this time. Requirements for minors are listed in the current Catalogue.
7. Requirements for Combined Degrees Programs are listed in the Catalogue, and require approval by the Academic Regulations and Review Committee.  A contract for Combined Degrees is available online.
8. If you find yourself truly unable to decide upon a major by the December 1 deadline, consult with your faculty advisor about options that may be open to you.

Additional information about declaration of degree candidacy and majors is available in the Cornell College Catalogue under Academic Information, Declaration of Degree Candidacy, Majors, and Minors. Review that section and discuss any questions you may have about the process with your Academic Advisor or reach out to the Registrar's Office.