Change of Major

The process to change your major depends on how many earned units you have. Earned units means units you have completed at SJSU, transfer credit, and test scores.

Below are the possible Change of Major objectives. Click the link that best represents your needs, or read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) list below.

What is your objective?

• "I want to get into a major in the College of Engineering."
• "I want to transition out of the College of Engineering."
• "I am already in the College of Engineering, but I want to switch to a different major."

FAQ

• When should I apply?

  • Do you have below 90 earned units? Apply online during the term in which your final prerequisites are in progress for completion.

    For example, if you are currently taking your last prerequisites such as PHYS 50 and MATH 31, you are eligible to apply this term as long as it is either Fall or Spring semester. We don't accept applications during the Winter and Summer sessions.

    If you have 90 or more earned units, you need to talk to a major advisor as soon as possible. They will determine your eligibility.

• How do I apply?

  • Short answer: It depends.

    Long answer: See "Getting into the CoE" for specific requirements based on your number of earned units.

• How likely am I to get accepted?

  • Due to impaction, admittance is not guaranteed and will depend on the capacity of the major. Strive for the highest GPA possible in the prerequisite courses necessary to apply for the major. Also, students are allowed to apply twice for a major.

• Do I have to go to a workshop?

  • No.

    We no longer host change of major workshops. We recommend that you watch our change of major workshop page which includes a video that explains the same guidelines presented on this site. 

    Students who are undeclared or require proof of advising via a studyplan can make an appointment with an ESSC advisor.

• What if I want to change my major to one outside of the College of Engineering?
  • 1. See an advisor or attend a workshop in the major for which you want to apply. For example, if you want to change to Business, you will need to go to the success center for Business majors.
    2. Get a study plan signed by an advisor and email it to success-engineering@sjsu.edu
       If you are a student in Aviation or Technology with a major advising hold, please contact the department directly.
    3. Complete your change-of-major with your new department.
• Which prerequisite courses do I need to be eligible to apply?

  • For students with 60 or below earned units at the time of applying to change their major can generally follow the plan below.

      Access the complete Change of Major Transition Plan 

    Otherwise, choose the link that best reflects you situation: 

    • I have between 60 and 89 earned units 
    • I have 90 or more units
• Where is the online application to change my major in the College of Engineering?

  • Choose the scenario that best fits you:

    • I have below 60 earned units
    • I have between 60 and 89 earned units 
    • I have 90 or more units
    Students who need proof of their intent to change their major to the College of Engineering can use the ESSC Change of Major Transition Plan. Depending on your advisor, you might be required to have an ESSC advisor sign this form in order to get an advising hold removed. You can get this signed by making an appointment with an ESSC advisor.
• I'm an incoming Frosh/Transfer student (upper division), and I want to change my major. Can I change my major before attending my first semester?

  • No.

    Please follow guidelines on our First-semester student change of major page.