Major/Minor Declaration & Changes

Initial Declaration Process

Students should have ample time to be exposed to a broad range of courses and experiences before focusing their educational interests and so do not declare their majors until the fourth semester of their college enrollment. 

Preparation Tips:

• Reference the Bowdoin College Catalogue and Academic Handbook for the list of major/minor options, the requirements associated with them, and the policies surrounding combinations.
• Understand your options: students can choose from six basic patterns to satisfy the major requirement: one departmental major; two departmental majors (a double major); one coordinate major; one interdisciplinary major; one student-designed major; or any of the preceding with a departmental minor (only one minor is allowed).
• Normally, students are required to declare their majors before registering for courses for the junior year or applying to participate in junior- or senior-year off-campus study programs. 
• Each department/program approaches this process differently and eligible students should contact the department/program directly with any questions about completing major/minor requirements. 
• Since some departments have courses that must be passed or criteria that must be met before a student will be accepted as a major, students are encouraged to think well in advance about possible majors and to speak with faculty about their educational interests.

How declaration works:

• At the start of each student's fourth semester, they are sent a "Major/Minor Declaration Announcement," and must declare their desired Programs of Study (major/minor) in Workday by the posted deadline.
• After all approved declarations are made in Workday, the academic department coordinators enter the major/minor advisor assignments by the posted deadline.
• Students are expected to reach out to their newly assigned major/minor advisors to meet and discuss their plans for course registration and completing the degree as soon as possible since course registration begins the week following the advisor entry deadline. 
• See the Registrar's Calendar for the exact timelines for each semester.

Declaring or Changing a Declared Major/Minor

Students may change their programs of study in Workday. Detailed instructions can be found on Bowdoin's Workday page.

Additional information:

• After your new advisor is assigned, if applicable, students should reach out to their new advisors to set up a time to meet and plan. 
• Students considering changes should consult with faculty to discuss their individual academic goals and pathway through the requirements of the degree.
  • Not sure who to talk to? Start with your current advisor.
• Students may change their majors and minor as many times as necessary but they may not declare a new major or minor after the first semester of the senior year.