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How to Declare a Major

Once you are ready to declare a major or minor, follow the steps below. Congratulations! 

Students are expected to declare a major by the beginning of their fourth semester. You can also easily drop a previously declared major or minor, using the same form. You do not need a faculty signature to drop a major or minor.

Steps for Major Declaration


  1. Download and print the Major/Minor Declaration Form, or meet with your academic advisor to obtain the form (and have the benefit of a one-on-one conversation about your major decisions). Instructions on how to sign forms electronically.
  2. Bring the Major/Minor form to the appropriate department or departments for review and signature. You will be expected to meet with a faculty member or departmental advisor as part of this process. In this meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss major course selection, electives, special research or study abroad opportunities, and so on. Each department arranges these major advising meetings differently—if you have questions on how to set up a meeting, consult with the department or with your academic advisor.
  3. Bring the signed Major/Minor Declaration Form to the Academic Advising Center, Mussafer Hall (building #9), for processing. You do not need to make a separate appointment to return the form; you may drop it off in the lobby to be routed to your advisor.
  4. If submitting the form digitally, please follow the "Signing Electronic Forms" instructions to sign electronically.

Double Majors vs. Dual Degrees

Students pursuing a double major earn one degree--B.A., B.F.A, B.S., B.S.M, etc.--while pursuing two major areas of academic study. Students will be asked to choose a primary major and a secondary major, and they will follow the school-specific core requirements for their primary major. Most undergraduate degrees require 120 credit hours. Students receive one diploma.

Newcomb-Tulane College students pursuing dual degrees earn two different degrees (and are awarded two separate diplomas). Students earning dual degrees within two schools must complete the Newcomb-Tulane College core curriculum, each school’s specific core curriculum, and the major requirements for each degree and earn at least 150 credits.