Another 'switching majors' question

Colleges & Universities A-Z Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
1

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>My son was accepted to Cal Poly SLO but now hates his choice of a major…Environmental Management & Protection. </p>

<p>What are the chances of him being able to switch his major to Communications or Digital Communications in the Liberal Arts college once he gets there and starts attending the school?</p>

<p>He’s also been accepted to UC Santa Cruz and San Diego State…wait listed for UCSB…I really think that CalPoly SLO would be a great match for what he’s looking for in a college, but he doesn’t want to be stuck in a major that he’s not interested in. </p>

<p>Any thoughts…suggestions?</p>

<p>Thanks in advance!</p>

2

<p>Hi there. Unfortunately, it will likely take your son at least two quarters to switch. It’s definitely possible, as long as early planning is done.</p>

<p>[Cal</a> Poly CLA - Change of Major](<a href=“http://cla.calpoly.edu/cla_advising_faq_change_of_major.html]Cal”>http://cla.calpoly.edu/cla_advising_faq_change_of_major.html)</p>

<p>scroll down to communications. The requirements of switching into communications: </p>

<p>-Must have completed at least 16 graded units at Cal Poly.
-Must have completed all General Education (GE) Area A coursework.
-Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better in all GE coursework.
-Must have completed at least 16 graded units of COMS coursework, with a GPA of 3.2 or better, drawn from the following courses: COMS 201, 208, 212, 213, 217, 226, 301, 308, 311, 315, 322, 330, 331, 385, 416, 418, 419, 420, 421, 424, and 435.</p>

<p>Keep in mind you son will have to take some Environmental management annd protection classes in the Fall quarter. After fall quarter, he can sign an ICMA form. The ICMA process is just a signed contract saying for two quarters, your son will be excused from taking environmental mangement classes in order to take communications classes.</p>

<p>This process can be mind boggling but I recently just changed my major from food science to business this way and I feel happy now.</p>

3

<p>Thank you very much for your reply! My son has already completed quite a few college transferable GE classes at a community college (he’s been in a program that allowed him to attend community college since his junior year in high school). We’ll take a look to see if any of them will count towards his Area A coursework - that might help. </p>

<p>Its really nice to hear from someone who has been successful switching to another major. So glad it worked out well for you and you’re happier!</p>

4

<p>I have two roommates that were ENVM majors coming into Poly also, and one successfully switched to Psychology and the other to Rec, Parks and Tourism Admin. </p>

<p>I switched from Psychology to Business successfully. It’s overwhelming, but not as terrible as Cal Poly likes to make it sound. I just think they don’t want everybody switching. :slight_smile: COMS should be an easy switch. Good luck to your son!</p>

5

<p>PolyGirl,</p>

<p>Thanks for your reply - I’m still having a hard time convincing my son to take a chance and go for it…I guess, its a case of me wanting him to go to CalPoly more than he does! </p>

<p>Ultimately, he’s the one that needs to make the decision - I want him to be happy with his choice.</p>

<p>I have passed on your reply and SoCal70’s reply to my son…guess its time for me to back away and let this be my son’s decision, huh? lol</p>

6

<p>He if he loves the school don’t worry about switching your major. My roommate even switched her major before she started freshmen year. I would trying calling the department and see if it is possible. Cal Poly just tries to say they don’t believe in switching majors because they are trying to get people to graduate in 4 years. It is totally possible to switch and not something to be too concerned about.</p>