Can you choose an alternate major for CSU's?

Applying to College
1

Hi. I was wondering if you were applying to a CSU, could you choose an alternate major in case you don’t get into your first choice major.

For example I have a CSU/UC gpa of 3.6 and I would like to apply as a Computer Science Major. However, that major is impacted and fairly competive to get into. Software Engineering is my second choice.

So since CS has a higher EI than Software Engineering, is there a way to choose an alternate major if I don’t get in as a CS major?

Thanks! :slight_smile:

2

Yes, you can choose an alternate major. CSU Mentor has lots of information you will find useful, here is the link that answers this question:

https://secure.csumentor.edu/planning/high_school/impacted_major_vs_campus.asp

3

@oneofthosemoms‌ ok, so basically if I don’t get into CS, I will get into Software engineering?

4

There’s no guarantee that you would get in to the alternate major, just that you would be considered. It all depends on impaction, number of applicants, etc.

5

Most CSU’s will not accept applicants into their alternate majors, although you can select one on the CSU Mentor application. SLO which states they do not consider alternate majors, did accept a few applicants this year. CPP is probably the only CSU that consistently accepts alternate majors, but they recommend if you are applying to a impacted major, that the alternate major should be a non-impacted major for better chances.

6

@gumbymom so if I get rejected to SLO for example as a CS major, chances are they won’t accept me as a alternate major?

7

@ItsHydro: Yes, most likely if you do not get into SLO for CS, you will not get in at all. Like I stated on my above post, SLO has maintained in the past they “rarely” accept alternate majors since all majors are impacted Same is true for SDSU and many of the CSU campuses where every major is impacted. I saw only 1 posting this year from an applicant that was deferred ED for Civil Engineering and accepted into their alternate of City and Regional Planning (Two different schools and alternate major an easier admit). You can always pick an easier admit major for SLO as your 2nd choice and take the chance of trying to change majors later on.