{"id":8987,"date":"2023-12-18T16:51:19","date_gmt":"2023-12-18T21:51:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/studentsuccess.utk.edu\/career\/?page_id=8987"},"modified":"2026-06-12T13:42:30","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T17:42:30","slug":"declaring-majors","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/studentsuccess.utk.edu\/career\/declaring-majors\/","title":{"rendered":"Declaring Majors"},"content":{"rendered":"

The process to declare a major may look different depending on the major students are choosing. Below is a brief breakdown of each college\u2019s eligibility requirements, their processes for declaring a major, and links to relevant resources to assist with the declaration process. This page is intended to be a consolidated, quick reference guide, but college\/departmental websites have the most up-to-date eligibility requirements and major declaration instructions.<\/p>\n

Students who don\u2019t meet the eligibility requirements\u00a0for their first choice major are encouraged to visit the adjacent majors page<\/a> to learn about similar majors.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>

<\/svg> Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs<\/b><\/a><\/h3><\/div>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Program<\/b><\/td>\nCriteria<\/b><\/td>\nHow to Declare<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Public Affairs<\/span><\/td>\n2.5 GPA Requirement\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are no prerequisites for students to add the major other than the GPA requirement. There are, however, prerequisites for students to add their concentration. All curriculum details can be found here.<\/a><\/td>\n

To change their major, students must schedule an appointment with a Baker School advisor. Details on our curriculum can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Students can email our team at BakerStudents@utk.edu<\/a> with questions about our curriculum and the process for switching their major.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/svg> College of Architecture and Design<\/b><\/a><\/h3><\/div>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Program<\/b><\/td>\nCriteria<\/b><\/td>\nHow to Declare<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Architecture<\/span><\/p>\n

Interior Architecture<\/span><\/p>\n

Graphic Design\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n

2.5 GPA if they are an internal transfer and a 3.0 if they are an external transfer.<\/span><\/p>\n

The programs have a limited number of seats\u00a0 and students may want a higher GPA to be competitive.<\/span><\/td>\n

Students must apply to their major of interest. Each program requires attendance to an information session led by advisors to access the application.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Architecture and Interior Architecture only accept applications in the spring for a summer\/fall entry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Graphic Design accepts students in both the fall and spring.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Application Deadlines and information session dates are listed on their <\/span>website<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/svg> College of Arts and Sciences<\/b><\/a><\/h3><\/div>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Program<\/b><\/td>\nCriteria<\/b><\/td>\nHow to Declare<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Language and World Business\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n2.7 Cumulative GPA Requirement\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3.0 GPA in language courses<\/span><\/td>\n

Complete the application <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Medical Laboratory Science<\/span><\/td>\nMinimum of C or higher in all required courses. This does not guarantee admissions.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nInformation on admissions to the MLS program can be found <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
College Scholars\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nMore information can be found <\/span>here.\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/td>\nPlease request a meeting with the <\/span>Director of the Program<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
All Other Majors<\/span><\/td>\nNo GPA Requirement\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nMany Majors have \u201cMajor Declaration Forms\u201d that can be found on their <\/span>department\u2019s websites<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Students can also schedule an appointment with an advisor from the college by following the instructions on<\/span> this website<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/svg> College of Communication and Information<\/b><\/a><\/h3><\/div>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Program<\/b><\/td>\nCriteria<\/b><\/td>\nHow to Declare<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
All Majors<\/span><\/td>\n2.0 GPA Requirement<\/span><\/td>\nStudents must schedule an appointment with a CCI advisor to change their major. Instructions for how to schedule an appointment can be found here<\/a>.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/svg> College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences<\/b><\/a><\/h3><\/div>
<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Program<\/b><\/td>\nCriteria<\/b><\/td>\nHow to Declare<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Audiology\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Deaf Studies<\/span><\/td>\n

3.0 GPA Requirement<\/span><\/td>\nFollow the instructions on the <\/span>CEHHS advising website<\/span><\/a> to complete the appropriate form to request an appointment with an academic advisor in CEHHS.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Public Health<\/span><\/p>\n

Kinesiology<\/td>\n

2.8 GPA Requirement\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nFollow the instructions on the <\/span>CEHHS advising website<\/span><\/a> to complete the appropriate form to request an appointment with an academic advisor in CEHHS.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
All Teacher Licensure Majors<\/span><\/td>\n2.75 GPA Requirement\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nFollow the instructions on the <\/span>CEHHS advising website<\/span><\/a> to complete the appropriate form to request an appointment with an academic advisor in CEHHS.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nutrition\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n2.6 GPA Requirement\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nFollow the instructions on the <\/span>CEHHS advising website<\/span><\/a> to complete the appropriate form to request an appointment with an academic advisor in CEHHS.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sports Management<\/span><\/p>\n

Therapeutic Recreation<\/span><\/p>\n

Human Development and Family Science<\/span><\/td>\n

2.5 GPA Requirement\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nFollow the instructions on the <\/span>CEHHS advising website<\/span><\/a> to complete the appropriate form to request an appointment with an academic advisor in CEHHS.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hospitality & Tourism Management\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Retail & Merchandising Management\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n

2.3 GPA Requirement<\/span><\/td>\nFollow the instructions on the <\/span>CEHHS advising website<\/span><\/a> to complete the appropriate form to request an appointment with an academic advisor in CEHHS.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/svg> College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies<\/b><\/a><\/h3><\/div>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Program<\/b><\/td>\nCriteria<\/b><\/td>\nHow to Declare<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
All Majors (Data Science, Applied Artificial Intelligence, Applied Cybersecurity, Innovative Transdisciplinary Studies)<\/td>\n2.0 GPA requirement<\/p>\n

Students with less than 2.0 cumulative GPA but within one semester of possible attainment of cumulative 2.0 GPA and a current semester GPA of at least 2.5 will be considered for admission<\/td>\n

Students must schedule an appointment with a CECS advisor to change their major. Instructions for how to schedule an appointment can be found here<\/a>.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/svg> College of Music<\/b><\/a><\/h3><\/div>
<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Program<\/b><\/td>\nCriteria<\/b><\/td>\nHow to Declare<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
All Majors<\/span><\/td>\nStudents must audition and take a theory exam. Students majoring in music education, musicology, music business, and music theory\/composition also complete a faculty interview.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Auditions and interviews happen before the start of the fall semester and dates are typically posted on the <\/span>department webpage<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n

In addition to an audition and\/or interview, students must apply to their major of interest.<\/span><\/p>\n

Email <\/span>music@utk.edu<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/svg> College of Nursing<\/b><\/a><\/h3><\/div>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Program<\/b><\/td>\nCriteria<\/b><\/td>\nHow to Declare<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nursing (Traditional BSN Program & <\/span>BSN Scholars Program)<\/td>\n3.2 Minimum GPA Requirement (does not guarantee admissions)<\/span><\/p>\n

Submit an application by the deadline (typically fall of sophomore year).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Review the criteria in detail <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/td>\n

Students must apply to the College of Nursing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The College of Nursing holds drop-in advising hours and information sessions that can help students put together a plan for the application and transfer process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can find dates and details <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/svg> College of Social Work<\/b><\/a><\/h3><\/div>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Program<\/b><\/td>\nCriteria<\/b><\/td>\nHow to Declare<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Social Work<\/span><\/td>\n2.5 GPA at the time they apply for progression (end of sophomore year)<\/span><\/p>\n

A student can declare Social Work before they reach a 2.5, but they cannot progress into upper division courses.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n

Schedule an appointment with a Social Work advisor following the instructions found <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Online BSSW Program<\/span><\/td>\nCurrent Knoxville campus students can only switch to the fully online BSSW program in rare circumstances and must meet additional requirements.<\/span><\/td>\nStudents must meet with an advisor to determine if they are eligible for this program.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/svg> Haslam College of Business<\/b><\/a><\/h3><\/div>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Program<\/b><\/td>\nCriteria<\/b><\/td>\nHow to Declare<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
All Majors<\/span><\/td>\n2.5 GPA Requirement for both internal and external transfers.<\/span><\/td>\nContact tobusiness@utk.edu<\/a>\u00a0for next steps about changing your major. More information can be found here<\/a>.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/svg> Herbert College of Agriculture<\/b><\/a><\/h3><\/div>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Program<\/b><\/td>\nCriteria<\/b><\/td>\nHow to Declare<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Biosystems Engineering\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n2.8 GPA Requirement<\/span><\/p>\n

Completion of the following courses with a C or better English 101,<\/span><\/p>\n

Chemistry 122-123, and<\/span><\/p>\n

Math 132 or Math 141 (and subsequent courses in the three sequences, if taken).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If the student has completed any Physics course, they must have earned a grade of C or better.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The overall record will be evaluated for quality and seriousness of purpose. An excessive number of withdrawals, incompletes, repeated courses, or failures may result in denial.<\/span><\/td>\n

Contact the academic advisor or faculty advisor for the specific program. Contacts can be found on the <\/span>HCOA website<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Forestry<\/span><\/p>\n

Wildlife and Fisheries<\/span><\/td>\n

2.5 GPA Requirement<\/span><\/td>\nContact the academic advisor or faculty advisor for the specific program. Contacts can be found on the <\/span>HCOA website<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
All Other Majors<\/span><\/td>\n2.0 GPA Requirement<\/span><\/td>\nContact the academic advisor or faculty advisor for the specific program. Contacts can be found on the <\/span>HCOA website<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/svg> Tickle College of Engineering<\/b><\/a><\/h3><\/div>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Program<\/b><\/td>\nCriteria<\/b><\/td>\nHow to Declare<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
All Majors (Except Computer Science)<\/span><\/td>\n2.8 GPA Requirement<\/span><\/p>\n

Completion of the following courses with a C or better English 101,<\/span><\/p>\n

Chemistry 122-123, and<\/span><\/p>\n

Math 132 or Math 141 (and subsequent courses in the three sequences, if taken).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If the student has completed any Physics course, they must have earned a grade of C or better.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The overall record will be evaluated for quality and seriousness of purpose. An excessive number of withdrawals, incompletes, repeated courses, or failures may result in denial.<\/span><\/td>\n

Engineering advisors are typically available to meet with students about the internal transfer process mid-way through the semester. Instructions for making an appointment can be found <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Admissions decisions reside with the department head\/associate department head in the major department of choice.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Computer Science<\/span><\/td>\n2.8 GPA Requirement<\/span><\/p>\n

Completion of the following courses with a C or better English 101; Computer Science 101, 103, and 104; and<\/span><\/p>\n

Math 132 or Math 141 (and subsequent courses in the three sequences, if taken).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If the student has completed any Physics course, they must have earned a grade of C or better.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The overall record will be evaluated for quality and seriousness of purpose. An excessive number of withdrawals, incompletes, repeated courses, or failures may result in denial.<\/span><\/td>\n

Students should make an appointment to visit the Engineering Advising Office to discuss academic planning and the transfer process. Instructions on how to make an appointment can be found <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The decision of being admitted into an engineering major resides with the department head\/associate department head in the major department of choice.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The process to declare a major may look different depending on the major students are choosing. 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