Declaring a Major

Sonoma State University currently offers 49 majors and 74 concentrations/tracks.

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS: NON-IMPACTED vs. IMPACTED

For prospective students applying to the University, we sort majors as either Non-Impacted or Impacted. Those majors which are Impacted have more students interested in applying than the major has space to accommodate. As such, Impacted majors require specific criteria beyond the minimum CSU or SSU admissions criteria in order to be admitted to that major (e.g., minimum GPA, specific coursework, etc.)

See below for links to lists of Non-Impacted and Impacted majors:

CURRENT STUDENTS: OPEN vs. SELECTIVE

For current students already enrolled at the University, we sort majors as either Open or Selective. Those majors which are Selective have more students interested in declaring than the major has space to accommodate. As such, Selective majors require specific prerequisite criteria to declare (e.g., audition, minimum GPA, specific coursework, minimum units, etc.)

See below for lists of Open and Selective majors:

Open Majors

  • American Multicultural Studies (BA)
  • Anthropology (BA)
  • Applied Statistics (BA)
  • Art History (BA)
  • Art: Studio Concentration (BA, BFA)
  • Biochemistry (BS)
  • Biology (BA, BS)
  • Business Administration (BS)
  • Chemistry (BA, BS)
  • Chicano and Latino Studies (BA)
  • Cinematic Arts and Technology (BA)
  • Computer Science (BS)
  • Dance (BA)
  • Early Childhood Studies (BA)
  • Earth Science (BA)
  • Economics (BA)
  • Electrical Engineering (BS)
  • English (BA)
  • Environmental Studies, Geography, and Planning (BA)
  • Environmental Science, Geography, and Management (BS)
  • Geology (BS)
  • Global Studies (BA)
  • History (BA)
  • Human Development (BA)
  • Hutchins School of Liberal Studies (BA)
  • Mathematics (BA, BS)
  • Philosophy (BA)
  • Physical Science (BA)
  • Physics (BA, BS)
  • Political Science (BA)
  • Spanish (BA)
  • Statistics (BS)
  • Theatre Arts (BA)
  • Undeclared*
  • Women’s and Gender Studies (BA)

* Undeclared is a non-degree program (i.e., you can declare it, but you cannot graduate in it)

** Pre-Nursing is a non-degree program and is only available as a point-of-entry program (i.e., students who were not initially admitted via admissions for prospective First-Time First-Year students cannot switch into Pre-Nursing). However, admissions to Pre-Nursing is not required for admissions into the Pre-Licensure program.

Selective Majors

  • Communication Studies (BA)
  • Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies (BA)
  • Kinesiology (BS)
  • Music (BA, BM)
  • Nursing (BS)
  • Psychology (BA)
  • Sociology (BA)

CURRENT STUDENTS: DECLARING A MAJOR

Current students are able to declare an Open major by using the Request for Change of Major form. Even though current students may declare an Open major on their own, it is highly recommended that you speak to the Department, a Faculty Advisor, or a Professional Academic Advisor prior to submitting the above-linked form.

Current students are able to declare a Selective major directly with the Department once they meet specific criteria (e.g., audition, minimum GPA, specific coursework, minimum units, etc.) Note, while we have aggregated the information below for your convenience, ultimately, each Department decides the requirements to declare their major(s) and it is possible these requirements occasionally change. For the most up-to-date information, please check with the Department, a Faculty Advisor, or a Professional Academic Advisor.