Sonoma State University

Declaring a Major

Sonoma State University currently offers 50+ majors and 75+ concentrations/tracks. Select one of the following options to expand:

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:

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.

  • American Multicultural Studies (BA)
  • Anthropology (BA)
  • Art Studio (BA)
  • Bi-Disciplinary Mathematics (BA)
  • Biochemistry (BS)
  • Biology (BA)
  • Biology (BS)
  • Business Administration (BS)
  • Chemistry (BA)
  • Chemistry (BS)
  • Chicano & Latino Studies (BA)
  • Cinematic Arts & Technology (BA)
  • Communication Studies (BA)
  • Computer Science (BS)
  • Criminology & Criminal Justice Studies (BA)
  • Early Childhood Studies (BA)
  • Electrical Engineering (BS)
  • English (BA)
  • Environmental Science, Geography, & Management (BS)
  • Environmental Studies, Geography, & Planning (BA)
  • History (BA)
  • Human Development (BA)
  • Hutchins School of Liberal Studies (BA)
  • Kinesiology (BS)
  • Mathematics (BA)
  • Mathematics (BS)
  • Psychology (BA)
  • Spanish (BA)
  • Sociology (BA)
  • Statistics (BS)
  • Undeclared1

1Undeclared is a non-degree program (i.e., you can declare it, but you cannot graduate in it)

* Note: 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.

  • Music (BA)
  • Music (BM)
  • Nursing, Pre-Licensure (BS)

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.

Music (BA, BM)

  • Units: No minimum units required
  • GPAs: No minimum GPA required
  • Courses: No courses required
  • Dates: The MUS Department accepts change of majors relative to audition dates which vary semester-to-semester. For a list of upcoming audition dates, visit Audition Information.
  • Process: Students interested in declaring must first audition (either live on-campus, live via Zoom, or by video recording). Audition process and requirements can be found here: Audition Information.
  • Notes: None
  • Primary Contact: Brooke Tester, Administrative Analyst: [email protected]
  • Secondary Contact: Dr. Andy Collinsworth, Department Chair: [email protected]
  • Website: music.sonoma.edu/prospective-students

Nursing (BS)

  • Units: Minimum 60 units (in-progress units can be included).
  • GPAs: Minimum 3.000 cumulative GPA.
  • Courses: Earn a B or better in the following courses (or their equivalent):
    • CHEM 105
    • BIOL 220
    • BIOL 224
    • BIOL 240
    • MATH 165 or MATH 165A/B
    • GE Area A2
    • GE Area A3
    • GE Area A1
  • Dates: The deadline to apply is the January 24 preceding the Fall semester you intend to start the program.
  • Process: Complete required courses, additional application requirements, TEAS exam, and submit application through Nursing CAS. Admissions is a competitive process. Applicants are ranked and admitted based on a point system. 24 students are admitted each year.
  • Notes: 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 as 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.
  • Primary Contact: [email protected]
  • Secondary Contact: Dr. Anna Valdez, Department Chair: [email protected]
  • Website: nursing.sonoma.edu/academic-programs/pre-licensure-bsn