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)
  • Applied Statistics (BA)
  • Art History (BA)
  • Art Studio (BA)
  • Art Studio (BFA)
  • 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)
  • Dance (BA)
  • Early Childhood Studies (BA)
  • Earth & Environmental Science (BA)
  • Economics (BA)
  • Electrical Engineering (BS)
  • English (BA)
  • Environmental Science, Geography, & Management (BS)
  • Environmental Studies, Geography, & Planning (BA)
  • Geology (BS)
  • Global Studies (BA)
  • History (BA)
  • Human Development (BA)
  • Hutchins School of Liberal Studies (BA)
  • Kinesiology (BS)
  • Mathematics (BA)
  • Mathematics (BS)
  • Philosophy (BA)
  • Physical Science (BA)
  • Physics (BA)
  • Physics (BS)
  • Political Science (BA)
  • Spanish (BA)
  • Statistics (BS)
  • Theatre Arts (BA)
  • Undeclared1
  • Women’s & Gender Studies (BA)

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.

  • Criminology & Criminal Justice Studies (BA)
  • Music (BA)
  • Music (BM)
  • Nursing, Pre-Licensure (BS)
  • Psychology (BA)
  • Sociology (BA)

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.

Criminology & Criminal Justice Studies (BA)

  • Units: No minimum units required
  • GPAs: Minimum 3.000 cumulative GPA
  • Courses: No courses required
  • Dates: The CCJS Department accepts change of majors throughout the academic year.
  • Process: Contact the CCJS Department once all specific criteria have been met.
  • Notes: None
  • Primary Contact: Dr. Emily Vierra Asencio, Department Chair: asencioe@sonoma.edu
  • Secondary Contact: ccj@sonoma.edu
  • Website: ccjs.sonoma.edu/

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: brooke.tester@sonoma.edu
  • Secondary Contact: Dr. Andy Collinsworth, Department Chair: racworth@sonoma.edu
  • 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: nursdept@sonoma.edu
  • Secondary Contact: Dr. Anna Valdez, Department Chair: valdeann@sonoma.edu
  • Website: nursing.sonoma.edu/academic-programs/pre-licensure-bsn

Psychology (BA)

  • Units: Completion of at least 45 units (in-progress units do not count).
  • GPAs: Minimum 2.800 cumulative GPA.
  • Courses: Completion of PSY 250 (or the equivalent) with a C or better.
  • Dates: The PSY Department accepts change of majors during the first three weeks of each semester.
  • Process: Complete the application on the PSY Department website once all specific criteria have been met.
  • Notes: All of the criteria must be met at the time of application. Each semester, applicants will be ranked by their current cumulative GPA and admitted to the major as space permits. A minimum 2.800 cumulative GPA is required to apply. Students are encouraged to complete PSY 280 and MATH 165 or MATH 165A/B (or the equivalent) prior to applying.
  • Primary Contact: Ashlyn Arend, Administrative Analyst: psych@sonoma.edu
  • Secondary Contact: Dr. Melinda J. Milligan, Department Chair: melinda.milligan@sonoma.edu
  • Website: psychology.sonoma.edu/bachelor-arts/declare-major

Sociology (BA)

  • Units: No minimum units required
  • GPAs: Minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA
  • Courses: Have completed, in-progress, or intent to register in any SOCI course
  • Dates: The SOCI Department accepts change of majors throughout the academic year.
  • Process: Meet with a Faculty Advisor from the SOCI Department once all specific criteria have been met.
  • Notes: None
  • Primary Contact: Kelly Clark, Administrative Support Coordinator: clarkke@sonoma.edu
  • Secondary Contact: Dr. Melinda Milligan, Department Chair: melinda.milligan@sonoma.edu
  • Website: sociology.sonoma.edu/degree-programs