Majors and Minors

How do I change my major?

Students must complete a Change of Major form that is available at the Academic Advising Center. An appointment is not required, but we strongly encourage students to discuss their plans with an academic advisor. All major changes require approval by the Chair of the respective academic department. Additional requirements may exist depending on the desired major.  For more information, please contact the Academic Advising Center.

Can I double major?

Students may choose to complete a double major by fulfilling all of the requirements for two majors in two separate departments. No single course is allowed to fulfill a requirement in both majors. Students with a major in the Visual and Media Arts department may not pursue a double major.

Taking on a second major requires a serious commitment on the part of the student. Most, if not all, of a student's free electives may be needed to complete the second major. In fact, many students who double major must earn beyond the minimum 128 credits by taking summer classes, overloading, or staying an extra semester in order to finish the dual degree. With careful planning, however, most anything can be accomplished. We encourage any student considering a double major to meet with an advisor.

Can I design my own major?

Emerson offers eligible students the opportunity to create an individually designed interdisciplinary program (IDIP). An IDIP is a major program consisting of courses from two or more departments taken in a well-defined area of interest. Students design the program in consultation with faculty members from the departments where the majority of the coursework will be based and then submit the proposal to the IDIP faculty committee for approval.

To be eligible students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and they must complete the proposal and have it approved before the beginning of their Junior year. So, in short, yes -- students can design their own major. It is important to understand, however, that the IDIP is for focused and committed students who have a clear vision of their academic goals.

It is not for students who can't decide between majors or who hope to avoid required classes that they find less interesting in an existing major. More information about rules, submission dates, and instructions is available from the Institute for Liberal Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies.

What does it take to get a minor and how do I declare one?

Minors give students the opportunity to explore an area outside of their major field of study. All minors consist of 16 credits of related coursework previously approved by the School in which the minor is offered. No course may fulfill a requirement in both the major and the minor, but in most cases up to 8 credits of the General Education curriculum may apply to a minor.

To declare a minor simply fill out a Declaration of Majors/Minor Form at the Academic Advising Center. Students can learn what minors are offered at Emerson by consulting the Undergraduate Catalogue (minor requirements are included at the beginning of each Department chapter) or by stopping by the Academic Advising Center to pick up our list of minors and minor requirements.

Note: Students can not create their own minor, except within Communication Disorders with departmental approval. There is no minor offered in media production. While many students will find they have room to complete a minor (and even have free elective credits to spare), BFA students, double-majors, and transfer students who transferred in mostly elective credits may be more restricted.

Do I need a minor to graduate?

No, a minor is not required in order to graduate from Emerson. However, many students find that pursuing a minor is an effective and interesting way to give focus to elective credits.