Changing & Exploring Majors

Explore. Reflect. Decide with Confidence.

Changing your program of study is a significant academic decision. Whether you are considering a new major, exploring a different school or college, or simply learning more about your academic options, this page is designed to help you start that process thoughtfully and informed.

Start With Exploration

Before taking any formal steps, students are strongly encouraged to spend time exploring academic interests, degree requirements, and possible impacts on time to graduation with resources available to them.

Ways to Explore

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Explore Majors & Programs

Review majors offered across UM schools and colleges, including program requirements and sequencing considerations.
View the Program Index View Program Requirements View Course Listings
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Talk with your Cane Navigator

Your Cane Navigator can help you reflect on interests, review requirements, and discuss implications for your academic plan.
Schedule an "Academic Exploration" meeting with your Cane Navigator
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Career & Interest Exploration

What’s your major? What are you passionate about? What are you going to do with your degree? During your career exploration and planning stages, there may be times when you don't yet feel confident answering some of these questions. Toppel is here to help you answer them.
Toppel Career Center's Explore Majors & Careers
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Attend events at Academic Exploration Week

Exploration does not require an immediate program change. Many students explore options over a couple of semesters before deciding. Students should have all of their declarations made, including majors, minors, and cognates, by the time they reach 60 credits to ensure timely degree completion.

Understanding Program Changes at UM

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  • Overview

    Changing programs of study may include:

    • Changing your primary major
    • Transferring into a different school or college at UM
    • Adding or changing an additional major
    • Considering dual undergraduate degrees

    Each school or college, and some departments, have their own eligibility reuqirements, timelines, and processes. We can guide you through these.

  • Additional majors | Also known as double majors

    Often referred to as "double majors" by students, at the University of Miami, you can add a second major that we call "additional majors." It is important to know that not every major is available as an additional or secondary major, however.

  • Minors & Cognates

    Minors and cognates are not the focus here, but may complement your academic interests, particularly when you may not fit in an additional major in your ideal graduation timeline.

    • Minors and cognates typically do not require a school change
    • Availability and eligiblity 

    Explore Minors  Explore Cognates

  • Implications of changing majors or minors on your cognates

    When changing your major(s) and/or minor(s), it is important to consider how that may impact your needed cognates. In order to obtain an undergraduate degree from the University of Miami, all students are required to fulfill three areas of knowledge: arts & humanities (A&H), people & society (P&S), and science, technology, engineering, & math (STEM).

    You may fulfill an area of konwledge through major(s), minor(s), and/or cognates. If you change from a STEM major, for example, to a people & society major, you no longer need a people & society cognate, but you need a STEM cognate now, potentially. This depends on your other declarations, as you may have a STEM minor declared.

Changing Schools or Colleges

This section is intended as a starting point, not a checklist. Requirements vary by program and may change.

School & College Requirements

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Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee acceptance into a new school or program at the University of Miami.

Making an Informed Decision

Before requesting a formal change, students should be able to answer:

  • Why am I interested in this program?
  • Do I understand the admission requirements and sequencing?
  • How might this affect my timeline to graduation?
  • How might this affect my financial aid eligibility?
  • Have I spoken with my Cane Navigator?

Talk with my Cane Navigator

What Happens When You're Ready?

When a student is ready to move forward:

  • The process begins with a conversation with your Cane Navigator
  • Next steps depend on the school or college and the program
  • Some programs require additional review, meetings, or documentation

Students who are just exploring may be guided to resources without initiating a formal request.

Need Help Navigating Next Steps?

Your Cane Navigator is your primary partner in this process and can:

  • Help you explore options
  • Clarify requirements
  • Guide you through the various processes and plan for next term registration
  • Complete an Academic Change Form
  • Connect with their colleagues to obtain answers that may be specific on your behalf

Schedule an Advising Conversation

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