Requesting a Major, Minor, or Cognate Change

At UM, what students usually call a "double major" or "dual major" is called an additional major. You keep your primary major and add a second one alongside it. For additional majors, you do not need to complete all of the degree requirements on the curriculum page in the Bulletin, but check for an "additional major" tab in the Bulletin.

Not every program is available as an additional major, and some have their own admission requirements. Check the program's information in the Bulletin, then confirm with your Cane Navigator.

Find a program in the Bulletin

If a second major does not fit your timeline, a minor or a cognate may be a better way to build depth in another area. Most minors and cognates do not require changing your school or college, though availability and eligibility vary by program.

Explore minors  |  Explore cognates

Every UM undergraduate, with the exception of Foote Fellows, has to cover three areas of knowledge in their degree: arts and humanities, people and society, and science, technology, engineering, math (STEM). You can satisfy these through your major(s), your minor(s), or a cognate.

Because of that, changing your major can change which cognates you still need. If you move from a STEM major to a people and society major, for example, you may no longer need a people and society cognate, but you may now need a STEM one. It depends on everything you have declared, so a STEM minor might already cover you.

This is worth checking before you submit a change, not after.

Explore what areas of knowledge majors & minors cover.  

Your Cane Navigator can map it out with you, if you need help.

1. Who can request internal transfer: Students with UM GPA of 2.5 or higher is generally required but is evaluated on case-by-case basis.
2. Courses you need first: N/A
3. Important considerations: The Bachelor of Architecture degree is a 5-year degree, and all studios are required in sequential order, with studio 1 only being offered every fall semester. This will prolong a student’s degree timeline and impact their financial aid eligibility for institutional programs in their final year(s). It is important to consult with Canes Central to understand the impact.
4. Who to ask: Start with Your Current Cane Navigator

1. Who can request internal transfer: Students who have a UM GPA of 2.0 or higher, unless they're interested in one of the following majors:
   • Biochemistry: 2.9 UM GPA or higher
   • Ecosystem Science and Policy: 2.8 UM GPA or higher
   • Psychology: 2.8 UM GPA or higher
   • Neuroscience: 3.5 UM GPA or higher
     • For neuroscience, students must have already completed at least 5 credits in Chemistry and/or Biology at the University of Miami
2. Courses you need first:
   • To declare neuroscience as a major, students must have completed at least 5 credits in Chemistry and/or Biology at the University of Miami
3. How to initiate: Start with your current Cane Navigator to complete an Academic Change Form. 

1. Who can request internal transfer: Students who meet the following criteria:
   • UM GPA of 3.0 or higher
   • Grade of "B" or better in Calculus I within first two attempts
   • At least 45 credits remaining to earn a degree
2. Courses you need first: Calculus 1 (with a "B" or better)
3. Important considerations: Students must complete their final 45 credits in the University of Miami Business School.
4. Who to ask: Start with your current Cane Navigator, who will issue a referral in Navigate. You'll receive information on next steps via email.

The internal transfer criteria for the School of Communication can be found on this page in the Academic Bulletin.

The criteria in the 2026-2027 Bulletin states:

A student enrolled at the University of Miami in a School or College other than the School of Communication may apply for admission into the School. Applications are accepted throughout the year. A minimum overall grade point average of 2.5 is necessary for consideration. Applications are available in the Admissions, Academic & Alumni Services Office of the School of Communication (2037 Wolfson Building) and must be submitted prior to the end of each semester. Admission decisions will be made promptly after semester grades are final. Students will be notified in writing of the School’s decision.

How to I initiate the process?

Work with your current Cane Navigator to complete a new Academic Change Form. Then, the Academic Change Form will be sent to the School of Communication for review and consideration of internal transfer admission.

1. Who can request internal transfer: Students who meet the following UM GPA requirements for the intended major:
   • Community and Applied Psychological Studies: 2.3 UM GPA or higher
   • Data Analytics & Intelligence for Social Impact: 3.0 UM GPA or higher
   • Elementary (K-6)/Exceptional Student Education (K-12) with ESOL and Reading Endorsements (K-12): 2.5 UM GPA or higher
     • Not available as an additional major
   • Sport Administration: 2.5 UM GPA or higher
   • Sports Medicine: 3.0 UM GPA or higher
2. Who to ask: Start with your current Cane Navigator

1. Who can request internal transfer: Students who meet the following criteria:
   • UM GPA of 3.0 or higher
   • Grade of "B-" or better in Calculus I within first two attempts
2. Courses you need first: Calculus I with a grade of "B-" or better
3. Who to ask: Start with your current Cane Navigator

1. Who can request internal transfer: Students with a UM GPA of 2.5 or higher
2. Important considerations: Students are required to meet with the respective program director, prior to acceptance into the Rosenstiel School. 
3. Who to ask: Email marscinav@miami.edu and copy your current Cane Navigator on the email for their awareness. The Rosenstiel CAne Navigator team will connect students to the appropriate Program Director to set up a meeting to discuss your educational goals and alignment with the majors offered in Rosenstiel.

1. Who can request internal transfer: Students who meet the following criteria:
   • UM GPA of 3.0 or higher
   • At least one semester completed at the University of Miami (at least 12 credits)
2. Courses you need first: 
   • For the B.S. in Audio Technology only, Calculus I is required as well as a portfolio.
3. Important considerations:
   • For the B.A. in Music Industries, the internal transfer application is open from late August to October 1st for spring semester internal transfers, and from late January to March 15th for Fall internal transfers.
   • All other programs only accept internal transfers for a Fall semester start, and the deadline is November 1st the year prior. Auditions are required.
4. How to apply: 
   • Application Link
   • Students will be able to apply directly for their program of choice, and will be contacted by the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies.

1. Who can apply: Students with a UM GPA of 3.0 or higher
2. Important considerations:
   • The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Public Health programs have a waitlist. 
3. Who to ask: Students can join the School of Nursing and Health Studies Cane Navigation drop in advising to learn more about the process and for consultation on degree planning.