Overview
As you progress through your academic journey, you may discover new interests or develop a stronger passion for a different field of study. If you change the focus of your education, you may need to change your declared major. Please refer to the current College Catalog for a list of program offerings.
To change your major or to add a new one, we strongly recommend making an Academic Counseling Appointment for assistance in selecting the appropriate major for you.
Please note: The programs listed below require additional admissions requirements and cannot be selected as a major until the department verifies your enrollment in their program. Once the department verifies your enrollment, they will notify the Admissions Office to have your major updated.
- Basic Police Academy
- Dental Assisting
- Fire Academy
- Nursing Education
- Paramedic Training
To begin the process, please log in to your MyPalomar account. You will find step-by-step instructions and an informative video below that will walk you through the process.
Catalog rights are defined as continuous enrollment, one primary semester per calendar year. Summer cannot establish catalog rights. If you select to change your major, the catalog in effect becomes the semester in which your current major was changed. However, if you would like to request a change to any catalog year that was in effect during your enrollment, you will need to submit the Catalog Retention Request Form to the Evaluations Office: evaluations@palomar.edu / 760-744-1150 Ext. 2165.
Students that have completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university AND are planning to use the bachelor’s degree to meet the general education/district requirements will need to submit a Bachelor’s Degree Confirmation Form to the Evaluations Office: evaluations@palomar.edu / 760-744-1150 Ext. 2165.
FAQ
Please allow 7-10 business days for the request to be processed by the Admissions Office. You will receive an email once it has been processed.
Yes, it is highly recommended that you meet with an Academic Counselor to discuss your intended major first before deciding to change majors. If you have any concerns or need guidance regarding your major, we encourage you to reach out to the Counseling Office to schedule an appointment
Changing your major can potentially extend your graduation timeline, depending on the requirements and credits associated with the new major. Some majors may have different course sequences or prerequisites, which could affect the time it takes to complete your degree. Discussing the impact of a major change with an Academic Counselor is highly encouraged.
We encourage you to limit the number of requests you submit per semester. However, if you would like to redact your request and it is still pending processing, please contact the Admissions Office: admissions@palomar.edu / 760-744-1150 Ext. 2164. If you are emailing our office, it is preferred that you email us from your Palomar Student email address and be sure to include your Full Name, Palomar ID Number, and details of your request.
If your major change was already processed, you can submit another request through your MyPalomar account.
Please contact the Admissions Office immediately: admissions@palomar.edu / 760-744-1150 Ext. 2164.
Changing your major could impact your financial aid eligibility as it may impact your Satisfactory Academic Progress. Please contact the Financial Aid Office if you need further guidance: finaid@palomar.edu / 760-744-1150 Ext. 2366.
A change in major will void your probation and you will be disqualified for financial aid for the following semester. In these cases, you will need to submit an appeal for the following semester.
Please note: a change of major/degree is not an automatic appeal approval. Appeals are reserved for extenuating circumstances and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
No, you cannot receive financial aid if your major is listed as “Undecided.” If your major is currently “Undecided” or it is an ineligible financial aid major, a “To Do List” item on your Student Center will prompt students with a “Major Declared in Admissions” task. Students with this task will be required to update their major if they want to be considered for financial aid.
You will get a warning message in the system if you select a major that is not eligible for financial aid.
To receive financial aid (Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, Cal Grant, Federal Work Study and Federal Student Loans) you must declare an eligible major with the Admissions Office. The list of Financial Aid-eligible Majors can be found here.
Check your MyPalomar account for updates.
If you have questions regarding the submitted request, please contact the Admissions Office: admissions@palomar.edu/ 760-744-1150 Ext. 2164.
