Declaring A Minor At Rutgers New Brunswick

Rutgers University in New Brunswick requires students to declare their major and minor before they complete 60 degree credits. Students can declare their major and minor by submitting a declaration form online. Students can also email the Registrar's Office, including their name, student ID number, and the area(s) they wish to major and/or minor in. Students are encouraged to seek advising and utilise campus resources to help them decide on their major and minor.

Declare your major/minor by filling out the form on the MyMajor portal

All incoming students at Rutgers University enter as "undeclared" and are encouraged to take their first year to explore different subjects and decide on a major that aligns with their goals and interests. When you are ready to declare your major or minor, you can do so by filling out the form on the MyMajor portal.

The process of declaring a major or minor at Rutgers University involves completing the necessary forms and meeting certain requirements. The specific steps may vary depending on the school and student status (first-year, transfer, etc.). Here is a detailed guide on how to declare your major/minor by filling out the form on the MyMajor portal:

• Timing: Full-time students typically declare their major in the second semester of their second year. However, some majors may encourage students to declare earlier to facilitate proper course planning. Part-time students usually declare their major by the time they complete 60 credits. It's important to meet this deadline, as students who haven't declared their major and minor by then will not be permitted to register for the next semester until they have either declared or met with a general education advisor.
• Choosing a Major/Minor: Before filling out the form, take time to reflect on your interests, skills, and career goals. Consider attending a Majors & Minors Exploration Fair, visiting a career coach, or taking advantage of other campus resources to help you make an informed decision.
• Form Availability: The major/minor declaration form is available online at mymajor.sas.rutgers.edu. For first-year students, an email notification is usually sent at the beginning of February, informing them of the availability of the online first-year major selection form.
• Filling Out the Form: Visit the MyMajor portal and complete the Declaration of Major or Minor Form. Ensure that you meet any prerequisites or approval requirements set by the academic department. If you are declaring more than one major or minor, be sure to indicate both subjects on the form.
• Submission: After carefully filling out the form, submit it electronically by the due date indicated. For first-year students, this is typically due in February/March of their second semester.
• Approval: Once your form is submitted, the department will review your record and approve or decline your request to declare. If approved, you will be required to meet with a faculty advisor or designee within the academic department who will guide you further in your chosen major/minor.
• Academic Advising: Meeting with your academic advisor is crucial to your success at Rutgers. Advisors can assist with various topics, including course selection, academic resources, adjusting to college life, and exploring out-of-classroom opportunities related to your major. They are available to help you navigate your academic journey and make informed decisions.

Remember, if you are a transfer student or are enrolled in a specific school within Rutgers, there may be slight variations in the declaration process. Always refer to the official Rutgers website and consult with your academic advisor for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding declaring your major/minor.

Submit the form to the department(s) in which you are declaring a major/minor

Once you have completed the declaration of major or minor form, you will need to submit it to the department(s) in which you are declaring your major/minor. The process for doing so differs depending on the school and your student status.

School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS)

If you are a first-year student at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, you will receive an email at the beginning of February with the online first-year major selection form. You must submit this form electronically by the due date indicated.

Rutgers SEBS Transfer Students

Transfer students will declare their majors on their course selection form unless otherwise advised at Student Transfer Advising & Registration Day.

Rutgers SAS-Newark

If you are a Rutgers SAS-Newark student, you will need to email the form to the department(s) in which you are declaring a major/minor.

Rutgers–Camden

If you are a student at Rutgers–Camden, you will need to email the Registrar’s Office at [email protected]. Include your first and last name, RUID (nine-digit student ID number), and the area(s) you wish to major and/or minor.

The department will review your record and approve or decline your request

Once you have submitted your declaration of a major or minor form, the relevant department will review your record and either approve or decline your request.

The department will consider your academic record and whether you meet the entry requirements for the major/minor. Some majors/minors have additional criteria for eligibility to declare, such as prerequisites and/or approval by an adviser. For example, certain bachelor of arts (B.A.) and bachelor of science (B.S.) majors offered in other Rutgers–New Brunswick schools require separate admission. These include majors in the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, the School of Communication and Information, and the School of Management and Labor Relations.

If you are a transfer student, you will declare your major on your course selection form unless otherwise advised at Student Transfer Advising & Registration Day. Your major will be recorded in the Rutgers system, and an advisor assignment will be made by the undergraduate program director in your major.

If your request to declare a major/minor is approved, you will be required to meet with a faculty advisor or designee within the academic department who will advise you for the major/minor. If your request is declined, you may need to meet with a general education advisor to develop a specific and approved plan of study.

If approved, meet with a faculty advisor or designee within the academic department

Once your declaration to major or minor form has been approved, you will be required to meet with a faculty advisor or designee within the academic department. This meeting is to ensure you receive the appropriate advice and guidance for your major or minor.

The faculty advisor will be able to help you with a number of topics, including core curriculum and degree requirements. They can also help you identify academic success resources, such as learning centres, writing centres, and study groups. If you are having problems adjusting to college life, your faculty advisor can support you with this, too.

If you are a transfer student, an advisor assignment will be made by the undergraduate program director in your major. It is important to meet with your advisor to determine which major is the most appropriate for you. You should also meet with an academic advisor to determine how the sequence of courses to be completed will affect your graduation.

Students are encouraged to see their academic advisors at least once a semester. Advisors are essential to a student's success in their college experience, and can help you with planning and staying on track.

If you are a transfer student, declare your major on your course selection form

If you are a transfer student at Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, you will be asked about your intended major on your course selection form, which you will hand in to your academic advisor. This is how you will declare your major. Your advisor will then help you select your courses for the fall semester based on your major.

Transfer students will declare their majors on their course selection form unless otherwise advised at Student Transfer Advising & Registration Day. The major will be recorded in the Rutgers system, and an advisor assignment will be made by the undergraduate program director in the major.

Transfer students who have transferred 45 or more credits will not be restricted from registering for the next semester if they have not declared their major. This restriction will not apply until the end of their second semester.

If you are switching a major or minor, you should follow the declaration process as outlined above. If you are dropping a major or minor, you do not need an advisor's signature. Simply fill out the form, indicating the major or minor you wish to drop, and submit the form to the Registrar's Office using myRun Supportal.

You can also seek advisement from your office as an NCAS or UC student, as well as in your major/second concentration. If you require major/second concentration-specific advising, you must contact that department directly.

Frequently asked questions