Determining a major field of study is an important choice in a student’s academic career. Some students need time to explore a variety of interests prior to deciding on a major, whereas others come to college with a strong inclination toward a particular field of study. Linfield’s policy on declaring a major is flexible enough to honor the student’s desire to explore various options. At the same time, it recognizes that timely determination of an academic major facilitates planning and expedites progress toward a degree.

Students admitted to Linfield will have the opportunity to declare a major, or pre-professional concentration, on admission to the institution. Students who are undecided or exploring will remain as "Undecided" until they declare a major. Students are encouraged to reach out to the academic advising office in addition to working with their faculty advisor for understanding the declaration process.

Upon completion of 45 semester credits (typically by spring semester of the sophomore year), students must declare a major. This declaration must be completed before a student is permitted to register for the following semester. 

Once declared, students can change their major at any time. It is recommended that students consult with their current faculty advisor and a faculty advisor from the new department before declaring a new major.

Nursing major preparation

Students intending to major in Nursing are strongly encouraged to signal their interest by declaring Pre-nursing as soon as possible to ensure they receive appropriate advising for preparing for the Nursing program. 

Teaching Licensure preparation

Students intending to enter one of Linfield’s teacher licensure programs are strongly encouraged to signal their interest by declaring an Pre-education as soon as possible so they will receive appropriate advising from the Education Department.

DECLARING OR CHANGING A MAJOR/CHANGING ADVISORS

Students declare their major using an online form. The same form can be used to change a major, to add a second major, add a minor, and to change their advisor. Students declaring multiple majors may be required to have an advisor in each of their majors depending on the programs. It is recommended that students also have an advisor in each minor that they are pursuing.