Declaring Chemistry as a Major

When a student enters the UI, whether in the first year or as a transfer, a major must be selected.  This is somewhat unfortunate because few new students have enough experience to know what is available at UI or what subject will eventually grab their interest.  It’s the way the system works, though, and you have to belong to some group.  Because of this requirement, even something as noncommittal as “undeclared” is now a part of your UI record and some paperwork will be necessary when you decide a BS in Chemistry is really what you are after.

Once you decide Chemistry is for you, the first thing you should probably do is send a letter to your parents or loved ones, so they can immediately tell all their friends they will soon have a Chemist in the family.  This is proud news they will want to share.  Who knows, it might even get you a check in the mail!  So phone home, ET.

Once that call is out of the way, you need to get a ‘Change of Curriculum’ form.  You can find this form (and many others) on the Registrar’s Web page.  The online form page is found here.  You can fill out the form directly online, then print it.  You will need a signature from the Chair of the department you are leaving.  They will surely be sad to see you go, but be strong; chemistry is calling.  Once that signature is obtained, the Chair of the Department of Chemistry will need to sign the form.  There is no other way to finish the job than to walk these forms around.  Don’t worry about it though. Staff in the offices on campus are friendly and helpful and they will get you what you need if you ask.  Once the form is completed, it needs to be filed with the Registrar in Room 119 of the Student Union Building.  You are done!

The application can be made at any time.  There are no deadlines and no fees.  There are a few rules that must be met to change or declare a major.  The rules are spelled out in Regulation C-1 of the University Catalog, but basically, a UI cumulative GPA of at least a 2.0 is usually required to transfer from one college to another, and you must meet the entrance requirements of the College of Science.  If you are below the 2.0 cutoff, you may need to bring that GPA up in the current college or transfer into the General Studies program first.  This can be done only after talking with the Director of that program.  Once the GPA is above 2.0, the change to Chemistry can be completed.

Another way to declare your major is to stop by the main Chemistry Office, Renfrew Hall Room 116.  The department staff has many of the forms you will need if you don’t want to download them yourself.  You can also reach them by email at chemoff@uidaho.edu.