Changing Major

Triptych of students working on different projects

Overview

The Orfalea College of Business (OCOB) is committed to providing a transparent, equitable, and student-centered process for students seeking to change their major into Business Administration, Economics, or Industrial Technology & Packaging.

This policy replaces the former ICMA process and uses a clear evaluation and selection system based on academic achievement and progress toward degree.

Change of Major Process

Step 1: Explore

Attend a university-wide Change of Major Workshop.
Meet with an advisor in the Mustang Success Center (first year students only).
Meet with an academic advisor in your current major/college.
Explore OCOB majors. Review the Business Administration, Economics, and Industrial Technology & Packaging curriculum sheets to understand required courses, prerequisites, and progression.
Research careers and industries with Career Services’ career exploration online tools.
Peer Advisors at Orfalea Student Services are available to answer any questions about the Change of Major process. Please do not schedule an appointment with one of our professional advisors unless advised to do so by the OCOB Change of Major Team. Direct your questions to cobadvis@calpoly.edu

Step 2: Review Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility is limited to first- and second-year students.
Students must be able to complete the new major within 4 years from their admission term to Cal Poly.
Change of major is not open to transfer students.

Minimum GPA Requirements

Major	Minimum Cal Poly GPA
Business Administration	3.5
Economics	3.3
Industrial Technology & Packaging	Good Academic Standing (2.0)

Step 3: Change of Major Application Process

Submit a Change of Major Inquiry through the Cal Poly Portal Change of Major Portlet at any time during a term.
- Log onto your Cal Poly Portal
- Click on the ACADEMICS tab
- Click on the “Change of Major” link on the bottom right of the page

Inquiries are reviewed at the end of each term after grades have been posted.

Step 4: Selection Process

Admission is not guaranteed even if minimum criteria are met. Selection decisions will be made without regard to students’ current majors.

Selection will depend on:

Available space in the desired major.
GPA ranking of eligible applicants.
Academic progress status.

The number of students admitted will be managed annually to balance internal capacity.

Selection Timeline

Decisions are sent during the break between terms.
Accepted students will see their major officially changed within the first two weeks of the following term.

Appeals

First-Year Students: Not eligible to appeal. Students may focus on GPA improvement and reapply if still within eligibility.
Second-Year Students: If denied, students may appeal once per academic year. Appeals must include supporting documentation.
Appeals are due within 2 weeks of a denial decision.
Appeals will not be considered after the second year (fourth quarter / second semester).

Next Steps & Alternatives:

First-year students are encouraged to focus on General Education (GE) and support courses that align with both their current and prospective major.
Students accepted into the Orfalea College of Business will be invited to meet with an advisor in the term after the change has occurred. This session connects students with academic advisors, provides guidance on course planning, and introduces OCOB resources to support their success.
Students not accepted for change of major are encouraged to consider related majors or explore minors within the Orfalea College of Business.