Change Major or Degree Aim

The Change Major or Degree Aim tool is accessed through GEPA’s Student Database

This online tool is used when a student is changing

major codes (e.g., from EC77 to EC78)
degree aim (e.g., from MA to PhD, or MS to MBA)
both major code and degree aim (e.g., from MA in LA76 to PhD in HI75).

This tool is only used when there is no break in enrollment; if 1 quarter or more is missed, a General Petition for readmission is needed (see the Readmission page). [If the student is on a leave, the student must be returned from leave into the original program before the change major form can be submitted]

For requests to change departments/programs, the student’s current home department/program must initiate the request. After home department/program approval, it will be routed to the proposed program for final approval.

A student must be registered for the quarter in which the change is requested.

FAQs

Do I need to submit a change degree aim form for a PhD student who is terminating with a Master’s degree?

No. You simply mark the “terminate” box on the Final Report Form. For accurate reporting purposes, the original degree aim of PhD must be retained.

The only exceptions are: 1) if the student is going to continue registering for a quarter or more as a master’s student before filing the degree; 2) if the student is changing from PhD in one department and completing the Master’s in another department.

*On the FAQ page, see the answers to “What is the process for submitting master's paperwork for a PhD student (master's along the way or terminal master's)” (under the Master’s (Academic) / Progress to Degree section) for more details on PhD students filing master’s degrees.

I have a PhD student who wants to receive a master's along the way in the same major code. Do I need to submit a change degree aim form?

No. You simply submit the master’s degree Final Report Form and mark the “continue” box.

I have a PhD student who wants to receive a master's along the way in a different major code. Do I need to submit a change major code and/or change degree aim form?

Yes, a change major code form must be submitted in the MS filing quarter. Submit the major code change to the new/MS major code so that the correct uAchieve degree audit will run for APPC submission (the degree aim should remain PhD*). After the master's is awarded, submit the major code change back to the PhD major code.

*EXCEPTION: The degree aim must be changed from PhD to MS if the new major code does not offer a PhD. To check this, go to the registrar's official major code spreadsheet: https://blink.ucsd.edu/instructors/index.html >Scroll down> Under “Resources,” Click on "ISIS major codes (EXCEL)." Column K lists “Award Type.” If PhD is not listed, that major code does not offer a PhD.