Major declaration is a straight-forward process for most majors. You will need to finish the major declaration form and acquire signatures from your future major advisor and department chair. However, the major declaration process can be different for some majors. For example, the Creative Writing program requires students to submit an application with a writing sample.

You are not required for a major before the end of your sophomore year and it’s never too late to declare a new major, even during your senior year. However, there are some advantages that you might want to think about. Firstly, you will have a major advisor, someone from the department of your major. They might know better of the program and can give you more detailed suggestions regarding courses that count towards your intended major. Secondly, you will be added to the major’s mailing list and learn about the upcoming events and other updates. Lastly, there are some upper level courses that reserve seats for students belong to that major.

If you are thinking about major declaration, explore **the various majors** that are available at Oberlin College first! If none of the existing majors suit your fancy, consider an **individual major.**

Here are student blogs talking about their experience with major declaration:

**Creative Writing: The Most Terrifying Application (2009)** By Aries Indembaum ‘09

**How (Not) to Declare a Major (2012)** By Eleanor Bronder-Major ‘15

**Declaring a New Major: The Value of Late Starts (2019)** By Olivia Huntley ‘22