A student officially declares a major by completing a Major Declaration Form with an advisor in the academic department where the major is housed. A Minor Declaration Form may be completed with the student's major department or the department housing the minor. The completed document(s), with appropriate signatures, must be received in the Office of the Registrar in order for the process to be complete. The declaration of major should be made once 24 credit hours of course work have been attempted. If the student is unable to declare a major, a pre-major should be declared.

The university catalog in effect at the time of completion of the appropriate Major or Minor or Pre Major Declaration Form will be used to determine course requirements. The major degree program remains effective for no more than six years following its approval date. Students are responsible for the requirements of their educational programs and should work closely with their advisor to see that those requirements are met.

In the process of earning a degree, students must complete requirements for the degree and sometimes, as in the case of teacher education programs, must also meet state certification requirements. If certification or statutory requirements change and additional requirements become effective during the time a student is enrolled in a program, the new requirements take precedence over previously existing degree or certification standards.

Current Major and Minor or Pre Major Declaration Forms can be found through the website of the appropriate academic department or www.missouriwestern.edu/registrar.