When and How to Declare

When to declare

The requirements for declaring vary by faculty and program.

• BA students
  • Use your first and second years to explore your options.
  • Look at the requirements for the majors you're considering.
  • Plan to take the core second-year required courses in second year to stay on track while trying to decide.
  • You can declare your major at any time but generally near the end of your first year or later.
  • Some programs require you to declare to be able to register for their required courses.
  • If you are unsure of your major, meet with an advisor for help in exploring your options.
    
• BSc students
  • Declare your major before registering for 2nd year courses.
  • Some programs require you to declare to be able to register for their required courses.
  • If you are unsure of your major, meet with an advisor for help in exploring your options.
    
• BComm/BMgmt students
  • Students enrolled in the Commerce Co-op or Management program will declare a major closer to the end of their program.
• All other programs
  • Advisors in your department/school can provide information and advice on specific program requirements.

How to declare your major (and minor if applicable)

1. Login to Dal Online
2. In Web for Students, click on Student Records
3. Click on Declare Your Major/Minor/Certificate
4. Fill out all relevant fields (major, double major, minor) and submit the form

If you experience any problems with the online form, contact the Registrar's Office at (902) 494.2450 or email: studentonline@dal.ca.

Honours/Combined honours

If you are planning to enter the honours program, you need to complete an honours application form in consultation with your honours advisor. Once approved by your honours advisor, the form is submitted to the Registrar's Office in order to update your record.

For the double Major equivalent of Honours, you’ll be applying for Combined Honours, where typically the honours course/s will be done in just the first honours subject (which needs to have more/equal credit hours at the 2000-level and above). You need to meet with advisors in both departments and get their approval. Minors do not require departmental approval.

The deadline to submit the honours application form is the same as the course add/drop deadline in September of your final year, or January if finishing in the summer (see Important Dates), although some departments may accept them as early as third year.