While students can declare their major during their respective admissions process, the institution recognizes that some students may not meet the minimum requirements of their desired major and/or would like to elect to use their first year of college as an opportunity to pursue a variety of avenues to help choose a career path/major. In these cases, the institution offers direction and guidance through Exploratory majors that are advised by the Director of Advising and Retention. Students in these majors are offered highly individualized attention to aid them in identifying their potential and purpose and connecting this purpose to a pathway for life.

Exploratory and Science Exploratory majors are encouraged to declare during their second year and are expected to have declared prior to earning 60 credits. Students declare their major by submitting a completed Change of Major Form to the Registrar’s Office that has been approved by the appropriate personnel.

Change of Major

Students who have previously declared a major can switch their intended major by submitting a completed Declaration of Program Change Form to the Registrar’s Office that has been approved by the appropriate personnel.

Changing a major, particularly after earning a high number of credits in their initial major, can require additional coursework beyond 120 credits and students may need to enroll in extra terms as an undergraduate student to complete the additional coursework needed to earn their degree. In the event of a major change, the University cannot guarantee the offering of courses for students to earn their degree in a timely manner.

Exploratory/Science Exploratory Students

While students can declare their major during their respective admissions process, the institution recognizes that some students may not meet the minimum requirements of their desired major and/or would like to elect to use their first year of college as an opportunity to pursue a variety of avenues to help choose a career path/major. In these cases, the institution offers direction and guidance through Exploratory and Science Exploratory majors. Students in these majors are offered highly individualized attention to aid them in identifying their potential and purpose and connecting this purpose to a pathway for life.

Students who do not meet the 2.70 high school GPA requirement for admissions directly into a Science major (see language in admissions section of the catalog), but have a 2.50 - 2.60 high school GPA, will have the option to enroll in the Science Exploratory major. Science Exploratory majors must successfully meet the following criteria and declare a major by the time they have earned 45 credits of coursework at Bay Path University:

• A grade of 'C' or better in BIO 110 Biology I for Science Majors, BIO 110L Biology I for Science Majors Lab, CHE 120 Chemistry I, and CHE 120L Chemistry I Lab
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70

If these criteria are not met by the completion of the third semester, students must declare a major outside of the science department.

Exploratory majors are encouraged to declare during their second year and are required to have declared prior to earning 60 credits at Bay Path. Students declare their major in consultation with their advisor, and by submitting a Change of Major form.