How to change your major to engineering

One of the most incredible aspects of studying at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is that there are almost limitless ways you can explore, define, focus—or even redefine—your passions and interests.

And as you learn more about what’s important to you, what you really like to do, and what you’re good at, you may want to change your major. If you’re a UW-Madison undergraduate student who’s currently “undecided” or thinking about transferring from your current major into the College of Engineering, it’s very possible.

And even if you’re already advised through UW-Madison’s Cross-College Advising Service, here are three easy steps you can take to explore your options. (Pro tip: Get on this now, before it’s too late!)

1. First, complete the engineering Canvas course, which takes about 20 minutes. You’ll explore engineering majors, review admission requirements, and learn how you can build your academic foundation and complete your application. You’ll learn how to access engineering info and academic and tutoring resources, and how to make an appointment with an engineering advisor. (Pro tip: Use all of these resources. They can give you a huge competitive edge.)
2. At the same time, check out Cross-Campus Students on the College of Engineering’s intranet, where you’ll find specifics that will help you determine whether you can apply to transfer into engineering. You can also join a specific “so you want to change your major to engineering” email list. (Pro tip: Do this, so you’re in the know!)
3. After you complete the Canvas course, you’ll be able to request an appointment with an engineering advisor. This is an invaluable opportunity to tap this person’s expertise in everything from understanding your eligibility to selecting courses that help you prep for engineering to when and how to create a competitive application for the engineering major you want. “We meet with a student individually, learn about that student’s situation, and tailor our advising to where that student is at,” says an engineering advisor.

One final note: As an engineering major, you can get the best of both worlds: You’re also free to double-major (in other words, add an additional major) in a wide variety of non-engineering programs in the College of Letters and Science at UW-Madison.

And if you’re not attending college at UW-Madison but are thinking about transferring to UW-Madison to major in engineering, we have you covered, too.