Your browser is unsupported

We recommend using the latest version of IE11, Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari.

CUPPA Undeclared

Excited Student at Graduation

At CUPPA, you can come in as an Undeclared student and take some time to figure out what major is the best fit for you

Our Undeclared students receive one-on-one personalized attention from a professional academic advisor who will help you:

  • Learn more about different majors in CUPPA.
  • Connect you with faculty to discuss your major of interest.
  • Work with you at orientation and beyond to plan your course schedule.
  • Provide you with resources and referrals to help you succeed and graduate on time!

Declaring Your Major Heading link

Welcome to UIC in the Quad

As an Undeclared student, you must declare a major that leads to a degree after earning 45 semester hours. Failure to do so will result in a registration hold which will not be lifted until the you have changed your major to one that leads to a degree. Transfer students entering with 45 semester hours or more must declare a major by the end of their first term at UIC. Failure to do so will result in a registration hold which will not be lifted until the student has changed their major to one that leads to a degree. Students who have earned 45 semester hours or more may not change their major to an Undecided Major.

Here are some steps that you will need to take to declare your major:

  • Schedule an appointment with the Undeclared advisor and discuss how you came to the decision
  • Complete a Declaration of Major form to complete and turn in to the Registrar’s Office
  • uMake an appointment to meet with a professional or faculty advisor from the department of your new major

Benefits of Declaring a Major Heading link

Students in the Lower Level working on laptops
  • An early choice of major can help students wisely plan during what semesters they will take certain courses. Some classes are offered only once a year in either Fall or Spring semester.
  • Choosing a major takes the guesswork out of choosing what courses to take
  • Earlier access to information about departmental opportunities such as internships, scholarships, research projects, and new classes
  • More time to take extra major courses or complete independent studies
  • Easier access to courses in a major department (some courses are “majors-only”)
  • Become eligible for scholarships that are for declared majors only
  • Have opportunities to participate in student organizations and clubs which include opportunities for leadership, volunteerism, professional development, and networking with others who have similar career plans.
  • Network with other students from the major, including alumni.
CUPPA Academic advisors are available to meet with undergraduate students in person or via Zoom and can also be reached via email at cuppa_advising@uic.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions Heading link