How to Declare a Major or Minor in Physics & Astronomy

Step 1. Open the declaration e-form here

Step 2. Fill out Section I. Student Information

• Indicate if you are adding a major or minor by Selecting 'yes' next to the major or minor field.
   
• Once you have selected yes, add the name of the major/minor you are declaring in the text field that appears:
   
  • Majors:
    • Physics BS
    • Physics/Math Secondary Education
  • Minors
    • Physics
    • Astronomy
• Answer 'no' to any other questions that don't apply to you.

Step 3. Download the plan of study template sheet.

Step 4. edit the plan of study template to indicate the quarters you plan to take each of the required courses in the physics major, as well as the electives you are most interested in taking as part of your degree.  Consult the schedule of electives page to see when they are currently planned to be offered next - but when in doubt, just add the class to the last year of your plan and then you can discuss with a faculty advisor how to fit it in.  Make sure to save your edited plan of study so that you don't lose your work! 

(If it isn't clear how to fill out this template, that is ok - just email physics@wwu.edu to schedule an advising appointment.  We are here to help, and can work with you to develop an initial course plan and get your declaration finished!)

Step 5. Scroll past the sections that the department & registrar will use to the blue box at the bottom

Step 6. Click the 'attach' button, select your saved plan of study file and then save to upload it to the form. 

Step 7. Add the email address for the department - physics@wwu.edu - in the 'email to' box, and click the 'submit' button.

Step 8. Once the department sends the ‘welcome to the major’ message, email your new departmental advisor to review your initial course plan.  You will also want to meet with them regularly as you progress through your degree path so they can give advice and review the classes that you are planning to take each quarter.

Also watch your email & the department’s bulletin board for info about talks, club meetings, etc.

That’s it!