Students enter American University with an intended major or as an undecided student. By the end of the second year, each student should be ready to formally declare a major program.

To declare a major or minor in the School of Public Affairs, please complete the online declaration form below. Your request will be reviewed by an authorized staff person and they will assign you an advisor once you are approved. Your advisor will serve as your primary advisor for the major/minor. If you are not approved for you major, you will be notified via email. Once you are approved, you will receive an email confirming that your major/minor declaration as been processed.

Please note that your first major must be formally declared before you can declare a second major or a minor.

Contact the advising office with any questions via email at spa_undergradadvising@american.edu or by phone at 202-885-6200.
Online Declaration Form

First Major

• Must have an AU GPA of 2.0

Second Major

• Must have an AU GPA of 2.0
• Must have first/primary major declared.
• Reminder: General advising (questions about AU Core, university requirements, etc.) takes place within the school/college that the first/primary major is declared.
• A SPA Advisor will be assigned to advise you on the requirements of the second major.

Minor

• Must have an AU GPA of 2.0
• Must have first/primary major declared.
• A SPA Advisor will be assigned to advise you on the requirements of the minor.