How to Declare a Major/Minor

Enroll in an Introductory Course

Ideally, all prospective majors and minors in Art History, Art Practice, or Film and Media Studies should take during their freshman or sophomore year:

  • ARTHIST 1A (Introduction to the Visual Arts: Pre-historic to Medieval), ARTHIST 1B (Introduction to Visual Arts: Renaissance to the Present), or ARTHIST 5 (Art and Power)
  • An introductory lecture or studio course
  • Students interested in Film & Media Studies should also take FILMEDIA 4 (Introduction to Film Study)

Schedule a Meeting with the Student Services Specialist

Please schedule an appointment with the Student Services Specialist, before declaring the major or minor in Axess. This meeting should occur during the first two weeks of the quarter, or as soon as a student decides to declare the major/minor. At this meeting you will review the program requirements and administrative forms.  The Student Services Specialist will also review your transcript and outline the coursework required to complete the relevant degree requirements.

Declare on Axess

You will need to declare the major/minor officially through Axess.  After you declare the major/minor, your request will be finalized—provided you have met with the Student Services Specialist.

Select a Faculty Advisor

The Student Services Specialist will discuss the selection of a faculty advisor with you during your first scheduled meeting.  You may request a particular faculty member to act as your advisor; however, the designation of a particular advisor depends upon the number of undergraduate students already working with that faculty member. Your advisor must be a  member of the regular Stanford faculty (not an adjunct lecturer or adjunct professor). An Advisor Approval Request form must be signed by both the student and the faculty advisor in order for the request to be finalized and entered into Axess.