The first question you might have is when should you expect to, or plan to, or have to, declare a major. That, of course, varies from student to student.
From an F-1 regulatory point of view, one of the issues might be how soon would you be seeking to participate in an internship, the regulatory term is Curricular Practical Training (CPT). The regulations require that any CPT authorization has to be in your field of study. That means – related to your major.
If getting an internship is not your goal, then the decision on a major can be put off until later. And of course, it is possible to change your major if your first choice is ill-advised. By the end of your second year, I believe you will have probably decided on your major or perhaps two majors. Do follow the prescribed steps of the college to have that choice recorded in your academic records.
But your next step needs to be getting your major recorded on your SEVIS record. As stated on the section concerning the I-20 on the Maintaining Legal Status webpage, you are responsible for providing information to the ISA to update the Program of Study information on the I-20. Make an appointment or just email the International Student Services office to request the SEVIS update and receive a new I-20 with the new major.
Another aspect of choosing a major might be whether you hope to take advantage of the extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period offered to students with STEM majors
- A STEM major is one in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics
- All F-1 students completing their degree in the U.S. are eligible for 12 months of employment following graduation known as Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). Students graduating with a STEM major are eligible (at the present time) for an additional 24 months of OPT.
- STEM majors at É«ÖÐÉ« are
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Cognitive Science
- Computer Science
- Economics (Econometrics)
- Environmental Analysis
- Geology
- Linguistics and Cognitive Science
- Mathematics
- Molecular Biology
- Neuroscience
- Physics
- Psychology