Entrance to Major Exception

Students who are pursuing a major in the College of IST that is under administrative enrollment control, but do not meet the entrance to major requirements might be eligible for an exception.

For an exception to be considered, a student must demonstrate the academic difficulties or extenuating circumstances that prevented them from meeting the entrance to major requirements. A student must also demonstrate how this major is a good fit for their strengths, interests, and career goals.

To request an exception:

Students enrolled at University Park must meet with their assigned academic adviser to discuss if they are eligible for filing the entrance to major exception. Students at a campus other than University Park should contact Melissa Williams to set up an appointment with an adviser.

Each exception will be reviewed by the college's Associate Dean of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies and the Director of Advising; and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

New GPA requirement:

As of Summer 2023, the University Park entrance to major requirements for all administratively controlled majors have been updated. The required cumulative GPA’s to enter these majors are as follows: 

  • CYAOP – 2.9
  • HCDD – 2.7
  • IST – 2.7
  • SRA – 2.7

Students meeting the following criteria should make a request for updated Entrance to Major requirements:       

  • Started at Penn State prior to Summer 2023
  • Has completed (or is enrolled in) all entrance to major courses with a C or higher
  • GPA is less than 3.0 but higher than the new GPA standard
  • Is in the credit window of 40-70 Penn State credits