Academic Structure Change Procedures

Overview

Use this page to determine how to make a change to academic structure such as changing a department name, or creating a new major or a new graduate degree program.

In the case of all the following, no addition or change may be advertised nor may students be admitted to a new or changed program until final approval by the relevant authority. Changes are effective at the start of the following academic year (September 1).

To request changes to academic structure, submit the Academic Structure Change Proposal form

How to Change a Department's Name

Preferably, a name change should be completed in time to meet Graduate Admissions (ca January 15) and Stanford Bulletin (ca June 15) deadlines. Note: a change in name of the department does not change the name of the major.

How to Add, Change, or Discontinue a Department, IDP, Undergraduate Major, Graduate Degree Program, or Honors Program

How to Add, Change, or Discontinue an Undergraduate Minor, Ph.D. Minor, or Subplan

How to Add, Change, or Discontinue a Joint Degree Program

Note that each department must have a stand-alone degree program in place before making it part of a joint degree program.