To double major, students must apply to and be accepted by both majors. Completing both programs may take longer than four years, depending on the combination of majors. Extending beyond four years may have financial implications.
A minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA is required at the time the student declares a double major. A minimum of 18 unique credits for each major is required. Double majors are not required for degree completion.

Pursuing degree requirements

Students must start the process by notifying Academic Advising of their intent to double major. An academic advisor will discuss the process with them and provide an overview of how the two majors will fit together.
If, following this initial meeting, students choose to continue with the double major process:

• Academic Advising will create a combined program of study for them.
• Division Chairs of both majors will approve the program of study, which will be a binding document of the student's academic requirements.
• Division Chairs of both majors will sign the Declaration of Double Major form that accompanies the program of study.
• Student will submit the signed Declaration of Double Major form and program of study to the Registrar’s Office, where the action will be officially recorded.
• In the event of scheduling conflicts, the Division Chairs of both majors and the student must come to a workable agreement to resolve the conflict.

If a student decides to discontinue their double major at any point, they will need to meet with an academic advisor in Academic Advising and complete a Declaration of Single Major (from Double Major) form.

Applying for degree certification

Students with a double major should consult with the Division Chairs of both majors, the Registrar’s Office, and the Office of Financial Aid before applying for degree certification. There are financial aid implications if a student is certified as graduated from one major and returns to complete the second major. In most instances, students should apply for concurrent graduation from both majors.

Financial Aid and scholarship implications

Federal Title IV financial aid programs are designed to help students complete their first bachelor’s degree. Once a student completes all requirements for major and the Registrar certifies the degree, the student is considered to have fulfilled the purpose of Title IV aid. At that point, the student is no longer eligible for any need-based federal or state financial aid, even if the student plans to continue at CIA to complete a second major. For this reason, unless a student plans to self-finance the remainder of their education or has a compelling reason to graduate early, they are encouraged not to apply for graduation until requirements for both majors are met. A post-baccalaureate student may have remaining federal undergraduate loan eligibility and should check with the financial aid office regarding their loan history.

As the student nears the completion of at least one of the majors, they are strongly encouraged to meet with the Office of Financial Aid to remind them that the student is pursuing a double major, are nearing completion of one major, and discuss what the best action would be as the student plans to complete the second major.