Transferring Engineering Majors

Needing a change? Has a different engineering program piqued your interest since beginning your B.Eng. degree? If so, it is possible to request a transfer to a different engineering program. If you have completed at two semesters, you can apply for a change in majors within the B.Eng. program (eg. Biomedical to Mechanical). Note that until a change of major is approved, you will be limited to registering in courses required for your current major.

1. I AM AN UNDECLARED STUDENT

• Criteria: There are no restrictions for undeclared students in declaring the major in one of the several engineering majors.
• Method: Use this online form to request the change. Once you submit the form, it is directed to the engineering program counselling office for review and approval. Once approved, the Registrar's office will update your program major. 
• Deadline: The major should be declared no later than the beginning of the 3rd semester.

2. I AM NOT IN THE CO-OP PROGRAM (OR APPLYING TO CO-OP AFTER YOUR FIRST YEAR)

• Criteria: A change in major is evaluated based on a student's average, and space availability in the program. The request is evaluated by the School of Engineering Admissions Committee.
• Method: To assist the Admissions Committee in selecting the most qualified applications, please provide a personal letter on your background and motivation for switching majors. Send the letter to engcouns@uoguelph.ca.  In your letter please consider the following questions:
  • What is your reason for wanting to transfer?
  • How do you see this new major being more appropriate for your interests?
  • Are there any exceptional circumstances that the committee should be aware of regarding your academic career and transcript?
• Deadline: The request can be made at anytime but will only be evaluated in May, August and December. The following table summarizes the application deadlines. For students in their first year and applying for co-op, the deadline is the last day of class of the Winter semester. 

3. I AM ALREADY IN THE CO-OP PROGRAM

• Criteria: A change in major is evaluated based on a student's average, and space availability in the program. The request is evaluated by the School of Engineering Admissions Committee and the COOP Department.
• Method: Submit the Required COOP Forms to engcouns@uoguelph.ca. As you'll need to submit a new academic/work sequence form, please book an appointment with a program counellor to discuss your new schedule. To assist the Admissions Committee in selecting the most qualified applications, please provide a personal letter on your background and motivation for switching majors. Send the letter to engcouns@uoguelph.ca.  In your letter please consider the following questions:
  • What is your reason for wanting to transfer?
  • How do you see this new major being more appropriate for your interests?
  • Are there any exceptional circumstances that the committee should be aware of regarding your academic career and transcript?
• Deadline: The request can be made at anytime but will only be evaluated in May, August and December. The following table summarizes the application deadlines.