Declaring the Major

Policy Studies is a "second major," which means that you must have at least one accompanying departmental major when you graduate. Your departmental major may be from any division. It is not uncommon to find Policy Studies students who also major in Spanish, English, History, Ecology, or Biochem/Premed as well as more the more traditionally policy-related social sciences like Political Science, Economics, and Sociology.

You may declare your Policy Studies major at any time, whether or not you have declared another major.

The Process:

• Pick up a "Declaration of Major" form from the Registrar’s Office. You will also need a list of the classes you have taken for Rice credit, so you may want to bring a copy of your transcript.

• Contact the  Policy Studies Director  to schedule time to meet.

• At your meeting with the Policy Studies Director, you will discuss your interests and map out a curriculum based on your goals and Rice’s offerings.

• Meet with the Policy Studies Director each semester as you pre-register. At these meetings, you can discuss your academic and career plans and which Policy Studies courses are appropriate for you.