While choosing a major is a normal and mandatory part of a university experience, it is not always easy, especially for students with multiple interests. If you are seeking general guidance about choosing a major, review the tips and information below to get the wheels turning!

How do I choose the major that's best for me?

While there is no one-size-fits-all procedure for choosing a major, following the steps below may help narrow the choices. Remember, major department advisors and websites are the most informative sources about each major:

 

STEP 1

Start by exploring the list of UCSB majors provided by the Office of Admissions. Highlight a few that pique your interest. Once you've narrowed your options, dive deeper by visiting the department websites and offices for the majors that interest you. Reach out to staff, professors, or the undergraduate advisor for detailed information about the major. Many departments have peer advisors who can share their personal experiences in a particular major. For department contact details, visit UCSB’s Departmental Directory or the UCSB Student-Staff-Faculty Directory.

STEP 2

Visit Career Services to research career opportunities for the major(s) you are interested in. Check out the Self-Assessment tools offered by the Career Center. These assessments are free for UCSB students and can help you explore what careers/majors fit your interests and strengths. These tools can provide valuable insight into post-graduate and career opportunities related to your major. Utilizing Career Services can also help you identify which majors may be the best fit for your future goals.

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STEP 3

Use the UCSB General Catalog to view programs and review requirements and course descriptions for different majors. This can help you determine what areas of study interest you most and can help you find the appropriate major. 


Additionally, consider fulfilling some of your General Education requirements with courses that could also apply toward majors you are considering. This can allow you to explore different majors while also progressing your degree requirements. 

STEP 4

Meet with a College of Letters & Science academic advisor. Our academic advisors can help you with general degree and major information. They can also assist you with the major declaration process once you have decided on the major that is right for you.

 

Is there a "right" or a "wrong" major?

You know you're in the "right" major, if...

  • You cannot wait to attend courses in your major. 
  • You find the material you study to be fun and interesting. 
  • You have trouble deciding on which major courses to take because you want to take everything being offered. 
  • You frequently find yourself thinking about ideas presented in lectures. 
  • You participate actively in classroom discussions, and/or talk about topics and ideas in your major in regular conversations with friends. 
  • You pursue additional opportunities outside of the classroom (research, field trips, additional assignments). 
  • You are doing well in your major courses. 

You may be in the "wrong" major, if...

  • You are uninterested in the content and material taught in your major courses. 
  • Your current major makes your family happy, but your true interests lie elsewhere. 
  • You are in the major only because you think it's the only path to the job you want. 
  • You actively dislike your major, but feel it is too late to change directions.
  • You dread attending lectures and discussions in your major courses. 
  • Your major GPA is lower than it should be, and you are struggling in your major courses.

When Should I Declare a Major?

 

Students are expected to declare a major before they have completed 90 units or at the start of their 7th quarter. However, there are several advantages to declaring a major early in your academic journey:

  • You will get earlier access to information about departmental opportunities such as internships, scholarships, research projects, and new classes.

  • You will have more time to take extra major courses or complete independent studies.

  • You avoid restrictions when registering for courses in a major department (some courses are restricted to "majors-only").

  • You will have a clearer path and greater clarity when choosing your classes each quarter.

  • You will have an increased chance of finishing your UCSB degree within four years.

What if I don't declare a major once I've completed 90 units?

After 90 units completed, registration will be blocked if you do not declare a major. 

To have the registration block removed you must visit your intended major department, declare your major with the department advisor, and email a copy of the paperwork to academic_advising@ltsc.edu. Alternatively, if you are unable to declare at that point, you can email a note from the department stating that you are making satisfactory progress.

How do I declare a major or change my major?

To change or declare a major within the College of Letters & Science:

  1. Contact the department advisor for your intended major to discuss the department's change of major process. You can find the department advisor by going to the department's website; check under Staff or Undergraduate Advising for the advisor's drop-in hours or email contact information.
  2. Obtain a copy of the major requirements sheet. You can find this on the major department's website or in the UCSB Catalog.
  3. Complete the Change of Major petition.
  4. Send the completed form along with a copy of the major requirements sheet to your new major's department advisor for approval to join the major. The department advisor will gather the required signatures for the petition on your behalf. Please do not contact the Department Chair or the Dean.
  5. Students who request a change of major late--after they have reached Senior standing (135 units)--may, in some cases, also be required to submit a Proposed Schedule for Graduation (PSG) form located on our Other Petitions & Forms page

Want to change to the College of Engineering or the College of Creative Studies?

Consult the Change of College section on the Change of Major and College petition page. 


Planning to pursue a Dual College with Letters and Science and either Engineering or Creative Studies?

Consult the Dual College section on the Change of Major and College petition page.

 

Change of Major Petitions

Considering a double major?

 

 

A double major isn't necessary for everyone and might not be the best choice for all students. However, if you're passionate about two subjects and confident in managing a heavier workload, it could be a good option. Before deciding, make sure to carefully consider the challenges and commitments involved.

Expand and review the list of considerations to the right when deciding if a double major is right for you. 

Students should complete all degree requirements before reaching 200 units. However, UCSB guarantees a specific number of quarters based on how you entered:

  • First-year students: 12 regular quarters (Fall, Winter, Spring) plus summers
  • Transfer students: 6 regular quarters plus summers

If your double major plan requires more than 200 units to complete or extends beyond your guaranteed quarters, you’ll need to submit a Proposed Schedule for Graduation (PSG) form located on our Other Petitions & Forms page. You do not need a petition if you exceed 200 units within your guaranteed quarters.

To graduate with a double major, you must fulfill all requirements for both majors. Before you declare a double major, discuss your choice with the departmental undergraduate advisor for each major to ensure you understand what is expected. You should also consult a Letters & Science Academic Advisor for additional assistance in evaluating this option and developing an academic plan. 

Note: Majors with different degree objectives will require different General Education coursework. For example, if you are attempting to double major in a B.A. and a B.S, you will need to complete both the GE requirements for the B.A. and the B.S.

You can apply an unlimited number of lower-division courses to both major requirements simultaneously. However, for upper-division courses, only 8 units can count toward both majors at the same time. Utilizing these units overlaps can help reduce the total number of courses needed to complete your double major.

If both majors lead to the same degree objective (B.A., B.S., B.F.A., B.M.) and come from the same college, you will earn one degree. However, if the two majors come from different colleges, or if they lead to different degree objectives, you will earn two degrees. 

 

If you're certain a double major is right for you, you'll need to submit a petition to declare a double major. Details on how to do this can be found in the Double Majors section on the Change of Major Petition page.

Let's Talk about Minors.

Minors aren’t required to graduate, but many students pick one to dive into a special interest or make the most of their upper-division electives.

A minor lets you explore something different from your major, or find a perfect complement to it! If you are considering a minor, review the UCSB General Catalog to explore the list of all minors offered.

UCSB Minors Offered

 

Once you’ve found a minor that sparks your interest, use the General Catalog to see the degree requirements.

Remember, only five units can count toward both your major and minor at the same time.

If a minor feels like the right move for you, drop by the department and chat with the advisor. They’ll help you officially declare a minor.