As you plan your schedule for the quarter, here are some things to consider:
- How many units should I take?
- You must be enrolled in 12 units to maintain full time status, which is required for your visa. However, to reach the 180/184 total units by the end of your fourth year, you will need to take an average of 15 units a quarter after your first quarter at UCSB. Additionally, you will need to make sure you complete at least 60 upper-division units by the time you graduate.
- What types of classes should I pick?
- Your first consideration is to create a balanced schedule.
- This usually means 1 or 2 major courses (chosen with departmental consultation) and an added GE or elective
- Just a reminder, you’ll only be able to register for a max of 13.5 units in pass I so make sure to strategize well.
- How many major courses should I take?
- Though 1 or 2 courses are recommended, consult with the major to find out their recommended schedule. Work closely with your major advisor!
- What if I don’t have a major?
- Select courses that sound interesting to you.
- Remember, you’ll need units for graduation.
- Work on a general education requirement(s)
- What if I want to take a course that isn’t a GE requirement?
- It is okay to explore your interests, even if they don’t count for general education. These courses will count as electives and you will need to earn a total of 180 or 184 units. Your major and general education will not cover all 180/184.
- Courses are not specifically designated as “electives.” An elective is defined as any course that is not being used to satisfy a major or GE requirement.
- How do I find out what GEs I have left?
- Use the progress check found on GOLD under academic history. This check updates quarterly after grades are entered.
- Remember, not all courses count for GE. Don’t assume that a course counts for a GE just because it “makes sense” or seems obvious that it would. Checking the course info screen for individual courses on GOLD is the only way to be 100% sure they’ve been officially approved for a GE requirement.
- If a course is listed for more than one general education A-G area, the course can only apply to ONE area. However, courses may fulfill one area requirement and special subject requirements at the same time, if approved for both.
- Make an appointment with a College advisor for a GE check. Appointments can be scheduled using the online appointment system on the advising website
- Don’t register for a course that you have already earned credit for. This is called duplicate matriculation. For example, you may only receive credit for one lower-division statistics course, regardless of whether you took the course at UCSB, another institution or had Advanced Placement (AP) credit.
- Questions? See an advisor.
- When can I take upper-division courses?
- Most students will begin to take upper-division courses (numbered 100-199) at the beginning of their third year (junior year), or occasionally at the end of their second year. You will need a minimum of 60 upper-division units to graduate.
- Trying to graduate early?
- Talk to a College and major advisor to see if it is possible and recommended.
- Some majors have recommended schedules for completing them in 3 years. You may find them at: http://duels.ucsb.edu/advising/planning/pathways