Home / Advising / Requirements and Planning / Choosing and Qualifying for a Major

Choosing and Qualifying for a Major

Take steps to be proactive in declaring a major!

At UCSC, you must not only select a major, but you must also meet the requirements to qualify for your intended major in a timely fashion. All students are expected to declare by their 6th quarter of enrollment (typically for first time frosh this is spring of their sophomore year, and for transfers, it's the second quarter of enrollment, usually winter).

How to Choose a Major

1. Understand what degree programs we offer and identify all majors of interest.

  • Review our fields of study and understand what majors and minors are offered.
  • Read through the program description, coursework, and faculty information in the catalog.

2. Conduct some basic research on these majors and find out:

  • What is this major all about? How would I describe this major to a friend?
  • What classes do I need to get started on and to prepare for this major?
  • What admission requirements are there to qualify for this major?

3. Narrow down your list, then visit the major departments to ask questions (suggested by the Career Center).

  • What are the areas of concentration in this major?
  • What kind of academic skills are needed to be successful (e.g., strong writing or math skills)?
  • What type of classes will I be taking (large lecture, small seminars, labs etc.)?
  • What type of evalation will I have (exams, essays, presentations, a combination)?
  • Are there special programs or opportunities (field study, service learning, study abroad, etc.)
  • What does a quarter by quarter plan look like for this major?

4. Use additional resources and The Career Center to help define your interests and goals.

  • Use assessment programs through the Career Center.
  • Explore What Can I Do With This Major? - a resource that shows the potential relationship between certain majors and career paths.
  • Research what types of careers might be possible in any given major.
  • Meet with a career Center adviser for guidance on your career goals and interests. Sign up for "SlugQuest" to make an appointment.

5. Narrow your list further

  • Take classes in the departments are you exploring. Are you engaged? Are you strong in this subject matter?
  • Talk to other students in the major and get feedback about their experience. 
  • Talk to faculty who teach with the major department, ask about the field, find out what they are researching.

6. Declare your major!

  • It's important to spend some considering your major, but at some point you just have to dive in!
  • Complete the necessary requirements and follow the proper steps to declare your major on time.
  • Changing your major is dependent upon your plan and how far along you are in your academic career.