Interested in a Double Major at UCLA

Hey everyone, I was wondering if anyone had any information on how feasible it would be to double major at UCLA? Like, would it be managed without burning out? And what's the process of declaring a double major there? I'd appreciate any input!

Hi there! Double majoring at UCLA is indeed possible and many students choose to pursue two distinct fields of study. However, the feasibility varies greatly depending on the specific majors you're interested in, as some are significantly more demanding or have more strict scheduling requirements than others. For example, double majoring in two humanities fields may be easier to manage than pursuing a combination like Mechanical Engineering and Art History, due to the different types of course expectations, prerequisites, and scheduling conflicts that may arise. When you're considering a double major, it's vital to start planning as early as possible. Frequent communication with academic advisors in both departments will be key to your success. They can help you map out your course plan to make sure you're meeting all the requirements for both degrees. If one or both of your intended majors are highly competitive, you'll also need to consider alternate plans.

In terms of declaring a double major, UCLA students typically declare their majors at the end of sophomore year. For a double major, you must first declare the primary major and then file a petition to declare the secondary major. It's important to note that each department may have its own requirements for declaring a major (such as certain prerequisite courses or a minimum GPA), so you'll need to be sure you're meeting the standards for both. Lastly, regarding burnout, balance is key. Double majoring will inevitably increase your academic workload, so you'll need to conscientiously manage your time and stress levels. Make sure you're building in time for rest, recreation and social activities outside of academics.

In summary, while double majoring at UCLA can be a great way to explore two areas of interest, it does involve careful planning and thoughtful consideration of your own capacity for a heavy course load. I hope this helps, and best of luck with your decision!