How Hard is it to Change Majors at UCSD?

I am applying to UCSD and I have a lingering question: how difficult is it to switch majors once I'm enrolled? I'm not completely sure about my major choice, and might want to explore other options once I'm actually in college.

At UC San Diego (UCSD), the process to change majors can be straightforward or a bit complicated, depending on what you're switching from and into.

If you're switching within the same college (like from one science major to another within the Division of Physical Sciences), it's usually a simple process. You typically just have to speak with or submit a request to the academic advisors of your new major to make sure you’re on track to complete those major requirements. They'll confirm whether you've completed any prerequisites and help you plan your course schedule accordingly.

However, if you're trying to change to a capped major (these are majors with a limit on the number of students that can declare them due to high demand), it can be more challenging, but not impossible. Majors like Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Psychology are considered "capped" at UCSD and have specific requirements to apply. Typically, this involves taking a sequence of prerequisite courses and earning a certain GPA in these courses.

With capped majors, there is an additional review process and they essentially have a separate application period, where you’d submit your application to switch. Unfortunately, not all students who apply to switch into these capped majors are accepted, so it's best to have a solid backup plan.

Moreover, always remember to consider the feasibility of a major change. For example, changing from a humanities major to a science major late in your college career could result in needing additional time to graduate due to additional course requirements.

Just to sum up, transitioning from one major to another at UCSD is generally a familiar process undertaken by many students, but some majors are more difficult to move into than others. It's always a good idea to discuss these decisions with your academic advisor—their guidance is vital in making informed decisions about your academic journey.