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Choosing a Major

Sometimes the process for choosing a major can be confusing. If you are unsure of your major, this is the time to do some research! Meet with an advisor to discuss matching your major choice with your career goals. Reach out to your college or major advisor with questions about academic planning and major requirements.

Get Started

What Can I Do With This Major? Is a great starting point  to learn what career paths are possible from each major. 

  • PLEASE NOTE: UCSC does not offer all of the majors listed on this site, and some of the majors may differ slightly. However, the information is valuable and we encourage you to explore the site while referencing the Fields of Study we offer in our General Catalog.

 

Researching a Major: Tips & Resources

  • Review the General Catalog Programs information to see a list of majors offered at UC Santa Cruz. 
  • Learn about advising clusters - Research major information for new students and cluster information posted on the advising website.
  • Research a department directly - Visit the websites for the majors you're considering, and learn more about the department and the opportunities available to students. 
  • Talk with a department adviser - Even if you are not currently a proposed or declared major, you can meet with a major advisor. Discuss the major's curriculum, requirements, and opportunities. 
  • Talk with faculty during major department orientations and/or during their office hours about opportunities within a major.
  • Visit the bookstore and look at the books required by professors for majors that you are considering. 

Next Steps

When you've completed some research and you've come up with some strong possibilities, be sure to talk with a department adviser for that major (or majors) to be sure you're taking courses that will allow you to make progress and declare on time.

For more information and a complete handout to help you navigating choosing a major, click here

 

STEM Students

  • If you are interested in a science or engineering major, start on the prerequisites in your first year.  These majors require extensive sequential coursework and lower division prerequisite courses.
  • Meet with a major advisor and a career coach to map out coursework and career development during your undergrad to best prepare and be competitive for graduate/professional school or industry.
  • Meet with career coaches to hone in on which engineer or science profession you would like to pursue and map out your courses to finish on time
  • Considering graduate or professional school? Meet with a career coach ASAP to find out which major may best prepare you.