Alternative Majors FAQ: Opportunities at UCSB

A few excellent applicants were offered admission to an alternate major in the College of Letters and Science. Unfortunately, the ratio of spaces to applications makes admission to particular majors highly competitive. The finite number of seats available in those majors strictly limit the possible enrollments. For transfer applicants, specific major preparation was required and after reviewing your application, we found that you were missing major preparation or did not meet GPA requirements.

Yes. The change of major request is not considered an appeal. Depending on when the request is received, approval may not occur until after submitting your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR).

• First-year/freshman Admits: To learn about submitting a change of major request to an open major in the College of Letters and Science, visit the Major Changes page.
• Transfer Admits: Students who have appropriate major preparation in another major may request to be reviewed for an alternate major in the College of Letters and Science. Visit the Major Changes page for a list of open majors.

Your first step is to submit your SIR by the deadline in the Applicant Portal. You may change into an open major in the College of Letters and Science before you start at UCSB by consulting the list and following instructions on the Major Changes page. Transfer admits who request a selective major must meet all of the required major preparation before a change of major request can be considered. Depending on your desired major, students often must wait before changing majors on campus. New students should consult with the academic department once on campus in the fall.

Yes, for first-years only. If your first choice major was one in the College of Engineering and a space in that major becomes available, you will automatically be considered for that major. There is no need to submit a request to change your major back into that first choice major. You will be notified if a space does become available and you're offered a spot. 

If a career in engineering is your goal, you should consider other programs to which you have been admitted. The College of Letters and Science has many exciting majors, minors, and honors programs. Consult the list below for popular alternative majors and discover Career Tracks in Engineering + Technology. Also, note that your college major does not necessarily define your career choice.

• First-year/freshman Admits: Be aware that transferring into the College of Engineering after enrollment at UCSB is very difficult and unlikely. The College of Creative Studies (CCS) does accept applications after enrollment. Interested students should consult with an advisor in CCS.
• Transfer Admits: Particular majors will not allow entry after admission (e.g. the College of Engineering, Biological Sciences, etc.).

• Actuarial science (BA, BS)
• Chemistry and biochemistry (BA, BS)
• Earth science (BA, BS)
• Economics (BA)
• Environmental studies (BA, BS)
• Geography (BA), and with geographic information science emphasis
• Mathematics (BA, BS) and applied mathematics (BS)
• Physical geography (BS)
• Physics (BA, BS)
• Psychological and Brain Sciences (BS)
• Statistical science (BA, BS)