Think about your major early!

Whether you already have a clear picture of where you want to go, or you're completely undecided, it pays to research your options and requirements. We recommend that all incoming students consider not just one but two or three potential directions—because many students change interests once they arrive and begin taking classes at UCSC.

If you're still unsure, don't worry—your first few quarters are a good time to get acquainted with UCSC, your interests and your potential major(s).  But because some majors (especially those in the Sciences and Engineering) require significant coursework from the beginning, it helps to get a clear idea as soon as you can.

Deciding upon a major requires both knowing and doing in order to make an informed choice.  Follow the action-oriented steps to guide you.

Choosing a major or area of interest:

1. Ask yourself some questions.

What subjects were your best in high school? What are your hobbies? What subjects interest you? Start with yourself: in many cases the students who have been most successful at UCSC have been those who followed their own talents and interests—even if they didn't match the plans parents/teachers/friends laid out for them. You should use Summer and Fall to begin assessing your interests, strengths and goals.  

2. Start reviewing your options.

• Review UCSC's list of majors and minors (make sure you look at the "Undergraduate" choices). Clicking on the major or minor you are interested in will take you to the description and degree requirements for that major. Becoming familiar with the lower-division and preparatory work for the major will help inform your Fall classes. Be sure to review major qualification requirements as well.
• View the New Student Advising Summaries for the subjects that interest you.  These summaries indicate when and how you may need to begin the major; they'll also suggest Fall courses for you to take.
• Consider an "Advising Cluster". If you're not sure you want to narrow your focus at this point, a Cluster is a good way to help you think about and prepare for a general direction you might take.

3. Try thinking long-term.

Sometimes it is helpful to think about majors by researching careers. Though your major at UCSC may not determine your ultimate career, working backwards (identifying a career you want, then thinking about how to get there) can sometimes be helpful.

• FOCUS online education & career assessment: FOCUS is a free online tool that can help connect you to UCSC majors and possible careers.
• Career information associated with UCSC's majors: These documents can help guide your search by answering the question: "what can I do with that major?".

If you have questions about finding and choosing a major, contact a Porter College Adviser. or call (831) 459-2273. We're here to help!