For example, I’m interested in the CS major offered at UCI. However, with a GPA of 3.45 it is unlikely I’ll be able to transfer directly into CS no matter how good my upward trend, hooks, ECs, or essays are. Could I instead transfer into something like software engineering then choose CS as my 2nd major?
Why would you need CS if you can get into SE. Most CS grads do SE anyway. Unless you want to do research and more theoretical things, just stay with SE.
As for can you backdoor in, probably not, but you can raise a bat signal for two people that might know, @Gumbymom and @ucbalumnus.
I’m just interested in having access to more of the CS electives such as AI and compilers. Can’t say I care otherwise, not sure how I feel about things like research or a master’s degree at the moment.
But if I can’t backdoor, then I’ll just shoot my shot and apply as CS… though I’m getting mixed answers on whether or not I can double major once I transfer in
For UCI specifically, New student FAQs @ the bren school of information and computer sciences has some information, including a link to change of major process @ the bren school of information and computer sciences .
Other campuses may differ. At some, it may not be possible to change into or add CS after entering as a transfer student in another major.
Thanks for that, looks like theres a chance for UCI. I’ll try to find similar information for other UCs and apply to CS or something else accordingly.
UCSD information: https://cse.ucsd.edu/undergraduate/cse-capped-admissions-program
For UCLA: Junior Transfer Students
Students admitted to a major outside of Engineering (e.g. Math) are not eligible for change of major or double major consideration with an Engineering major because of the competitiveness of admissions.
Students admitted to a major within Engineering may request a change of major to another Engineering major before the end of their 2nd quarter in residence at UCLA except for the majors listed below. Such requests are rare and considered on a case by case basis if the student would have originally applied and been directly admitted to the desired major. Because they are severely impacted majors, it is NOT possible for transfer students change into the Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering majors.
UC Davis:
You can request a change of major after your first quarter at UC Davis. Major changes are granted at the discretion of academic departments and colleges, and typically require that you complete program-specific requirements before entering the new major.
UCSB:
Students who enter UCSB as transfer students are only permitted to major in a College of Engineering major if they were directly admitted into that specific major when they matriculated as a transfer student. Transfer students may not petition to change or to add an engineering major.
UCSC: As a Junior-level Transfer, you are typically admitted to campus in a proposed major. Many majors in fact require specific coursework and/or GPA levels for acceptance. Furthermore as a Junior Transfer, you are required to declare your major no later than the major declaration deadline in your second quarter of enrollment, and you have a limited number of quarters to complete your degree. These factors make it very challenging to change majors as a Junior Transfer, so if you are interested in changing majors, we highly recommend that you reach out to Advising.
UCB: Change of major - Berkeley Engineering
Declare or Change a Major | L&S Advising
You can take CS electives as a SE. My son took AI/machine learning in the CS department at Cal Poly as a ME major. You’re making this harder than it needs to be. Take the sure bet and make it work. No one cares if your paper says CS or SE for what you want to do. Don’t risk getting locked out.
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