<p>I'm currently an incoming freshman for UCSD with the major of human biology, but I want to go into microbiology instead. I'm wondering how hard is it to change my major, especially when the one I want to go into is 'impacted'? What's the process in changing a major and how long will it take? In addition, what does it mean that the major needs 'additional screening requirements'?</p>
<p>No need to answer these questions all in one post, if you have an answer for one of them, just answer it! </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>You do realize that as a human bio major, you can take all the classes a microbiology major would take … there’s really no distinguishing between the various flavors of bio majors (with the exception of obvious ones like bioinformatics). Your future employers are only going to see the “biology” part of the major and lump you in with everyone else. It’s not the name of your major, but rather your research and extracurricular activities, that’ll separate you from the herd.</p>
<p>In other words: this is not something to be worrying about. </p>
<p>If you want to switch into something other than biology, google “ucsd changing major” and read up on that first.</p>
<p>Actually, I didn’t know about that, so thank you. :)</p>
<p>However, I did indeed check that ucsd changing majors and I didn’t really understand the site; I couldn’t find where to change my major. Therefore, if anyone can answer that, it’d appreciated. I guess its something I shouldn’t be worried about, but then why do they have all these different biological sciences majors if it’s all just “biology” that employers look at?</p>
<p>That changing-major link won’t work until you’re a registered student for the current term. No need to waste resources on students who haven’t actually committed to attending UCSD and paid up, you see.</p>
<p>If you’re already in the impacted department then you can switch between majors within the department at will.</p>
<p>I went from EBE to Biochem to Microbiology in the span of 30 days :P</p>
<p>Um… excuse me, but I already have committed to the university, thank you very much. However, I’m attending for the Fall 2012 term so I don’t know if that’s considered current. No need for the bluntness, though I thank you for trying to answer my questions.</p>
<p>And I thank you very much momosky for the reply. I do appreciate the answers of those who have actually had experience in the issues I’m asking about. :)</p>
<p>It’s nice that you consider yourself committed, but until the university gets their $$$ they don’t consider you as such.</p>
<p>And current term = spring quarter 2012. Just like the season. Not fall.</p>
<p>g’luck with everything!
sincerely,
grumpy astrina</p>
<p>astrina, I appreciate your contributions to this forum. and by extension, you :)</p>
<p>Well… now they consider me… I’ve paid up. 
Fully enrolled.</p>