Hello, I just got recently admitted to UCSB under an English Major. I chose the major back in November but now I’m leaning more towards Economics since I’m really enjoying the class I’m taking right now and it seems to open more job opportunities. I read UCSB’s requirements to switch majors and it stated that it’s a pre-major due to the competition. How can I switch my major now so I can start taking Econ as a premajor right when school starts? And does UCSB offer major related classes during the first 2 years or is it only general ed?
also, would it be a good idea for me to choose UCSB over UCI since Econ is more competitive at Irvine? I want to go to SB for many reasons but I also want to explore what options I have at Irvine.
Thanks!
I would talk to your Freshman orientation advisor about switching majors before registering for classes in the Fall. I would also see if you can get hold of an advisor now to see if it is even possible to switch into the Pre-Major due to its competitiveness. Most Freshman at all the UC’s will start off taking Pre-req and GE courses the first 2 years, so you should be able to start taking required Econ classes this Fall unless they are restricted if you have not declared the Pre-major.
I believe Econ is more competitive at UCSB and not UCI, so it might be easier to switch if you attend UCI instead.
This is UCI’s change of major criteria for Econ:
Cumulative UC GPA 2.00 GPA
2.00 GPA for the quarter prior to changing major
Course grades
No grade below a “C” in Math 2A-B and Econ 20A-B, with an average of 2.50 GPA or above
It looks like it would an easier switch at UCI.
No reason not to go to UCSB. As long as you keep up academically, you will have no problem making that change.
Do you know if I can have a marketing emphasis on economics? It doesn’t say in the website. I believe I can keep up academically but math is not my strongest subject and I’m more on the creative and theory side of economics.