Switching Majors within L&S (Freshman)

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Santa Barbara
1

Hi, I was thinking of switching my major from Biopsych to Biology before submitting my SIR. Is this possible? Also, for the major change request, it asks for Fall Grades so I just put my senior year fall grades – is this what they’re asking?

2

Found this on the UCSB website: Biology is not open to change majors prior to enrolling.

https://admissions.sa.ucsb.edu/admitted/majorchanges.asp

3

I thought that was only for Transfers, or am I missing something on that link? It’s my understanding that Biology is open to only Freshmen prior to enrollment. Otherwise, why is it listed there? Also, if I accept my SIR before my major change request is processed, I can’t request another major change until after 2 quarters of enrollment right (just want to make sure I’m reading this correctly…)?

4

There is no reason to change. They aren’t going to make you a Bio major until you finish the pre- classes.

What you’re really asking is if you can be a pre-Bio major, and there’s no advantage to doing that. Anybody at UCSB can take all the pre- classes and then petition to change to a full Bio major, anyone can walk in to talk to an advisor, etc. But if you want to have a piece of paper that says you are pre-Bio, just walk in and ask during orientation or your 1st quarter.

See https://www.lifesci.ucsb.edu/undergrad/majors/premajor/premajor.html

Note carefully on that page

You aren’t going to finish the pre- stuff in 2 quarters.

5

I want to change into Pre-Bio because it’s to my understanding that pre-bio students have priority in some classes (like Chem 1A) for example. I just want to ensure that I get into all my classes and do not fall behind because I am also doing pre-med.

Correct me if I’m wrong please! If I can get into all my classes without difficulty, then I have no reason to change into Pre-Bio. I was planning to change into pre-bio to ensure i get into all the science classes I want and then declaring biopsychology after finishing up the pre reqs.

6

Good point. I don’t know the answer, hopefully someone will reply that does.

There is this page, but it doesn’t have the exact answer http://www.chem.ucsb.edu/undergrad/current