Academics

A professor teaches a class outdoors.

Our comprehensive curriculum is designed to challenge and engage you, spark your imagination and inspire you to think in new ways as you focus on what you want your future to look like.

125+

majors

90+

minors

Students head to and fro on campus.

Experience Major and Minor Discoveries

If you’re not sure of a major yet, don’t worry. Many freshmen change their major while at UCLA. Thanks to the breadth of our top-ranked academic program and our cross-disciplinary approach provide, you’ll have endless opportunities to find your path. And our 10-week quarter system lets you sample a multitude of subjects and classes.

Freshmen generally decide on a major by the end of their sophomore year. Transfer students declare a major when applying and must satisfy lower-level course requirements to do so. You may be able to add a minor in an area that interests you.

Testimonials

A headshot of UCLA students Isaiah Rutledge

I chose UCLA over the other schools I applied to because I knew I would be challenged in ways I never experienced before and would have access to the best resources, plus the prestige of the school would resonate after I graduate.

— 
Isaiah Rutledge, political science major, public policy minor
2 out of 3

classes have less than 30 students

Class Size

Enjoy Different Ways to Learn

From small-class settings to larger lecture classes with discussion sections, find academic environments designed to benefit your learning style and give you access to our amazing faculty. Our faculty-in-residence program means some faculty members live on campus so they can interact with and inspire students on a daily basis.

Students can also choose from hundreds of small classes designed to help them transition into college-level work and take an in-depth look at new fields and topics.

Professor Teo Ruiz leads students on a tour through L.A. for a small Fiat Lux seminar.

Small Seminars

Every year, students may choose from around 200 Fiat Lux (Let There Be Light) seminars, which take an in-depth look at an intriguing topic for a group of 10–20 students. In these small group settings, students and faculty can engage in meaningful discussions on a range of topics.

A student voices his opinion in a small interdisciplinary course.

Interdisciplinary Courses

Clusters are small, yearlong courses that focus on a single, timely topic such as “biotechnology and society” or “interracial dynamics.” The courses are taught by interdisciplinary teams, which include some of our most distinguished faculty, exposing freshmen to different points of view and schools of thought.

Professor Tracy Johnson talks with two students in her lab.
Students enjoy one of Professor Neil Garg’s lectures on organic chemistry.
Egyptian Art and Architecture Professor Kara Cooney analyzes an artifact.
Professor Dennis Hong teaches students in the Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory.
Arranger, director, instructor and musician Jesús Guzmán leads students in an orchestra.
Professor of English Robert Watson gives a lecture.
Professor Jennifer Jay works with a student in her lab.
Professor of Photography Catherine Opie works with a student.
Antonio Lysy, professor of Cello, plays one of his cellos.

Be Inspired by Experts in Their Fields

Pulitzer Prize awardees, MacArthur, Guggenheim and Sloan fellows and National Medal of Science winners. Groundbreaking researchers, innovative scientists and world-renowned authorities in their fields. You’ll find our faculty members’ expertise astonishing, their enthusiasm contagious, and their passion for teaching? Inspirational.

Advanced Learning

Set Your Sights Beyond the Classroom

Broaden your horizons and deepen your learning experience by participating in valuable experiences outside the classroom. Here, the world is at your doorstep.

Students work together in a lab.

Undergraduate Research

Conduct meaningful research on topics you care about alongside world-class scholars.

A student teaches kids about healthy eating.

Internships and Experiential Learning

Build strong professional skills and gain hands-on, real-world experience.

Students relax along a riverfront while studying abroad.

Study Abroad

Experience another culture while earning credit with exchange programs at over 115 top universities.

Testimonials

A headshot of UCLA student Julia Nakamura

UCLA’s Cluster course Frontiers in Human Aging initially sparked my interest in aging populations. Through a service-learning project at ONEgeneration Adult Day Care Center, I directly witnessed the burden of chronic disease in later-life adults and realized the pressing need to understand the mechanisms underlying these adverse health outcomes.

Advanced Academics

Build on Your Curriculum With Advanced Study

Take your learning to the next level with programs designed to champion your academic development.

Capstone Initiative

The capstone program is a way to creatively demonstrate the knowledge and skills you gained throughout your undergraduate career. While they can take many forms, capstones require you to engage in inquiry-based learning that deepens your knowledge about your field.

Honors Program

The College Honors program encourages high academic achievement and individual excellence. Honors students can create a uniquely tailored undergraduate experience to advance their academic, personal and professional goals. This can include research, internships, community service and entrepreneurial pursuits.

A woman wearing a headscarf does research on a computer in the library.

If You’re Considering Medical, Law or Business School…

Already thinking about graduate school in one of these areas? Any undergraduate major is appropriate. No matter what you choose, you’ll develop critical thinking, writing, communication and problem-solving skills that will benefit you in any these fields.

Outside class, take part in research, internships and student organizations and clubs to gain relevant experience and connect with like-minded students and working professionals. The vast range of options include UCLA Pre-Law Society, Students for Integrative Medicine and UCLA Undergraduate Business Society.

Academic Support

Know That You’ve Got Our Support

Whether you need advice, one-on-one tutoring or a workshop on academic success, we’re committed to making sure you have the academic advising to bring your goals to life. College Academic Counseling or advisors in your professional school can help you choose the right major, plan your undergraduate path and shape your goals.

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