Alternate majors and major changes at UC
Each campus has its own rules about the major on your application. Some never review an alternate, and some lock your major once you submit.
Checked against official UC and campus sources in October 2026.
Overview
| Campus | Rule |
|---|---|
| UCLA | Reviews you for your first-choice major only. UCLA TAP students may also be considered for an alternate. |
| Berkeley | Guarantees review of your primary major only. |
| Santa Barbara | Letters and Science may consider an alternate L&S major if your prep fits. Change requests by email through January. |
| San Diego | No undeclared transfers. Applicants to selective majors are encouraged to list a non-selective alternate. Major changes in the portal until January 31. |
| Davis | You can list an alternate major in a different field, considered if you aren’t admitted to your first choice. No changes after you submit. |
| Irvine, Merced, Santa Cruz | No major changes after you submit. |
Switching in after admission
UC says most campuses won’t let transfers switch into selective STEM majors they weren’t admitted to, and calls the chance of switching after admission very slim. Apply to the major you want. A TAG also has to match the major on your application.
More guides
Questions
Does UCLA consider alternate majors for transfers?
Only for UCLA TAP students. Everyone else is reviewed for the first-choice major.
Can I change my major after applying to UC?
It depends on the campus. Davis, Irvine, Merced and Santa Cruz don’t allow changes after you submit.