Degree Requirements
Learn more about what you need to do to graduate and to make the most of your time at Muir College!
To graduate, you must complete the requirements listed under University Requirements, and the 4 sections on Muir General Education. In addition, you must complete a major. See the Major Requirements Section for more information.
View the list of GE courses (PDF) available in Spring 2025.
UC San Diego requirements (First year and Transfer Students)
Every UC San Diego student must complete the following requirements for their degree.
Entry-Level Writing Requirement
The University of California requires all undergraduate students (including international students) to demonstrate a minimum proficiency in English composition within three quarters of entering the University. For more information on the various ways to meet the requirement, go to https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/elwr/.
For more information about the UC Entry Level Writing Requirement, the Writing Placement Process (WPP), or the Analytical Writing Program’s course offerings, please visit the program’s website at http://awp.ucsd.edu/.
American History and Institutions (AH&I)
Knowledge of American history and of the principles of American institutions under the federal and state constitutions is required of all candidates for a bachelor's degree. This requirement may be met in any one of the following ways:
- Passing one high-school unit in American history, or one-half high school unit in American history and one-half high-school unit in civics or American government with a grade of C or better
- Passing with a grade of P or C– or better any of these UC San Diego classes: HILD 2A-B-C, HILD 7A-B-C, or any course listed under HIUS (other than HIUS Colloquia); ECON 158, 159; ETHN 103A, 112A-B, 120D, 125, 130, 131, 149, 153, 163J, 167, 169, 170; POLI 10, 10D, 100A-B-C, 102C, 102H, 104A, 110EA-EB, 110J, 142A; SOCI 10, 188K; and USP 103, 106, 167.
- A score of 550 or more on the SAT II subject test of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) in American history.
- A score of 3 or higher on the Advanced Placement test in American history.
- Satisfying the AH&I requirement as administered at another collegiate institution within the state.
- Passing an approved course in either American history or American government with a C or better at a California community college.
- Passing an approved course in either American history or American government with a C or better at a college or university outside of California.
The Requirement in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
A knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion is required of all candidates for a Bachelor's degree who begin their studies at UC San Diego in lower-division standing in Fall 2011 or thereafter, or in upper-division standing in Fall 2013 or thereafter.
- Students can satisfy this requirement by passing, with a grade of at least C– or P, a one-quarter, four-unit course expressly approved by the Undergraduate Council for that purpose.
- Transfer courses can only satisfy this requirement if they are considered equivalent to a specific UCSD course already approved to satisfy this requirement; you cannot petition a transfer course to count for the requirement based on similar content.
- See current List of DEI Approved Courses
The Diversity Equity and Inclusion Course Requirement per San Diego Senate Regulation 600.G is a graduation requirement for all UC San Diego students.
There has not been a change to this requirement. Any changes to graduation requirements are communicated from the Academic Senate to UCSD students via UCSD email.
In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories. More information about Proposition 209 can be found here. More information about the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy can be found here.
Jane Teranes Climate Change Education Requirement (Fall 2024 and later first-year admits only)
A knowledge of climate change is required of all candidates for a Bachelor’s degree who begin their studies at UC San Diego in lower-division standing in Fall 2024 or thereafter.
- Students can satisfy this requirement by passing, with a grade of at least C– or P, a one-quarter, four-unit course expressly approved by the Undergraduate Council for that purpose.
- This requirement is required of all candidates for a Bachelor’s degree who begin their studies at UC San Diego as a first-year student in or after Fall Quarter 2024.
- Janes Teranes Climate Change Education Requirement List of Approved Courses
- Transfer students are not required to satisfy this requirement.
Overlaps
- Courses used for the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Requirement, Jane Teranes Climate Change Education Requirement, and American History and Institutions (AHI) requirements may also be used to fulfill any other requirement for graduation including major, minor, and/or Muir general education requirements.
- AH & I is not required for students on F-1 or J-1 visas. The college will waive AHI at the end of your final quarter when processing your Degree and Diploma Application (DDA).
Grade Point Average
You must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher in courses completed at the University of California in order to graduate.
Pass/No Pass Grading
No more than 25% of your UCSD units at the time you graduate can be taken on a pass/no pass. You must take AWP 3, AWP 4B, MCWP 40, MCWP 50, MCWP 50R, MCWP 125, and MCWP 125R for a letter grade to count toward fulfilling writing requirements.
Quarter Limitation
Students entering as Freshmen will have a maximum limit of 12 quarters and Transfer students will have a maximum of 6 quarters to finish their degrees. If a student reaches the quarter limit and needs additional time, they will be required to submit a completion plan and have it approved by their college to get an extension to continue to enroll at UC San Diego.
Minimum Progress
Full time students must complete a minimum of 36 units per year. Unless you come in a large number of transfer units, you will generally need to pass more than 36 units per year to graduate within the quarter limitation.
Senior Residency
35 of your final 45 units must be completed at UCSD to satisfy the Senior Residency requirement. You may petition to waive this if you study abroad or take courses outside UCSD in your final quarter.
Muir General Education for First Year Students
The following Muir College General Education requirements apply to all students who are not admitted as transfer students.
Muir College Writing Requirement (2 classes)
- You must complete 2 courses with a letter grade of D or higher after satisfying the campus Entry-Level Writing Requirement
- MCWP 40, MCWP 40C, or MCWP 40R
- MCWP 50 or MCWP 50R
- We do not accept AP, IB, or A-level credit for this requirement.
- We do not accept community college courses to satisfy this requirement.
- First year students must complete Muir Writing in their first 6 quarters.
- After this time limit, you will only be able to wait list the writing class in the second pass (or find one of the rare seats in the class still open in the second pass.) We intentionally do this to prevent our writing classes filling with seniors putting off the requirement before students take the classes in their first year or two when we intend you to take them!
Area 1: Math or Natural Sciences
Complete one of the following four interdisciplinary themes below. All 3 courses must come from a single theme.
Math or Natural Science Theme 1: Math and Statistics (3 courses from the list below)
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Math or Natural Science Theme 2: Biological Sciences (3 courses from the list below)
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Math or Natural Science Theme 3: Physical Sciences (3 courses from the list below)
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Math or Natural Science Theme 4: Computing and logic (3 courses from the list below)
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Area 2: Social Sciences (3 courses)
Complete one of the following four interdisciplinary themes below. All 3 courses must come from a single theme.
Social Science Theme 1: Culture, Society and Social Justice (3 courses from the list below)
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Social Science Theme 2: Language and Communication (3 courses from the list below)
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Social Science Theme 3: Mind and Cognition (3 courses from the list below)
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SocialScience Theme 4: Government and Economics (3 courses from the list below)
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Area 3: Choose two options from Fine Arts, Humanities, or a Language Other than English (6 classes)
Fine Arts
If you choose Fine Arts as one of your two options in Area 3, complete 3 courses from one of the themes below. All 3 courses must come from a single theme.
Theme 1: Music
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Theme 2: Theatre and Dance
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Theme 3: Visual Arts
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Humanities
If you choose Humanities as one of your two options in Area III, complete 3 courses from one of the themes below. All 3 courses must come from a single theme.
Theme 1: Historical Narratives
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Theme 2: Literary Narratives
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Theme 3: Philosophical Perspectives
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Language Other Than English
If you choose a Language Other Than English as one of your two options in Area III, complete 3 courses from one of the languages below.
- You cannot mix languages -- all courses must be from one language.
- AP, IB, or transfer units may count toward this requirement.
- Proficiency exams or language proficiency may not count toward this requirement.
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Our requirement is that you complete college-level coursework for these requirements in humanities or humanities-adjacent coursework. This is why you cannot use language proficiency. It's great that you are multilingual. If you don't want more language coursework, choose humanities and fine arts.
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American Sign Language
Arabic
Cantonese (for Cantonese speakers)
Chinese (Mandarin)
Filipino (for Filipino speakers)
French
German
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Greek (Ancient)
Hebrew
Hindi
Hindi (for Hindi speakers)
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Korean (for Korean speakers)
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Persian (for Persian speakers)
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
Vietnamese (for Vietnamese speakers)
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Overlaps
- You may use up to 3 courses from your major to fulfill Muir general education requirements.
- Students with an approved double major may use up to 6 courses from both majors to fulfill Muir general education requirements.
- Any number of courses used to fulfill minor requirements may also count toward Muir general education requirements
General Education for Students Admitted Fall 2021 or Earlier
Muir College Writing Requirement
Muir College Writing Program (2 courses, 8 units)
- MCWP 40
- MCWP 50
MCWP courses must be taken for a letter grade.
First-pass enrollment priority will be given to first year students during their first six quarters at UCSD. Beyond that, you will only be eligible to enroll during the second-pass enrollment period.
Area 1: Math or Natural Science
Choose from one of the following options. You cannot mix and match. (3 courses, 12+ units).
- Choose 3 from BILD 7, 10, 12, 20, 22, 24, or 26
- BILD 10 or ENVR 30 | CHEM 4 or 11 | PHYS 8 or 10
- CHEM 6A or 6AH, CHEM 6B or 6BH, CHEM 6C or 6CH
- CHEM 11, 12, 13
- ENVR 30 | Choose 2 from BILD 18, PHYS 12, SIO 25 or ENVR 140
- MATH 10A or 20A; MATH 10B or 20B; MATH 10C or 20C or 11
- PHYS 1A+1AL; PHYS 1B + 1BL; PHYS 1C + 1CL
- PHYS 2A, 2B, 2C
- PHYS 4A, 4B, 4C
- Choose 3 courses from PHYS 5, 7, 9, 13
- Choose 3 from PHYS 8, 10, 11 or 12
- Choose 3 from SIO 1, 10, 20 or 30
Area 2: Social Science
Choose from one of the following options. You cannot mix and match. (3 courses, 12+ units)
- ANTH 1, 21, 23, or 103 | ANTH 2 or 102 | ANTH 3 or 101
- COGS 1 | Choose 2 courses from COGS 10, 11, 17, or DSGN 1
- CGS 2A | CGS 2B | CGS 101, 103, 105, 106, 112, or 114
- ECON 1, 2, 3
- ETHN 1, 2, 3
- Choose 3 from LIGN 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 17
- Choose 3 from POLI 10/10D; 11/11D; 12/12D; or 13/13D
- Choose 3 from PSYC 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, or 7
- Choose 3 from AAS 10, COMM 10, ETHN 20 or MGT 18
- SOCI 1 | SOCI 2 | SOCI 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50
- USP 1, 2, 3
Area 3: Fine Arts, Humanities, Language Other than English (Choose 2)
Fine Arts (3 courses, 12 units): Choose from one of the following options. You cannot mix and match.
- MUS 1A, 1B, 1C
- MUS 2A, 2B, 2C
- MUS 4 | Choose 2 from MUS 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18 (if taken for 4 units)
- MUS 126 | MUS 127 (taken twice for two different topics)
- TDGE 1 | Choose 2 from TDAC 1, TDDE 1, TDPW 1, or TDGE 3, 5, 10, or 11
- Choose 3 from TDHT 10, 21, 22 or 23
- VIS 11 | Choose two from VIS 1, 2, or 3
- Choose 3 from VIS 20, 21A, 21B, or 22
- VIS 22 | VIS 84 | VIS 151, 152D, 154, 156, 194S
Humanities (3 courses, 12 units): Choose from one of the following options. You cannot mix and match.
- HILD 2A, 2B, 2C;
- HILD 7A, 7B, 7C
- HILD 10, 11, 12
- Choose 3 from LTEN 21, 22, 23, 25, or 26
- LTEN 27, 28, 29
- LTWL 19A, 19B, 19C
- LTWR 8A, 8B, 8C
- Choose 3 from PHIL 1, 13, 14, or 15
- Choose 3 from PHIL 10, 12, 15, 25, or 32
- Choose 3 from PHIL 13, 26, 27, 28, or 33
- PHIL 31, 32, 33
- Choose 3 from GSS 21, 22, 23 or 25
Foreign Language (3 courses, 12+ units): Choose from one of the following options. You cannot mix and match. Proficiency or fluency in a language other than English cannot clear this general education requirement.
- Choose 3 from CHIN 10A, 10B, 10C, 20A, 20B, 20C
- Choose 3 from JAPN 10A, 10B, 10C, 20A, 20B, 20C
- JWSP 1, 2, 3
- LIAB 1A+1AX, 1B+1BX, 1C+1CX
- Choose 3 from LIFR 1A+1AX, 1B+1BX, 1C+1CX, 1D+1DX; LTFR 2A, 2B, 2C, 50
- Choose 3 from LIGM 1A+1AX , 1B+1BX, 1C+1CX, 1D+1DX; LTGM 2A, 2B, 2C, 50
- Choose 3 from LIIT 1A+1AX , 1B+1BX, 1C+1CX, 1D+1DX; LTIT 2A, 2B, 2C, 50
- LIPO 1A+1AX, 1B+BX, 1C+1CX
- Choose 3 from LISL 1A+1AX, 1B+1BX, 1C+1CX, 1D+1DX
- Choose 3 from LISP 1A+1AX , 1B+1BX, 1C+1CX, 1D+1DX; LTSP 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 50
- LTGK 1, 2, 3
- Choose 3 from LTKO 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B, or 2C
- LTLA 1, 2, 3
- Choose 3 from LTRU 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B, or 2C
- 3 quarters of a heritage language
Most language courses are offered in a year-long sequence that begins in Fall quarter. Please see the Linguistics Language Program for details on course availability and placement.
Overlaps
- You may use up to 3 courses from your major to fulfill Muir general education requirements.
- Students with an approved double major may use up to 6 courses from both majors to fulfill Muir general education requirements.
- Any number of courses used to fulfill minor requirements may also count toward Muir general education requirements.
Muir General Education for Transfer Students
The GE requirements for students admitted by transfer from another college or university.
If you completed IGETC or Cal-GETC
You must submit your IGETC certification along with your transcript to UCSD Admissions to count as having IGETC complete. If you are IGETC complete, you must complete:
- One writing class, MCWP 125 or MCWP 125R.
- We will also allow a lower-division class, MCWP 50 or MCWP 50R to satisfy this requirement.
- We do not accept AP, IB, or A-level credit for this requirement.
- We do not allow community college courses to substitute for these classes.
- Transfer students must complete Muir Writing in their first 3 quarters.
- After this time limit, you will only be able to wait list the writing class in the second pass (or find one of the rare seats in the class still open in the second pass.)
- We intentionally do this to prevent our writing classes filling with seniors putting off the requirement rather than students taking the classes in their first year when we intend you to take them!
- IGETC does not clear the lower-division requirements for your major. Major requirements are not the same as General Education requirements.
If you completed Partial IGETC
You must submit your partial IGETC certification along with your transcript to UCSD Admissions to count as having partial IGETC. If you are partial IGETC, you must complete:
- 1-2 ourses corresponding to your missing 1-2 IGETC areas
- One writing class, MCWP 125 or MCWP 125R.
- We will also allow a lower-division class, MCWP 50 or MCWP 50R to satisfy this requirement.
- We do not accept AP, IB, or A-level credit for this requirement.
- We do not allow community college courses to substitute for these classes.
- Transfer students must complete Muir Writing in their first 3 quarters.
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- After this time limit, you will only be able to wait list the writing class in the second pass (or find one of the rare seats in the class still open in the second pass.)
- We intentionally do this to prevent our writing classes filling with seniors putting off the requirement before students take the classes in their first year or two when we intend you to take them!
- Partial IGETC does not clear the lower-division requirements for your major. Major requirements are not the same as General Education requirements.
If you transferred from another 4-year college or university
If you completed General Education at another college or university, you must submit a Letter of Reciprocity from another UC campus or an letter verifying your completion of General Education from an academic advisor or the Registrar of your previous college or university. If you do, you must complete:
- Two writing classes, either MCWP 40, 40C, or 40R and MCWP 50 or 50R
- You may petition to use courses from a four-year university count toward these requirements.
- We do not accept AP, IB, or A-level credit for this requirement.
- We do not allow community college courses to substitute for these classes.
- Transfer students must complete Muir Writing in their first 3 quarters
- .After this time limit, you will only be able to wait list the writing class in the second pass (or find one of the rare seats in the class still open in the second pass.
- We intentionally do this to prevent our writing classes filling with seniors putting off the requirement before students take the classes in their first year or two when we intend you to take them!
- General Education reciprocity does not clear the lower-division requirements for your major. Major requirements are not the same as General Education requirements.
All other transfer students
Everyone else will be held to all of the General Education Requirements for first year students. An advisor will evaluate your transcripts during Fall Quarter to try to use as many courses toward GE requirements as possible. You will need to complete both MCWP 40 and MCWP 50 (or a version of each).
Associate's Degree
Completion of an Associate's in (typically an A.A. or A.S.), including an Associate's for Transfer (which only applies to the California State University system) does not fulfill General Education Requirements. You must complete IGETC or CALGETC (starting Fall 2025) to count for your GEs or you need to fulfill the requirements listed under "All other transfer students."
7-Course Pattern
The Seven-Course Pattern is the minimum requirement for admission to UCSD. It does not fulfill General Education Requirements. You must complete IGETC to count for your GEs or you need to fulfill the requirements listed under "All other transfer students."
Required Major Preparation
Completing the minimum major preparation for admission to UCSD does not fulfill General Education Requirements. Major and general education requirements are separate requirements students must complete.
Major Requirements (First Year and Transfer Students)
All students must complete at least one major to graduate. Minors are not required to graduate.
You Must Declare a Major at 90 Units
You must declare a major other than Undeclared once you have 90 units, including AP, IB, and transfer credits. You may change your major after declaring your major. Having a declared major does not prevent you from applying for a Selective or Screened Major.
Selective Majors
Some majors are selective and limit the number of students who can declare that major. Generally, you must be admitted to these majors at the time of admission. Selective majors usually have a process for students to transfer into those majors, but usually those processes are competitive and will not have enough space for all interested students.
Double Majors
You must apply for and meet the criteria for double majors. Students are not automatically granted additional time to complete a double major, nor does a double major increase the time you are eligible for financial aid.
Double majors in and of themselves are typically not particularly valuable for your earning potential, at least in the United States. Employers tend to be less interested in completing multiple majors or bachelor's degrees than they are in seeing either a degree or combination of degree and experience applicable to a job or progressively higher-level degrees. Generally speaking, a double major does not create the same value as a bachelor's degree and a master's degree.
Often, it is the particular combination of coursework that indicates the value of a degree. Pursuing a double major for specific goals or personal satisfaction is a better reason for pursuing a double major rather than seeking a financial return on investment.
In other words, it is probably not worth going into debt to stay for a 5th year or more just to finish a double major.
Minors
Minors are optional. Students may declare up to two minors. Students are not automatically granted additional time to complete a minor, nor does a double minor increase the time you are eligible for financial aid. Minors appear on your transcript, but not on your diploma.
Minors in and of themselves are typically not particularly valuable for your earning potential, at least in the United States. The value in a minor is the coursework you complete along the way. Some minors (like Accounting or Education Studies) include coursework that can help you on the path to a professional certification or graduate degree. Others show your breadth or knowledge outside of your major. It's also reasonable to pursue a minor for personal satisfaction or intellectual interest. However, extending your degree just to complete a minor may not provide a financial return on investment.
In other words, it is usually not financially worth going into debt to stay for a 5th year or more just to finish a minor.
Overlaps
- You may use up to 3 courses from your major to fulfill Muir general education requirements.
- Students with an approved double major may use up to 6 courses from both majors to fulfill Muir general education requirements.
- Any number of courses used to fulfill minor requirements may also count toward Muir general education requirements.
Professional School Requirements
Depending on what you want to do after you graduate, you may need to plan your coursework around those options. The UC San Diego Career Services website contains information on how to prepare for several careers while at UCSD.
In general, you can apply to any kind of professional school below with any major… so long as you have also completed the coursework needed to get into the school. So you can get into medical school with a Visual Arts major and the right preparatory classes and you can get into law school with a Structural Engineering degree… if you plan correctly.
Pre-Health
There are several different paths for pre-health preparation that you can consider, each with its own prerequisites:
- Preparing for Medical School
- Preparing for Dental School
- Preparing for Pharmacy School
- Preparing for Physician Assistant School
- Preparing for Optometry School
- Preparing for Veterinary School
- Preparing for Public Health School
- Preparing for Nursing School
Pre-Law
Preparing for Law School is not as straightforward as preparing for medical school, because there is no set list of courses to complete. Instead, you are focusing on taking some related courses, learning to write and argue well, and working on developing your out-of class experiences to support your goals.
Pre-Business
Like law school, preparing for Business School is not marked very strongly by a particular kind of preparation. Depending on the school, it is more important for you to have work experience, which can include military service, entrepreneurship, volunteer or nonprofit work, as well as actual work experience. But it never hurts to take business related courses, including some courses in accounting, to get you on the right track.
Planning Your Degree
When planning your degree, consider several details:
Review a Sample Plan for Your Major
- Go to https://plans.ucsd.edu and view the graduation plan for your major. All majors should have a four-year plan for students admitted as first year students and a plan for transfer students. Some also have a 3-year plan for first-year students who came in with a lot of units and want to graduate early.
- On the online degree planner, a spreadsheet, document, or a piece of paper (for you analog folks), copy down that four year plan as written.
Adjusting Your Plan
- Now look at your Degree Audit and your Academic History.
- Adjust your schedule and move around courses to account for:
- Requirements you already have completed.
- Requirements that you are enrolled in now.
- Moving around courses that the plan says you should have completed or enrolled in but have not yet.
Check In With Your Advisors
- Take your adjusted plan and consult with your academic advisors:
- Start with your major advisor to make sure you are accounting for prerequisites and when courses are offered and update your plan accordingly.
- Then meet with your college advisor to make sure you have accounted for all of your college GE requirements, university requirements, and have enough units to graduate.
- Your college advisor can also help you think about fitting in study abroad, research, work experience, and other options to make the most of your education!
More Things to Consider
Internships and Work Experience
There are several ways that you can begin thinking about and working on job and career experience while you are still as student.
- The Academic Internship Program (AIP): AIP provides opportunities for students to earn academic credits for professional experience. Students must plan ahead and apply for opportunities, but can also come to AIP with an opportunity to build an internship course around.
- The Basement: The Basement works to bring students from different disciplines together to involve them in teams working on entrepreneurial opportunities.
- The Career Center: The Career Center offers advising, workshops, and resources to help you identify job and internship opportunities, work on writing your resume, practice job interviews, and attend job fairs.
- College Corps: Students accepted into College Corps at UC San Diego engage in community-serving opportunities that focus on K-12 education, climate action, and food insecurity, while also receiving financial compensation and other benefits.
- Experiential Learning Hub: The Experiential Learning Hub collects a variety of resources that offer chances to grow your career background and skills.
- Handshake: You can view and apply for jobs on campus through Handshake.
- The Learning Aligned Employment Program (LAEP) offers students paid research positions that may relate to their major, career goals, or the exploration of career options. LAEP is funded by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to support students with financial need. Participants in this program will be hired as Research Assistants and will be paid hourly wages to conduct research with UC San Diego faculty.
- Pre-Health and Pre-Medical Advising
- The Undergraduate Research Hub: Offers several kinds of opportunities to engage in research as an undergraduate and to prepare for your future.
Progress in Your Degree
Minimum Academic Progress
You must complete at least 36 units per year if you are a full time student. An academic year is defined as fall quarter through summer session. Minimum progress reflects the pace a student would need to graduate in five years if they have no previous college units. Students typically need to complete 45 units per year to be on track to graduate in four years.
Class Standing
We determine class standing based on your total units, not time at UC San Diego.
- A freshman is a student with 0-44.9 units
- A sophomore is a student with 45-89.9 units
- A junior is a student with 90-134.9 units
- A senior is a student with 135 or more units.
- Upper-division standing means you are a junior or senior.
- Upper-division courses at UCSD are numbered 100 - 199, and many (but not all) are restricted to students with upper-division standing.
Failing and Repeating Classes
Getting a grade of D, F, or NP in the class will feel like a huge disappointment at the very least, if not a disaster. And may make you mad at the professor and this stupid university. This will suck. However, we also assume that some students will have a lousy quarter at some point of their academic career. So our academic regulations allow students to repeat any class they failed (got a D, F, or NP). In addition, for the first 16 units you repeat, the new grade will count in your GPA instead of the original grade (we basically are giving you one quarter of disastrous grades to repeat.) The original grade still shows up on your transcript (and may be something we talk about you addressing in a personal statement for graduate or professional school later on), but the new grade is all that counts to your UC GPA.
This allows a student who stumbles a chance to recover and return to good academic standing; but also assumes a student will self-correct quickly. Remember:
- You can’t repeat a passing grade (P or a C- or better) to raise your GPA. You can only repeat a D, F, or NP in a class once. If you fail twice, you have to appeal to repeat the class. We may say no, which may force you to consider a new major.
- You can’t repeat and replace a grade in your GPA if you failed a class as the result of an academic integrity violation.
- After the first 16 units, any repeats are counted alongside your original grade in calculating your GPA, which makes it much harder to raise your cumulative GPA.
Academic Notice and Subject to Disqualification
If your cumulative GPA or your GPA in any given quarter falls below 2.0, you will be put on academic notice. This sounds scary, but all it means is that we are worried about you. Our goal is for you to raise your GPA in the next quarter, and we will try to get you connected to resources.
If you continue for at least two consecutive quarters on academic notice and your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 as well, you will become subject to academic disqualification. Also, if your gpa in any given quarter is below 1.5, even if your cumulative GPA is above 2.0, you skip straight to Subject to Disqualification. This also sounds scary.
When you are Subject to Disqualification, you end up on the Dean’s radar to review your records.
- If you are Subject to Disqualification but seem to be still on track to finish your major and graduate, you will be given an exception to continue.
- If you are Subject to Disqualification but you earned at least a 2.0 in the quarter you just finished, the Dean will see you as improving, and allow you to continue.
- If you are looking like you are in a spiral of failing grades, particularly in your major, your records will be reviewed by the Dean, and you may become ineligible to enroll at UC San Diego for a year.
We don’t disqualify students often, but when we do, we are trying to get students out of a negative cycle of grades and prevent them from reaching a point where it is mathematically unlikely or even impossible to raise their GPA high enough to graduate. We have students take a year off to deal with the problems getting in the way of school and to come back when they are more prepared to get out of the hole they are in and move on to success in their goals and dreams.
We know that being disqualified for a year is disheartening, but it is intended to get students to get the help they need to finish their degree!
Scholarships
Muir offers many scholarships that provide supplemental funding for students pursuing specific academic opportunities. These are in addition to the scholarships found at the Financial Aid and Scholarships website.
Triton Research & Experiential Learning Scholars (TRELS)
The Triton Research & Experiential Learning Scholars (TRELS) program is sponsored by the Council of Provosts of the Undergraduate Colleges at UC San Diego and the office of Undergraduate Research. TRELS empowers students to pursue intellectual opportunities beyond the classroom, by providing support in the form of funding and mentorship. There are four main initiatives supported through TRELS:
- TRELS quarterly awards
- TRELS summer research program
- TRELS study abroad scholarship
- TRELS conference funding
Visit the Undergraduate Research Hub - TRELS Program page to learn how to apply.
Jim and Julie Lin Environmental Justice Award
UCSD Muir College will award one $1,000 award to a undergraduate student who is passionate about helping underserved communities in the area of environmental justice. The award is for the 2023-2024 academic year and is available to all registered UC San Diego undergraduate students with at least junior standing and who plan to graduate during academic year 2023-2024.
Award Description
Many communities are disproportionately affected by environmental hazards and lack of access to the decision-making processes necessary to sustain a healthy community and planet. In order to promote environmental justice in underserved communities, we must not only reduce ecological harm but also ensure that environmental laws, regulations, and policies uplift the voices of all people regardless of race, income, or other forms of bias. This award is intended for a student who is committed to helping underserved populations mobilize, sustain, and protect their communities in the face of our current climate crisis.
Examples may include students who:
- Bridge various communities around initiatives and campaigns to reduce pollution and improve environmental health in underserved communities
- Teach sustainability in ways that are tailored to the needs of cultural groups (composting, recycling single-use plastic containers, etc.
- Organize efforts for underserved communities to reclaim their land
- Facilitate access to public transit and alternative modes of transportation
- Create engaging opportunities for underserved communities to learn about the benefits of healthy foods, community gardens, and the environment
- Implement landscape designs, architectural designs, and community plans that include community gardens, pollution mitigation systems, and ways to reduce carbon emissions
Eligibility Requirements
A currently registered UCSD undergraduate student with good academic standing, upper division status, a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, who plans to graduate during the 2023-24 academic year, and who submits the following:
- Scholarship application form (which consists of short essay answers about your past experiences, proudest accomplishments, and future goals in environmental justice).
- One letter of recommendation from a UC San Diego faculty member that expands on your activism, projects or research.
- Optional: Additional letter from a community member, staff, or faculty member familiar with your work.
- Resume, and links to articles/websites about your accomplishments.
- Apply now: Online Application
- Deadline: Week 3 of Winter quarter
- Questions? Email muirprov@ucsd.edu
Travel Scholarships
PLEASE NOTE DUE TO BUDGET CONSTRAINTS ALL NEW TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIPS MOVING FORWARD HAVE BEEN PAUSED. WE WILL UPDATE THE WEBSITE WHEN UPDATES ARE AVAILABLE. -MARCH 2025
For Muir students in good standing who are presenting at domestic professional conferences, modest funds are available to defray travel costs. Students may only receive funding for ONE trip per fiscal year (July 1 - June 30), on a reimbursement basis. No other funds must have been accepted by any other departments or units at UC San Diego. The application MUST be submitted 4 weeks prior to travel for approval.
Eligibility
Currently enrolled and registered students in Muir College, who are in good academic standing.
Amount
$300 per person each fiscal year (July 1 - June 30)
Can be used for the following expenses: Conference registration, transportation, lodging.
Application Procedure
Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the Provost via a reimbursement basis, the traveler must pay all the expenses on their own. Upon returning, the student traveler must submit all the original receipts to the Colleges Business Office. The traveler will be reimbursed after the receipts have been submitted.
- Please fill out this short application form and UC San Diego Student Certification for Business-Related Travel
- Email muirprov@ucsd.edu the completed UC San Diego Student Certification for Business-Related Travel form.
- Upon return from trip, please provide conference documentation including itemized receipts of any of the following: airfare, conference fees, and/or lyft. Please redact any confidential mailling address information and phone numbers as we are unable to accept those. We are unable to reimburse non-itemized receipts. Email these items to muirprov@ucsd.edu
Reimbursements are processed through our College Business Office.
Review
Provost Office will review all the applications and make a decision.
Follow Up
After you complete travel, please email receipts (with your name on there as the person who paid) to muirprov@ucsd.edu, and cc: Alissa Giangregorio, agiangregorio@ucsd.edu, who will follow up with getting you reimbursed. Thanks in advance for your patience, as it's a bureaucratic process that public universities have to go through.Honors, Exchange Programs, Research, and Connecting with Faculty
UCSD students have large ambitions and high goals, and UCSD offers many opportunities for students to enhance their educational experiences while at UCSD.
Honors
- The university offers Regents' Scholarships to a small number of first-year students admitted as freshmen.
- The Provost hand-picks a select group of incoming freshmen to be part of the Freshmen Honors Seminar, MUIR 90H, to be exposed to research and faculty in Fall Quarter. Regents Scholars are automatically invited to this seminar.
- You can earn provost’s honors every quarter in which your term GPA is 3.5 or higher and you are enrolled in 12 or more graded units.
- You can earn Latin Honors at graduation (Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude) for graduating in the top 14% of your class.
- You can earn Department Honors based on completing a specific honors curriculum in your major, earning a high GPA and completing a final project in your major.
- Muir students who reach senior status and complete at least 44 UC letter graded units with a 3.8 UC GPA are considered annually for membership in the Caledonian Society.
- Our top graduates each spring quarter are reviewed by the provost to award a handful of awards as Muir Scholars.
- Phi Beta Kappa is the most prestigious undergraduate honor society in the liberal arts and sciences in the United States. Each spring they nominate and initiate new members and select graduate intiate award recipients.
Minors
Minors must be at least 28 units (7 classes), typically at least 5 of which must be upper-division. The exact requirements vary from minor to minor. Things to know about minors:
- Courses used for your minor can be used for your General Education without restriction.
- Lower-division courses from your major can count for your major as well.
- No more than 2 upper-division courses from your major can be used for your minor.
- Minors appear on your transcript, but not on your diploma.
Taking Classes Away from UCSD
Students may use courses taken at another regionally accredited college or university to count toward graduation requirements.
- Look for an equivalent course on http://www.assist.org if you take the class in a California community college, or you need to talk to the department that offers the UCSD course you want to replace if you are taking it anywhere else.
- You may earn up to 105 quarter units of credit for lower-division transfer courses taken outside of the University of California
- Transfer courses do not count toward your UCSD GPA unless they were taken at a University of California Campus.
- You must have official transcripts showing final grades submitted to UC San Diego Admissions to have them posted to your records.
Study Abroad
International experience can improve your career options and college experience. Opportunities exist for all majors, language levels, and exist for full year, one semester, or for the summer. You can still graduate on time—advisors will work with you to include study abroad in your long-term plans. Programs are affordable, and may be covered by financial aid and scholarships. For more information, visit the UCSD Study Abroad Office or search for a program to fit your needs.
- Study Abroad
- Global Seminars
- Muir offers several scholarships with applications on Academic Works each February.
College Exchange Programs
- The UC/DC Program allows you to work, study, and live in Washington DC.
- Simultaneous Enrollment allows you to enroll in courses at another UC campus while still at UCSD.
- UC Online allows you to add one online course from another campus to your full-time enrollment at UCSD.
- Cross Enrollment allows you to enroll in courses at CSU campuses.
Research and Internships, and Graduate School Preparation
- Find research opportunities on the REAL portal
- The Academic Internship Program (AIP) offers qualified juniors and seniors the opportunity to acquire valuable work experience related to academic and career interests.
- All students considering an advanced degree after graduation should visit the Career Center.
Muir Special Projects Major
The Muir Special Project (MSP) major is a B.A. degree that offers Muir students the chance to develop a focused individual major culminating in a senior project or thesis. Each proposal must be approved by the Muir provost, and applicants must have a minimum 3.25 UC GPA. For further information on the MSP major, make an appointment to meet with the Dean of Academic Advising.
Dine With a Prof and Coffee with a Prof
Looking to connect with a professor or graduate teaching assistant? These programs offer you free opportunities to sit down and connect with faculty in a social setting.
Graduation and Commencement
In campus jargon, Graduation and Commencement are separate things.
- Graduation is when you complete all your degree requirements and can be certified as having finished your degree. It involves a lot of paperwork, and culminates in you getting a diploma and a notation on your transcript that you completed your Bachelor’s Degree. Students can graduate in Fall Quarter, Winter Quarter, Spring Quarter, or at the end of summer sessions.
- Commencement is a ceremony held in June in which students are recognized for completing their degrees. You need to have senior standing to participate in Commencement, but you do not need to have completed your degree to participate in Commencement. Participation in commencement is optional and does not confer your degree.
- To file your DDA for Graduation, go to degree.ucsd.edu.
- To register for Commencement, go to commencement.ucsd.edu.
Senior Graduation Checklist
- Submit your Degree and Diploma Application (DDA) by the end of Finals Week of the last quarter you are taking classes.
| I will finish my classes in: | Application Opens: | Application Closes: |
| Spring 2025 | February 14, 2025 | Last day of Spring 2025 finals week |
| Summer 2025 | April 14, 2025 | Last day of Summer Session II 2025 finals week |
| Fall 2025 | May 14, 2025 | Last day of Fall 2025 finals week |
| Winter 2026 | TBD | Last day of Winter 2026 finals week |
| Spring 2026 | TBD | Last day of Spring 2026 finals week |
| Another quarter not listed here | Contact Muir Advising | Contact Muir Advising |
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If you have completed all of your courses for your degree and the quarter has passed, you must apply retroactively for graduation and your diploma.
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If you have verified, eligible reasons to expedite your degree, submit a Priority Posting of Degree request form and supporting documentation to Muir Advising by the end of your graduating quarter.
- Contact Muir College Academic Advising via the VAC if you have any questions.
Optional June Commencement Ceremony Checklist
- The Muir Commencement ceremony will be Sunday, June 15, 2025 from 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 p.m. PDT on RIMAC Field.
- Register for Commencement starting April 2nd. Undergraduate students that register by May 7th may opt-in to have their name featured in the digital program.
- Purchase and pick-up your cap and gown at the UCSD Bookstore during spring quarter.
- If you are attending the Muir Commencement ceremony, arrive 90 minutes prior to start time. Bring your commencement ticket, cap, and gown.
- Click here for more information on the Muir Commencement Ceremony.
More Graduation-related Information
- Information regarding Visa Support Letters for graduating international students and their family members.
- Read about All-Campus Events related to Commencement.
- Visit Career Services to discuss opportunities for graduate school, employment, and more.
- Visit Alumni Email for Life to view your options for keeping your UCSD email account active post-graduation.
Once You Have Filed Your DDA
- Generally, it takes 8-10 weeks after the end of the quarter to confer a degree. It is necessary that your degree is conferred before ordering official transcripts for grad school, etc. This time frame is not accurate for students filing retroactively or that have work-in-progress, "I" grades, or pending units transferred in from other institutions (including EAP, OAP, community college, UCDC, etc.)
- Generally, it takes 30-60 days after your degree has been conferred to receive your printed diploma.
- If you are applying for a summer graduation, your application will not be processed until after all UCSD Summer Sessions are complete.
- Filing a Degree and Diploma Application does not ensure graduation. Conferring your degree is subject to review and approval of your college, major department(s) and the Registrar's office.
