UCLA Special Academic Programs for Students: A Comprehensive Guide

UCLA provides a rich academic environment with numerous special programs designed to cater to the diverse interests and goals of its students. With over 140 majors to choose from, undergraduates can easily find areas of study that align with their academic skills and personal aspirations. This article explores the various academic opportunities available at UCLA, spanning different colleges and schools within the university.

Academic Divisions and Majors

UCLA offers a wide array of majors across various academic divisions, each providing a unique focus and approach to learning. Most majors fall within the College of Letters and Science, but there are many in the professional schools, too. Let your curiosity lead the way as you explore your options and remember, there’s more than one path you can follow to end up with a successful and fulfilling career.

The College of Letters and Science

The College of Letters and Science is the largest academic unit at UCLA, offering more than 100 majors within four academic divisions: Humanities, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences. The College brings together perspectives from many liberal arts fields to analyze issues, pose questions and train students to think and write creatively as well as critically. Students then concentrate on a particular field in depth.

Applicants to the College will be asked to select a major of choice, although if you’re undecided, you can apply with an “undecided/undeclared” status.

Here's a glimpse into the majors offered within each division:

Humanities:

African American Studies (B.A.)
African and Middle Eastern Studies (B.A.)
American Indian Studies (B.A.)
American Literature and Culture (B.A.)
Ancient Near East and Egyptology (B.A.)
Arabic (B.A.)
Art History (B.A.)
Asian American Studies (B.A.)
Asian Humanities (B.A.)
Asian Languages and Linguistics (B.A.)
Asian Religions (B.A.)
Asian Studies (B.A.)
Central and East European Languages and Cultures (B.A.)
Chicana and Chicano Studies (B.A.)
Chinese (B.A.)
Classical Civilization (B.A.)
Comparative Literature (B.A.)
Disability Studies (B.A.) new
English (B.A.)
European Language and Transcultural Studies (B.A.)
European Languages and Transcultural Studies with French and Francophone (B.A.)
European Languages and Transcultural Studies with German (B.A.)
European Languages and Transcultural Studies with Italian (B.A.)
European Languages and Transcultural Studies with Scandinavian (B.A.)
European Studies (B.A.)
Gender Studies (B.A.)
Greek (B.A.)
Greek and Latin (B.A.)
History (B.A.)
Human Biology and Society (B.A.)
International Development Studies (B.A.)
Iranian Studies (B.A.)
Japanese (B.A.)
Jewish Studies (B.A.)
Korean (B.A.)
Labor Studies (B.A.)
Latin (B.A.)
Latin American Studies (B.A.)
Linguistics (B.A.)
Linguistics and Anthropology (B.A.)
Linguistics and Asian Languages and Cultures (B.A.)
Linguistics and Computer Science (B.A.)
Linguistics and English (B.A.)
Linguistics and Philosophy (B.A.)
Linguistics and Psychology (B.A.)
Linguistics and Spanish (B.A.)
Linguistics, Applied (B.A.)
Middle Eastern Studies (B.A.)
Nordic Studies (B.A.)
Philosophy (B.A.)
Portuguese and Brazilian Studies (B.A.)
Religion, Study of (B.A.)
Russian Language and Literature (B.A.)
Russian Studies (B.A.)
Sociology (B.A.)
Southeast Asian Studies (B.A.)
Spanish (B.A.)
Spanish and Community and Culture (B.A.)
Spanish and Linguistics (B.A.)
Spanish and Portuguese (B.A.)

Life Sciences:

Biology (B.S.)
Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution (B.S.)
Human Biology and Society (B.S.)
Marine Biology (B.S.)
Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics (B.S.)
Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology (B.S.)
Neuroscience (B.S.)
Physiological Science (B.S.)
Psychobiology (B.S.)
Psychology (B.A.)

Physical Sciences:

Astrophysics (B.S.)
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (B.S.)
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences/Mathematics (B.S.)
Biochemistry (B.S.)
Biophysics (B.S.)
Chemistry (B.S.)
Chemistry/Materials Science (B.S.)
Climate Science (B.S.)
Data Theory (B.S.)
Earth and Environmental Science (B.A.)
Geology (B.S.)
Geology/Engineering Geology (B.S.)
Geophysics (B.S.)
Mathematics (B.S.)
Mathematics, Applied (B.S.)
Mathematics/Applied Science (B.S.)
Mathematics/Economics (B.S.)
Mathematics, Financial Actuarial (B.S)
Mathematics for Teaching (B.S.)
Mathematics of Computation (B.S.)
Physics (B.A.)
Physics (B.S.)
Statistics and Data Science (B.S.) new

Social Sciences:

Anthropology (B.A.)
Anthropology (B.S.)
Asian American Studies (B.A.)
Business Economics (B.A.)
Chicana and Chicano Studies (B.A.)
Cognitive Science (B.S.)
Communication (B.A.)
Economics (B.A.)
Environmental Science (B.S.)
European Studies (B.A.)
Geography (B.A.)
Geography/Environmental Studies (B.A.)
Global Studies (B.A.)
History (B.A.)
Human Biology and Society (B.A.)
International Development Studies (B.A.)
Labor Studies (B.A.)
Latin American Studies (B.A.)
Linguistics and Anthropology (B.A.)
Linguistics and Computer Science (B.A.)
Mathematics/Economics (B.S.)
Political Science (B.A.)
Psychology (B.A.)
Sociology (B.A.)

School of the Arts and Architecture

The School of the Arts and Architecture offers programs that blend creative expression with critical thinking. Majors include:

Architecture (B.A.)
Art (B.A.)
Design | Media Arts (B.A.)
World Arts and Cultures (B.A.)

Samueli School of Engineering

The Samueli School of Engineering provides rigorous training in engineering principles and innovation. Majors include:

Aerospace Engineering (B.S.)
Bioengineering (B.S.)
Chemical Engineering (B.S.)
Civil Engineering (B.S.)
Computer Engineering (B.S.)
Computer Science (B.S.)
Computer Science and Engineering (B.S.)
Electrical Engineering (B.S.)
Materials Engineering (B.S.)
Mechanical Engineering (B.S.)

Herb Alpert School of Music

The Herb Alpert School of Music is dedicated to fostering musical talent and scholarship. Majors include:

Ethnomusicology (B.A.)
Global Jazz Studies (B.A.)
Music (B.A.)
Music Composition (B.A.)
Music Performance (B.A.)
Musicology (B.A.)

School of Theater, Film and Television

One of the leading programs of its kind in the world, the School of Theater, Film and Television is unique in that it formally recognizes the close relationship among these media. From study of the ancient origins of traditional theater to avant-garde video and technologically advanced stage and film production, students develop analytic skills while acquiring applied knowledge and experience in their chosen fields.

Applications are limited to the fall quarter and are reviewed for admission by the department to which you apply. For Theater majors, this review may include an audition. Transfer applicants must complete lower-division preparation coursework specific to their intended majors.

Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA

Note: Due to recent changes to the Department of Theater curriculum, it is impossible for Theater majors to change their major to Film and Television at the end of the sophomore year.

Film and Television (B.A.)
Theater (B.A.)
Individual Field of Concentration in Theater, Film and Television (B.A.)

School of Education and Information Studies

The School of Education and Information Studies is reframing conversations on education and information studies from theory to practice. News & World Report. The Department is known as a leader in the study of urban education and the development and support of teachers and school leaders strongly committed to social justice.

The new B.A. in Education and Social Transformation prepares students to analyze current issues in education through a social justice lens and to emerge as effective advocates for positive change.

Students entering UCLA as first-year students as well as first-term transfer students who indicate Education and Social Transformation as their first-choice major on the general UC Application will be admitted as pre-majors.

Education and Social Transformation (B.A.)

School of Nursing

The UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing is ranked in the top 15 nationally and is internationally renowned for faculty research and publications. The prelicensure major is open to first-years and a limited number of junior transfer applicants.

Read also: Understanding UCLA Counselors

Nursing (B.S.)

Luskin School of Public Affairs

The Luskin School of Public Affairs consists of three departments: Public Policy, Social Welfare and Urban Planning. The school offers one undergraduate major, three undergraduate minors, three master’s degrees, and two doctoral degrees.

The B.A. in Public Affairs gives students an in-depth and engaged educational experience with a clear public service ethos. Centered around a multidisciplinary foundation in the social sciences, this major puts an applied emphasis on knowledge and methods for improving society. It includes a required experiential learning capstone in the senior year, which connects the dots between theory and action.

Interested first-years can select the pre-major through the College.

Public Affairs (B.A.)

Fielding School of Public Health

News and World Report. The school aims to build health and equity and to drive positive change for all people.

In addition to gaining specialized knowledge in areas such as global health, population and reproductive health, environmental health, and health care management and leadership, students also have access to a wide range of local and global hands-on training opportunities that provide the skills needed to move public health evidence to action.

Admission to both majors is competitive and will be based on progress towards completing the preparation coursework, grades, extracurricular activities, and your personal statements. All admitted first-year pre-majors must apply for admission in their second year of enrollment at UCLA.

The B.A. and B.S. differ in the amount of science preparatory coursework required. B.A. students complete lower-division, introductory courses in life science, chemistry and statistics. B.S.

Public Health (B.A.)
Public Health (B.S.)

Additional Academic Opportunities

Beyond specific majors, UCLA offers several programs and resources to enhance the academic experience:

Individual Field of Concentration

Students with unique academic interests can design their own major through the Individual Field of Concentration (IFC) program. This allows for a tailored course of study that combines multiple disciplines.

Individual Field of Concentration (B.A./ B.S.)
Individual Field of Concentration in Theater, Film and Television (B.A.)

Undeclared Status

For students who are unsure about their major, UCLA allows them to apply with an "undeclared" status within the College of Letters and Science. This provides an opportunity to explore different fields before committing to a specific major.

Undeclared

Minors and Dual Degrees

UCLA offers the flexibility to pursue a minor alongside a major, allowing students to broaden their knowledge base. It is also possible to earn dual degrees simultaneously, providing an interdisciplinary approach to education.

Programs for Students with Disabilities

Pathway at UCLA Extension

Pathway at UCLA Extension is a two-year college program for students who identify as neurodiverse, offering a blend of educational, social, and vocational experiences. On campus, Pathway students attend classes and participate in the many social, recreational and cultural activities of a major university.

Living away from home while attending a college program is an important way to learn skills for independent living, and we recommend that all students take advantage of our residential option. To ensure that Pathway is the right fit for you, we invite you and your family to learn more about Pathway at UCLA Extension.

At Pathway, our students receive the benefits of a UCLA college experience. Pathway uses a “learn by doing” approach, and the program features a curriculum of core courses, audit courses on UCLA’s main campus, UCLA Extension courses, and internships for our students to choose from.

While participating in Pathway, students receive life skills instruction from our partner, Level Up Solutions, a California regional center vendor. An independent living skills assessment will determine the scope and frequency of personalized instruction to accommodate each students’ needs. Staff work with students to develop essential living skills to prepare them to live in the least restrictive, most inclusive and safe environment possible. Services are provided in the student apartments, on campus, and throughout the community.

As a part the college experience, Pathway students are paired with a UCLA undergraduate who provides academic support and peer mentorship. This X Open course is an introduction to advocacy for people with disabilities. We will spend this session discussing the basics of disability rights and what it means to be a good advocate. Pathway has been offering the college experience to students with disabilities since 2006.

Continuing Education Programs

UCLA is deeply committed to the advancement and enrichment of Los Angeles and the Southern California region. Our continuing education programs are designed to help individuals grow - whether it’s exploring an interest, developing skills or shifting careers.

UCLA Extension is one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive continuing education programs. We customize the curriculum to place your aspirations within reach through 150 certificate programs in more than 20 different fields. Many professionals who have university degrees enroll in UCLA Extension courses and programs to update their knowledge in such fields as engineering, computer science, business and management, health sciences and teacher education.

Other continuing education programs include:

Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB): A University of California program that helps the legal community stay abreast of new developments and procedures in the field of law.
UCLA Anderson Executive Education: Helping organizations and individuals work smarter since 1954. Anderson Executive Education drives new knowledge off of the white board and into the workplace, where it counts.
Center X: Designs and conducts programs that prepare and support K-12 teachers and administrators committed to social justice, instructional excellence, the integration of research and practice, and caring, in low-income urban schools.
School of Theater, Film and Television: The school offers professional programs in producing, screenwriting and writing for television that are modeled after its world-renowned M.F.A. program.
National Head Start Association: Dedicated to policy and institutional reform, the National Head Start Association develops educational programs to provide vulnerable children and families with the tools and necessities to succeed in life.
The Office of Continuing Medical Education at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA: Helps keep the medical community abreast of new and evolving medical concepts and advancements.
The Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior: A world-leading interdisciplinary research and education institute devoted to the understanding of complex human behavior and the causes and consequences of neuropsychiatric disorders.
The UCLA School of Dentistry's continuing education program: Helps practicing dentists broaden and sharpen their skills with courses covering the latest scientific and clinical developments in the field.
The Center for Prehospital Care: Its work has grown to encompass education, research and institutional quality improvement. The center serves aspiring and experienced EMS providers, agencies and healthcare professionals in a variety of allied fields.
The Southern California Education NIOSH and Research Center: Embodies a coordinated, interdisciplinary set of continuing education activities that have a positive impact on the region’s and nation’s occupational health and safety practice.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UCLA (OLLI): If you’re 50 or over and interested in the sheer joy of learning, UCLA Extension invites you to join a vibrant community of like-minded adults.

Campus Life and Engagement

UCLA Campus Life is a division of Student Affairs that is committed to promoting student engagement and development on campus and out in the community. In all programs and activities, we strive to create opportunities that are educational, inclusive, leadership-focused, sustainable, and healthy. Through a variety of initiatives, UCLA students experience meaningful, learning-filled activities that facilitate lifestyles with balance among academic endeavors, extracurricular pursuits, and personal wellness. Most UCLA students are affiliated with Campus Life programs and activities, including the more than 1,000 student organizations, club sports or intramural teams, leadership experiences, and community service initiatives. Some Campus Life programs provide students the opportunity to design and administer their own endeavors on- and off-campus. Other Campus Life programs make it possible for students to earn academic course credits (through service-learning projects), to receive grants and scholarships, and to acquire certificates for a distinct achievement or for some professional training. In summary, for the UCLA student community and beyond, Campus Life is pivotal in helping to develop and nurture active and meaningful engagement on- and off-campus.

Key components of Campus Life include:

UCLA Recreation (REC): Dedicated to providing high-quality recreational and learning experiences that reflect the varied leisure and wellness needs of the UCLA community.
Community Programs Office (CPO): Serves as UCLA's cross-cultural center, and aims to build and nurture an inclusive and diverse community of scholars and leaders who are dedicated to giving back through student-run and student-initiated outreach, service, and retention programs.
Student Organizations, Leadership & Engagement (SOLE): Advises UCLA's 1,200 student organizations, and strives to empower through active engagement with an emphasis on fostering student-led organizational development, leadership, and service.
Veteran's Resource Center (VRC): Provides caring and personalized support to UCLA undergraduate and graduate student veterans. We help our veterans navigate UCLA and provide a welcoming space, mentoring from student veterans, guidance on educational benefits, and tools to succeed academically and personally.
Fraternity and Sorority Relations (FSL): Serves to enhance the growth and development of UCLA students through their membership in, or engagement with, the fraternity and sorority community. The Office aims to provide an integrative learning environment that fosters a sense of belonging for the individual student rooted in a shared commitment to their fraternal oath and our True Bruin Values: Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, and Excellence.
UCLA Spirit Squad: Comprised of three components, the Cheer Squad, Dance Team, and Yell Crew, the latter of which includes UCLA’s iconic mascots, Joe and Josie Bruin. Together, they represent UCLA at hundreds of events and athletic competitions per year, and have become synonymous with the university’s worldwide brand and image.
Student Health Education & Promotion (SHEP): Our vision is to cultivate a supportive UCLA campus community that optimizes the healthiest possible development, fosters academic success, and creates a platform for life-long well-being of the campus community and all its members.
Campus Life Sponsorship: Involved in many campus events and programs that serve students (undergraduate & graduate), employees, and campus groups. Throughout these varied engagements a focus is maintained on promoting sustainability, important cause-related efforts, the latest technology utilization, and meaningful connections among individuals and organizations.
Campus Life Support for Student Programming (SSP): A supplemental funding source for all registered campus organizations and official student governments. SSP funding aims to support all student activities and programs that benefit the campus community.
Campus Life Venues & Events: The Venues & Events office collaborates with UCLA departments and external affiliates to accommodate annual functions, as well as to host a diverse array of new and exciting events that benefit the UCLA community.
Respondent Services (RS): Respondent Services (RS) can assist UCLA (and UCLA Health) students, staff and faculty who have allegedly violated the UC Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment (SVSH). RS assists with explaining the rights of a respondent; navigating the resolution; investigation and/or adjudication processes; answering questions related to the policies and procedures; and providing information about and making referrals to other related campus resources.

New Student Orientation and Academic Advising

If you’re unsure about what to pursue, attending New Student Orientation before starting at UCLA can be immensely helpful. During orientation, you'll receive guidance on selecting a major, planning your courses, understanding graduation requirements, and exploring graduate programs and professional schools. Additionally, UCLA’s academic advising services are available throughout your studies to support you in navigating your academic and career goals.

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