An early choice of major can help you achieve a 4-year graduation.

Declared majors often receive information about departmental opportunities, including internships, scholarships, research projects, and new classes.

1. take courses in the major beyond the minimum requirements.
2. complete independent study within the major.

3. take advantage of opportunities like honors courses and research.

Several departments restrict some of their courses to declared majors. Once you declare a major, you will have easier access to courses in that department.

Once you choose your major, your academic requirements will be clearly defined. You then know how many elective units you will have, and you can decide how best to use your elective courses. You can decide whether to use electives to deepen your understanding of your major, or to complement your major, or to diversify your academic experience by taking classes in a variety of disciplines.

If you do not find the right major until after you are in junior standing, it may not be possible for you to stay at UCSB long enough to complete your degree, because students are not normally permitted to register beyond 200 units.