Majors Impacted at UC Irvine: Understanding Admission and Core Classes

Each university has its unique challenges when it comes to major selection, and UC Irvine (UCI) is no exception. Certain majors, particularly in the STEM fields, can be highly impacted, making both admission and core class enrollment particularly challenging. This article provides an in-depth look at which majors at UCI are impacted, the reasons behind this, and how students can navigate these challenges.

Overview of Impacted Majors at UCI

At UCI, computer science and biology stand out as the two most impacted majors. These interdisciplinary areas of study often require a high degree of specialization and competitive processes for both admission and core class enrollment. Each school within UCI may have additional impacted majors, requiring students to be constantly informed and adaptable.

Impact on Specific Majors

Computer Science and Biology

Two of the most impacted majors at UCI are computer science and biology. Students often find it difficult to get into both the majors and the core classes that come with them. For example, at the School of Chemistry and the Haas School of Business, admission requirements can be notoriously strict. At UCLA, film studies have been known to be impacted. The difficulty in obtaining core classes is a common theme across impacted majors at UCI.

Business Administration Major

The Business Administration major at UCI is also considered impacted. In 2017, only 60 transfer students were admitted into this program, indicating its competitive nature. The program offers small class sizes and is considered quite 'elite,' making it even more sought after. There is a joint major called Business Information Management, which combines elements of the Paul Merage School of Business and the Donald Bren School of Computer Science, and this is also a very impacted major. Many students at UCI find themselves interested in switching to these majors.

STEM-Oriented Majors

Most STEM majors, especially biology and engineering, are highly impacted. This includes majors such as computer science, biology, and various engineering disciplines. Nursing, dance, music, and certain business majors, particularly Business Administration, can also be impacted but are generally less competitive.

Public Health Major

While some STEM majors are highly impacted, public health majors at UCI are relatively less impacted. This makes it a feasible option for students who might find other STEM-related fields too challenging to pursue.

Reasons for Impact

The impact on certain majors at UCI can be attributed to several factors, including high demand and limited resources. New professor appointments can open up significant numbers of places in impacted disciplines, making the situation somewhat dynamic but also challenging to navigate. Regularly checking online resources and staying informed about departmental requirements is crucial for students looking to pursue these majors.

Navigating Impacted Majors

Despite the challenges, many students successfully navigate the process to enter impacted majors at UCI. Admission rates for core classes tend to be lower, which can make the classes difficult to enroll in. However, UCI does a relatively good job of addressing impacted majors in the long run. It is advised not to completely rule out a major simply because it is highly impacted; understanding the nature of the challenge and being proactive can make a significant difference.

Students should consider the following steps to navigate impacted majors:

Stay informed about departmental requirements and available resources. Regularly check online resources for new openings and updates. Be prepared for the possibility of waiting lists or delayed start dates for core classes. Evaluate alternative options and consider what you might do if the major of your choice does not work out.

Conclusion

While UCI presents unique challenges for students interested in certain majors, particularly in STEM fields, the university also offers support and resources to help students navigate these challenges successfully. Understanding the impact of certain majors and being proactive can lead to successful enrollment and academic success.