University Requirements
You must meet the follow university requirements in addition to Sixth College GE Requirements.
You are permitted to overlap AHI, DEI, and major requirements with applicable Sixth College GE requirements.
Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR)
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.
American History and Institutions (AHI) Requirement
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.
International Students on F-1 or J-1 Visas: AHI 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).
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Requirement
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.
Major Requirements
Requires twelve or more 4.0-unit, upper-division courses in addition to lower-division prerequisites for the major.
Additional Requirements
Minimum Number of Units Required for Graduation
- Minimum of 180 units.
- At least 60 units must be upper division.
Minimum GPA
Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Maximum Unit Limitation (entered prior to Fall 2019)
Students are limited to 200 units for B.A. and B.S. in Arts and Sciences, 230 units for B.S. in Engineering, and 240 units for double majors.
Quarter Limitation (entered Fall 2019 and later)
Students entering as Freshmen will have a maximum limit of 12 quarters and Transfer students will have a maximum of 6 quarters. 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 .
- Summer sessions, as well as quarters during which students are approved for part-time status or have withdrawn from all courses, will not count toward the allowable number of quarters.
Minimum Progress
To comply with the University Minimum Progress regulation, students must complete 36 units during each academic year (Fall - Summer).
- If a student is on leave or approved for Part-Time Status in any quarter, they will be exempt for the entire period.
Pass/No Pass Limitation
No more than 25% of your UCSD units can be taken for the pass/no pass grading option.
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 in your final quarter.